Joliet’s Union Station turns 100. What’s next?

testtwo

Bill Molony president Blackhawk Chapter National Railway Historical Society holds up historic phofrom same spot UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October

Bill Molony, president of the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, holds up historic photo from the same spot at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. The Blackhawk Chapter is holding a banquet Sunday, Oct. 14th to mark the 100th Anniversary of the station. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Copy shot 1962 historic pholooking north east from platform UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October 9 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times

Copy shot of a 1962 historic photo looking to the north east from the platform at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Copy shot 1960's historic pholooking north from platform UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October 9 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times

Copy shot of a 1960's historic photo looking to the north from the platform at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Bill Molony president Blackhawk Chapter National Railway Historical Society holds up copy ther original blue prints for Joliet UniStatinear

Bill Molony, president of the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, holds up a copy of ther original blue prints for Joliet Union Station near the bottom of the marble staircase in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. The Blackhawk Chapter is holding a banquet Sunday, Oct. 14th to mark the 100th Anniversary of the station. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Copy shot 1962 historic pholooking south west from platform UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October 9 2012. | Joseph P.

Copy shot of a 1962 historic photo looking to the south west from the platform at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Copy shot 1970 historic pholooking west with Will County Court House background UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October 9 2012.

Copy shot of a 1970 historic photo looking to the west with Will County Court House in background at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Souvenir sterling silver spothwas once sold UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October 9 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Souvenir sterling silver spoon that was once sold at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Bill Molony president Blackhawk Chapter National Railway Historical Society wipes off dedicatiplaque UniStatiJoliet Illinois Tuesday October 9 2012. The

Bill Molony, president of the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, wipes off the dedication plaque at Union Station in Joliet, Illinois, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. The Blackhawk Chapter is holding a banquet Sunday, Oct. 14th to mark the 100th Anniversary of the station. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun Times Media

Herald-News file photo

JOLIET — It’s 100 years later. Trains still matter. So does Joliet’s Union Station. Joliet is counting on trains to play a new role in its economic future, even as the 100th anniversary of Union Station marks a time when the city’s classic train depot …