Some depots were designed by architects, others were built from stock plans used over and over again. Most depots were centrally located near downtown businesses or industry. At the height of railroad building during the late 19th century there were more than 40,000 depots. Today, less than half remain. Changes in transportation and communication technology since World War II left many depots obsolete.
Depots often pose unique development problems.
Urban stations like those in St. Louis and Washington, D.C. are often so large that renovation seems financially inconceivable. Others have deteriorated and need major repairs. Depots in smaller communities suffer from a lack of technical and financial resources necessary to complete successful reuse projects. Historically and architecturally significant depots have become prime opportunities for preservation and adaptive use. Developers of all kinds city governments, preservation groups and private companies have begun to realize the potential for converting depots to restaurants, shops, offices, transit centers and museums.