Amtrak used to run its trains through Cleveland Union Terminal (now Tower City Center), which was built in 1928 and served as the main terminal for the Shaker Heights Rapid Transit, and in 1955, the crosstown Red Line.
By 1971, because of Cleveland Union Terminal's high rent, the massive size of the facility, and the need to switch to electric locomotives to access its enclosed platforms, the newly-formed Amtrak decided to construct a smaller station outside the terminal.
This smaller station was also closed when the Lake Shore train was discontinued in 1972.
Lakefront Station was built in 1976–1977 and opened for service in 1977 to provide service for the new Lake Shore Limited, which had resumed service via Toledo in 1975.
The station officially opened on June 29, 1977, with the formal dedication occurring on July 12.
According to Amtrak's employee magazine, a crowd of more than 300 gathered for the dedication of the $552,000 depot.
Speakers included Mary J. Head, vice chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors, and Cleveland Mayor Ralph J. Perk.
Following the dedication ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the facility and enjoy cake and coffee.

Lakefront Station has undergone little to no renovation since its opening.
In recent years, its lack of modernization has become more noticeable, especially its appearance and lack of adequate signage.
In August 2012, when the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland was under construction, a Cuyahoga County official expressed a desire to keep Lakefront Station out of view, and even Amtrak officials conceded that the station had not aged well.
One proposed solution was to build a new station underground, but due to a lack of funding, the county settled on hiding the station behind trees and shrubs as a short-term solution.
Amtrak used to run its trains through Cleveland Union Terminal (now Tower City Center), which was built in 1928 and served as the main terminal for the Shaker Heights Rapid Transit, and in 1955, the crosstown Red Line. By 1971, because of Cleveland Union Terminal's high rent, the massive size of the facility, and the need to switch to electric locomotives to access its enclosed platforms, the newly-formed Amtrak decided to construct a smaller station outside the terminal. This smaller station was also closed when the Lake Shore train was discontinued in 1972. Lakefront Station was built in 1976–1977 and opened for service in 1977 to provide service for the new Lake Shore Limited, which had resumed service via Toledo in 1975. The station officially opened on June 29, 1977, with the formal dedication occurring on July 12. According to Amtrak's employee magazine, a crowd of more than 300 gathered for the dedication of the $552,000 depot. Speakers included Mary J. Head, vice chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors, and Cleveland Mayor Ralph J. Perk. Following the dedication ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the facility and enjoy cake and coffee.
Lakefront Station has undergone little to no renovation since its opening. In recent years, its lack of modernization has become more noticeable, especially its appearance and lack of adequate signage. In August 2012, when the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland was under construction, a Cuyahoga County official expressed a desire to keep Lakefront Station out of view, and even Amtrak officials conceded that the station had not aged well. One proposed solution was to build a new station underground, but due to a lack of funding, the county settled on hiding the station behind trees and shrubs as a short-term solution.
Cleveland Lakefront station