Lafayette Train Depot

The Lafayette Train Depot is an iconic, early 20th century Craftsman style building which was replicated throughout the United States. The building’s historical significance is not only related to its architecture, but also because of the location of the railroad depot building, and the subsequent commercial development trends evolving Lafayette’s downtown. After the depot was built, commercial activity in Downtown Lafayette increased significantly, and the resulting commercial development shifted northward toward the depot and away from courthouse square. The new railroad stop required new housing and buildings to support rail freight business opportunities. It also served as commercial links to other communities which in turn meant more business opportunities. The style of building design, the National Train Depot, was the standard used for depot buildings across the nation. It was a national way-finding concept selected in part because the design was efficient to build. In 1998, after a fire almost destroyed the depot, the building was fully restored and has become part of the Rosa Parks Transportation Center. The multi-modal transportation center also serves as additional office space for Lafayette Consolidated Government, Acadiana MPO Transportation Planning offices, a branch of the U.S. Post Office, and AOC (Acadiana Open Channel) Community Media.