Artisan Crossing

Walking east across Howard Street we come to Artisan Crossing park. Here at the southwest corner of the park we find the Depot's old working mate, the Railroad Switching Tower. Built around the same time as the depot, these two structures partnered to watch over the safety and comfort of countless passengers and trains for nearly 40 years.

In 2020, when city residents learned of the railroad's plans to demolish the old tower, an upswelling of community pride resulted in a crowd-funding effort that raised over $57,000 to have the tower moved one block to its present location near the depot. Here it stands in its original posture overlooking the tracks.

The tower's exterior was restored to working condition and architectural features of note include a hipped roof with wide eaves in the Prairie style, double hung windows with limestone sills and a second story three sided Oriel window. Oriel is the name architects use for a bay window when it projects from the wall but does not reach down to the foundation.

Walking east along the tracks, we see the band shell in the northeast corner of the park. This is a frequent gathering place where the community comes year round to enjoy free concerts, entertainment and other community events.

Directly in front of us we approach a large mural commemorating some major players in the history of the Union Cities. On the left is an Auburn automobile from the 1930's. The Union City Body company built the bodies this car. In the center is a tribute to the Lambert automobile which was manufactured in Union City from 1901 to 1918. And of course to the right, a tribute to the railroads which meant so much to the town. In the last car, there is a tribute to the McCoys, a rock band from Union City whose rendition of the song "Hang on Sloopy" was one of the most popular songs nationwide in 1965

This mural graces the back of the Old Hotel which is our next and final stop on this tour.