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Metro Looking for a Restaurant to Take Over Historic Fred Harvey Spot in Union Station
Vintage Postcard depicting Harvey House at Union Station
Metro's ownership of L.A.'s historic Union Station is still in its infancy, but already the transit agency is making strides to bring the rail hub back to its glory. As spotted by Franklin Avenue, a sign set up in the station declares that the space once belonging to the famous Fred Harvey "Harvey House" dining room is once again up for grabs as a restaurant.
Once upon a time, Union Station's Fred Harvey was precisely where a road-weary travelin' man could go to get a properly cooked meal served by a proper lady. The Union Station space, long closed-off to train and bus riders, was one of the last projects designed by architect Mary Colter, known for her use of the Pueblo Revival style. The Harvey House opened in 1939, and was the last Harvey House to open as part of a rail station; it closed in 1967 due to financial woes amid a declining rail business.
The Fred Harvey space in Union Station is lovely, and we agree with Franklin Avenue, it is "an eye-popping location," that is practically ready to go as a restaurant. Well, except that a whole new kitchen would have to be installed, since the old one is totally out of commission.
Prior to Metro taking ownership, the snacking and eating game got upped inside Union Station thanks to the opening of Famima!!, Starbucks, Subway, and Wetzel's Pretzels, who joined the venerable Traxx and good ol' Union Bagels. However, getting a great restaurant into the gorgeous Fred Harvey space could prove to be not only a game-changer, but a pure win for the station.
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Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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