This glamorous train station almost wasn't built. In 1926, Los Angeles voters had the choice between the construction of a network of elevated railways or a much smaller Union Station.
The election took on a racial tone that reflected prejudice against the wave of Chinese immigrants, since the station would be in the heart of LA's original Chinatown. A majority chose Union Station, however, and it was completed in 1939.
Today, Union Station is the largest train terminal on the West Coast, with nearly 110,000 people passing through it each day. Some of its highlights include mosaic floors and gold chandeliers that hang from wooden beams.
The transit hub plans to finish upgrades by December 2016, including a faster rail, more shops and restaurants, and parking for bikers.