When it opened in March of 1933, nothing like Cincinnati Union Terminal had been seen in railroad architecture. Up to that point, most railroad depot designs reflected the styles and tastes of their times and did not go out too far on an architectural limb. In Cincinnati the architects for the new terminal took advantage of the art deco movement and of new building materials such as aluminum, plastics, and architectural glass to create a stunning and unique design. (Jeffrey T. Darbee)