If you are in Greensboro and have never gone inside the J. Douglas Gaylon Depot, we suggest putting it on your "to visit" list. It was built in 1927 as the replacement facility for Greensboro's train terminal on Elm Street. The mural behind the clock depicts the Southern Railway network in the 1920's, in the era when the facility was built. Today it is known as a "multi-modal transportation facility" because not only trains but also busses-- local, regional, and national-- provide transportation here. With good reason, it is billed as one of Greensboro's treasured places. The extensive 32 million dollar restoration project took over four years to complete. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every child in Greensboro would have the opportunity to take a train ride to and from this depot?
In case you can't visit in person: To the left, just beyond the viewfinder, are what must be the original benches for passengers to wait. Down the hallway from the clock and mural are the platforms train platforms. To the right are the ticket counters. Just beyond the view on the right is the new Carolina Blues Coffee Shop. While on site for our photo shoot, we just had to go and treat ourselves to a bagel and coffee. The atmosphere is so inviting. The staff is friendly, the coffee is good, and the shop fills a much needed void in the depot. Previously, the only beverages available were the vending machines. Now, travelers and visitors alike can head on in for a cup of coffee and chat with locals. Also on site is an information center.
We're sharing this with our Weekend Reflection friends. The marble floor is clean and shiny, we could see our reflection in it.
Very nice shot. I like traveling by trains.
P.S. You can use my picture or link.
Posted by: Luckaa | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 01:21 AM
What a grand — and clean — depot! But where are all the people?
Posted by: Hilda | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 01:40 AM
Interesting, and nice reflections !
Posted by: Gattina | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 03:24 AM
It odesn't look to be a busy hub - or maybe you planned it that way to get the most of the beautiful interior.
Old train stations do have a glamorous look to them.
Posted by: Lesley | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 06:11 AM
Interesting, and nice reflections. Beauty and artistic
Posted by: Riau Daily photo | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 07:27 AM
Yowza, that's a fancy looking place. It would making waiting for you bus almost fun.
Posted by: Tracy | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 10:21 AM
They did a nice job with the restoration. I am glad it is still used for the purpose it was designed.
I like your shot from yesterday with nothing in the background but that blue sky.
barb
Posted by: barbara farr | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 11:22 AM
such a large public space and quite inviting with colors and design
Posted by: julie scottsdaledailyphoto.com | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 12:23 PM
The lights reflecting off the clear marble sure adds to the warm charm of this historical depot. Nothing too charming about the words "multi-modal transportation facility", though... sound like an engineer would come up with that... but hey, I'm just a marketer. :-D
Posted by: Francisca | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 01:59 PM
I love these buildings built in the 20s and 30s - always such thoughtful design and attention to detail. Where did all that go??
Posted by: LIla | Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 08:11 PM
Very nice looking.
You're right, every kid should have at least one train ride.
But just not a whole class of kids together! I have been on trains like that. Oi!
Posted by: Dina | Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 07:01 AM
Nice shot. The depot has an elegance that more modern terminals mostly lack.
Posted by: John McDevitt | Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 06:33 PM
I recently visited the Depot and you're right the new coffee shop is great. The staff, the set up and the coffee are all just what was missing for years. I think their coffee and smoothies are actually the best in town!
Posted by: Jenna Tate | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 08:51 AM
I finally visited he depot after being in the High Point/Greensboro area for six years. I wasn't looking to travel (we have a depot in High Point). I was looking for the O Gauge train layout I had heard about.
It's on the second floor, but this particular day (Thursday or Friday), it was closed because there wasn't anyone there to open it. We were told it would be open on Saturday.
What I am looking for is a schedule when it is open so that we can visit and bring out-of-towners.
Posted by: len docimo | Monday, November 21, 2011 at 06:55 PM
Len: Im betting if you call the depot and ask them and explain that you are bringing guests, theyll make sure to be there for you-- especially if you get a name and number. We dont have any direct connections so were not much help. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out for you. Thank you for reading Greensboro Daily Photo.
Posted by: GreensboroDailyPhoto | Monday, November 21, 2011 at 09:57 PM