(The following story by William Petroski appeared on the Des Moines Register website on September 8, 2010.)
DES MOINES, Iowa — The historic Rock Island Lines’ depot in downtown Des Moines should be restored as the city’s train station — if Chicago-to-Des Moines passenger railroad service is re-established — a new report recommends.
A study made public Tuesday by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization examined six potential sites. There were five in the downtown area and one in West Des Moines’ Valley Junction.
The report concluded that the century-old Rock Island depot, which is in the heart of downtown near the Court Avenue District, is still the best place for people in the Des Moines area to get on and off passenger trains.
The site is along the main line track of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, which operates freight trains between Chicago and Council Bluffs over the former Rock Island tracks.
The old Rock Island depot, at 100 Fourth St., is owned and occupied by Business Publications, although it is now for sale.
“When you think about it, it’s an obvious conclusion,” said Glenn Lyons, president of the Downtown Community Alliance.
People could easily get off a train at the depot and walk or take a taxi to downtown offices or hotels, Lyons said.
About 76,000 people work in downtown Des Moines.