Vacant shops and rising crime are just a few reasons that an increasing number of Washingtonians steer clear of Union Station except to catch a train.

Why it matters: The iconic D.C. landmark has declined from a bustling transportation and retail hub — a common spot for lunch or errands — to a site that is languishing, awaiting a $10 billion renovation that will hopefully revitalize the space.

The big picture: Only about 40 retailers and food shops remain in the station and half of the commercial spaces are empty, the Washington Post reported last month.

• Virginia commuter Thomas Porter told the Post he skips grabbing breakfast or dinner at Union Station these days. While he used to enjoy business lunches at the long-shuttered B. Smith's restaurant, Porter now moves through the station "as fast as possible" to avoid harassment.

Other public safety issues have roiled Washington's 115-year-old entry point.

• Last September, a daytime shooting in the station's west wing left one person with minor injuries and rattled passengers heading to trains or just trying to browse the florist in the historic hall.

By the numbers: Amtrak police have responded this year to 47 assaults at Union Station, up from 32 assaults in 2021, per the Washington Post. Burglaries, robberies, and vandalism have also increased this year.

• Ward 6 council member Charles Allen tells Axios that management increasing security patrols in the station would be a welcome step.

What they're saying: Union Station's biggest issue is its “complete absence of retail activity,” Allen, who lives a couple of blocks away, tells Axios. He notes that the decline of commuter rail ridership has made running a business in Union Station much harder.

• Before the pandemic made matters worse, the station was following the trend of malls that have lost big retailers. Closures at the station include Starbucks in July, H&M in 2021, and Barnes & Noble in 2013.

Flashback: In June, the National Park Service cleared at least a dozen tents outside of Union Station on Columbus Circle. The area has struggled with providing services for unsheltered people, and visitors have taken note.

Union Station’s renovation project will reconstruct more than 25 acres of tracks and platforms, double ridership capacity, and build new rail and bus concourses.

• Federal infrastructure funding will help pay for the multibillion-dollar project. Previous estimates had expected construction to last into 2040, but the project elements are expected to solidify after more public meetings early next year.

• The new additions include facilities for pick-up and drop-off, and bicyclist- and pedestrian-friendly improvements.
• Renderings also show plans for upgraded retail and amenities.

• A new entry point is envisioned at the back of the station.

🗳️ Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced a Feb. 21 special election for the 4th Congressional District — which stretches from Richmond to the North Carolina border — following the death last month of Rep. Donald McEachin. (Washington Post)

⚖️ Loudoun County Public Schools former superintendent Scott Ziegler and district spokesperson Wayde Byard have been indicted by a special grand jury for their roles in the mishandling of two sexual assault cases involving students. (NBC4)

😤 A proposal to eliminate single-family zoning has sparked intense debate in Arlington. Those in favor of the change want to build more multi-family units and create more affordable housing options. Those against it are concerned about preserving their neighborhoods. (Washington Post)

🇬🇧 The London-inspired sandwich shop Duke’s Grocery quietly opened over the summer a location inside the British Embassy that’s accessible only to staff and invited visitors. The menu is slightly smaller and includes alcohol for special events. (Washingtonian)

Many of us save our most cherished traditions for the holiday season. So we want to hear about the very D.C. ways you and your loved ones celebrate each year. 

• Does your family take a walk around the mall early Christmas morning? Do your friends grab holiday brunch at Le Dip each year? Do you strap on your skates for a spin around the Sculpture Garden ice rink?

Reply to this email to let us know what D.C. traditions you and your loved ones hold dear. We'll share the best responses in an upcoming newsletter.

Happy Holidays!

💼 Check out who’s hiring on our Job Board.

1. Federal Government Affairs Manager at American Land Title Association.
2. Program Officers and Specialists at International Republican Institute.
3. Public Affairs Manager at NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association).
4. Media Relations Manager at The Public Interest Network.
5. Associate Account Executive, Public Affairs at Kellen.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

Axios D.C. readers really know our neighborhoods.

• Earlier this year, we challenged you to draw D.C.'s neighborhoods on a map. 

The results are in, and they're pretty good!

• The average submissions for Columbia Heights, Capitol Hill, and Brookland were generally on point.
• Some, like Anacostia and NoMa, seem to encroach a bit on other turf. 
• Meanwhile, Palisades is too small. 

You can still play the game here.