Amtrak, Rexmark resolve legal claims over Washington Union Station

Amtrak and real estate investment manager Rexmark yesterday announced that their case regarding the lease of the majority of the customer-facing area of Washington Union Station in the District of Columbia has come to a close.

The parties entered into a settlement agreement earlier in February. The judge formally ended the case on March 7, Amtrak officials said yesterday in a press release.

Rexmark was the owner of the leasehold when Amtrak filed an eminent domain suit in 2022. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted Amtrak the right to take control of the sublease in summer 2024.

“We’re focusing on improving operations and creating a more welcoming environment for travelers and other visitors,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “With our partners, a new and exciting chapter for Washington Union Station is underway to ensure this historic station remains a vibrant place for all.”

Amtrak is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the station, including the drop-off lanes between the station and Columbus Circle. Amtrak manages the safety, security, repair and maintenance of the station, in addition to the leasing of retail, office and advertising space, kiosks and special events. This responsibility does not include the parking garage and Columbus Circle, located outside the front of the station.

Amtrak works in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, the building owner and the landlord Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), which leases the building from the U.S. Department of Transportation to manage the property.