Get ready for a major transformation in Chicago's transit landscape! The iconic CTA State and Lake Station, a 130-year-old fixture in The Loop, has closed its doors for a three-year reconstruction project. This station, a vital hub for commuters, will undergo a complete makeover to address its aging infrastructure and narrow platforms. But here's where it gets controversial: the project's cost has ballooned to a whopping $444 million, a far cry from the initial $75 million estimate in 2017.
The new design, by SOM, will feature a striking glass and metal canopy spanning the double-width platform and station areas. It will also include turnstile entrances that pay homage to the station's original metal structures, a flyover connection, and improved accessibility with two escalators and four elevators at each street corner.
And this is the part most people miss: the reconstruction will not only enhance the station's aesthetics and functionality but will also improve the surrounding area with brighter lighting, updated signage, and wider sidewalks.
Preparatory work began last fall, and the surrounding streets will remain narrowed to a single lane during construction. In the meantime, trains will bypass the station, and riders will need to use nearby stations that will remain open. The new station is expected to welcome riders in 2029.
So, what do you think? Is this reconstruction project a necessary upgrade or an unnecessary expense? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's spark a discussion on the future of Chicago's transit infrastructure!
