KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One of Kansas City’s most well-known buildings, Union Station, is celebrating a big birthday. Union Station is preparing to celebrate its centennial anniversary, and a virtual historical tour is in the works highlighting events dating back 100 years.
“It’s a monument to determination, and entrepreneurism,” said George Guastello, II, the President and CEO of Union Station.
Guastello says they’ve been planning its 100th anniversary for well over a year.
“So many people traveled through this place, during the war troops traveled, immigrants came to the United States through this place, it was almost going to be torn down, but Kansas City came together on both sides of the state line to save this place,” he said.
Not only was Union Station saved, but it’s now reaching its centennial anniversary, and they are putting the finishing touches on a 5,000 square foot exhibition opening this weekend.
“It tells the rich history of Union Station, and really the rich history of Kansas City,” said Guastello.
VML, a full service digital marketing and advertising agency, teamed up with Union Station to bring the history to life, with an app on your smart phone.
“To tell the true living history story of what’s happened at Union Station, some of the stories you might not have heard of in the past,” said Eric Pfeifer, the Director of Mobility at VML.
Pfeifer says they researched the history of Union Station to recreate scenes from the past, bring them to life, even allowing you the opportunity to interact.
“This is truly a one of a kind experience, I’m going to be bold and say throughout the world, you’re not going to be able to actually see the videos and interact with the videos in any other place anywhere,” Pfeifer said.
The exhibit opens this weekend and will become a permanent part of Union Station.
“To come back and celebrate the great things this community has done over the last 100 years, but most importantly look forward to what’s going to happen for the next 100 years,” added Guastello.
For more information on Union Station’s 100th birthday and the virtual historical tour app, CLICK HERE or HERE. You can also watch the video below:
