In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rail traffic provided tremendous economic impact to the Rutland region. The City of Rutland was a railroad boom town until the demise of the railroad that began with the inception of the automobile, freight trucks, and the interstate highway system. In the 1990’s, the return of passenger rail service with the Ethan Allen Express from New York City to Rutland necessitated the construction of a new train station building.
The form and detailing of the building’s canopy recall the train stations of the 19th century. Encouraging skiers from the city to travel to the region via train was one of the main goals in the revival of rail service, and as the first place visited by arriving passengers, the canopy was considered an important part of reinforcing a railroad image.
The railroad image in the building detailing carries over to the front of the building. The rail station provides a place for passengers to wait for the train to arrive, or for transportation to one of the several local ski resorts.
