Opened on October 27, 1907, Union Station is one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture found in Washington D.C. Renowned architect Daniel H. Burnham designed the station along classical lines, using elements of Greek and Roman architecture, modeling Union Station’s aesthetic after the Roman Arch of Constantine to symbolize a triumphal gateway to the city. Burnham’s design also included the renowned rostral columns–a pair of cast-iron columns topped with gold-leafed eagles to appear before both main entrances.

Through the Fall and Winter of 2016, UBER had the opportunity to assist with the masonry restoration of Union Station’s main entrance, including the granite piers and balustrades surrounding the rostral columns. All of the balusters needed to be removed from their supporting plinths, cleaned via microabrasion and reset with new mortar. The stone piers supporting the rostral columns had their caps removed and reset with new mortar, all surfaces were restored with the addition of several dutchmen, and extensive cleaning provided the beautiful finishing touch to the restoration.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed on March 2nd, 2017 to celebrate the completed restoration of the historic rostral columns and accompanying granite piers and balustrades.