Architecture
The Amboy Illinois Central Depot was designed by railroad staff architect James Nocquet in the Italianate style of architecture. Before Nocquet was employed by Illinois Central he worked in a Chicago architectural firm, Meriam and Nocquet. In 1871 he took his position with the railroad and remained in their employ through the 1870s, including during the time he designed the Amboy depot. The building was designed to be a spacious and modern division headquarters while doubling as a depot for the citizens of Amboy; the southeastern half of the first floor was designed for such use. The depot section consists of waiting rooms and ticketing counters typical of their era while the headquarters portion of the building is well illuminated through ample fenestration.
The rectangular shaped building measures 32 feet (9.8 m) by 88 feet (27 m) and its exterior architecture demonstrates its importance to the Illinois Central Railroad. Constructed of red brick with extensive limestone detailing, the depot's size, height, and ornate brick/stone detailing combine to give it an imposing and elegant character.
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