Winston-Salem Approves $11.1 Million Union Station Renovation

Winston-Salem leaders are moving forward with plans to renovate the historic Union Station building. The City Council approved a construction contract at Monday night's meeting.

Council members awarded a contract of just over $11 million to Winston-Salem-based New Atlantic Contracting, Inc. The approval came following a unanimous vote.

The contract had been delayed because New Atlantic fell short of goals the city had established for the participation of minority-owned businesses.

But Council member Derwin Montgomery tells the Winston-Salem Journal he's satisfied with the company's “good-faith effort” to meet those goals.

Union Station was built in 1926 to serve rail passengers, but closed in 1970, and was later sold to a private owner.

The three-story building will be renovated to house some transportation offices and retail space, with a long-term hope that the city can succeed in bringing back rail service.

The renovation is expected to take about 18 months to complete.