The Permit Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, has approved the reconstruction of the Lawrence CTA L Station. Located in the Uptown Square District, the development is part of the CTA’s Red-Purple Modernization (RPM) project. The current station is located along W Lawrence Avenue between N Clifton Avenue and N Winthrop Avenue in Uptown.
Lawrence CTA L Station. Rendering by EXP
Designed by EXP, the new construction will consist of two new stationhouses flanking the street to the north and south. The northern station will be the main entry, including new turnstiles and enclosures. The southern structure will be an auxiliary station exit with no entry available on that side. An escalator, an elevator, and three new stairs will connect the platform to grade, making it ADA-accessible.
The construction will produce a new concrete platform and rail structure, replacing the existing wood and steel frame. A metal and glass canopy will stretch over the new 520-foot length of platform which will also be wider than the original to aid in accessibility.
Lawrence CTA L Station. Rendering by EXP
The new access points will be designed in reference to the proportions of the historical architectural features of the surrounding historic district, including the design of multistory portal openings. The northern entrance will be taller and symmetrical, while the southern exit will be shorter and feature an asymmetrical design. The use of white terracotta will brighten the space under the track structures and reference historic CTA station houses. The underside of the structure will be illuminated. Bike racks and a new crosswalk will be installed outside of the station entries.
The larger RPM project required federal funding which imposed federal reviews and advisement on historical preservation. CTA entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Transit Administration and will meet requirements set with the agency.
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White terracotta? Wow. This thing is going to be huge improvement