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1915 Santa Fe Depot – an indispensable relic from a bygone era
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The Santa Fe Depot has been a mainstay of downtown San Diego since 1915, with the city literally having grown up around it. Its distinctive mission style façade no longer cuts a prominent figure on San Diego’s lovely skyline. But the depot is an integral part of San Diego’s transportation system and a cultural gem at the same time.Like many of San Diego’s historic buildings, the depot is still accomplishing that which it was intended for; in this case, moving freight and people transit. In fact, the operational demands have never been greater.
The depot serves the passenger needs of Amtrak, the Coaster commuter trains, and most recently the San Diego Trolley. The Coaster alone makes 20 arrivals and departures each weekday. At the same time, but on separate tracks, the trolley is picking up and dropping off passengers day and night.
For anyone who’s traveled through the area on Broadway, there is a high probability that you’ll be waiting for a train to pass. When the passenger trains .jpg)
have retired for the night, the freight trains take over the tracks, making runs up to Los Angeles or south to Mexico and points east.
have retired for the night, the freight trains take over the tracks, making runs up to Los Angeles or south to Mexico and points east.The current depot replaced one built in 1887, just in time to welcome guests for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The same architectural brilliance that brought us Balboa Park, created this depot.
What the depot lacks in ornate architecture is made up in the tile work that adorns the two towers and throughout the interior. The large white on blue Santa Fe sign on the roof was added in the 1950’s.
The train is an alternate but slower mode of transportation to the automobile. Many choose it for an easy commute within the county. The Amtrak is ideal when visiting downtown Los Angeles or heading up to Santa Barbara. Tracks were built near the coast providing wonderful views of the ocean and surf communities.
The Santa Fe Depot is a historic landmark. Entering into its chambers is like walking into a museum. But people depend on the train and the shelter and comfort provided by the depot. Its existence is not for tourism necessarily, but a necessary part of every business day. After 100 years, and so little change, the builders got this one right. The Santa Fe Depot continues to be a valuable part of San Diego.
Santa Fe Depot
1050 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
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