The CTA has revealed that they are seeking to partner with artists on the CTA’s Red-Purple Modernization Project. Officials state they are looking for help designing a total of six pieces which will later be installed throughout the Red Line stations in both Uptown and Edgewater. The Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr have all been undergoing construction, with temporary stations at Argyle and Bryn Mawr. These stations are being refreshed as part of a $2 billion overhaul on the Far North Side.
Plans for the station work were released back in early 2021 and included design elements reflective of the surrounding aesthetics and cultures. The transit agency is looking for proposals from artists interested in creating original works to that end. Many “L” stations throughout the city feature similarly intentioned art pieces to help showcase the distinct history of Chicago neighborhoods. In fact, according to officials, the CTA has over 70 of these installations across the city in both bus and train stations.
CTA provided rendering showing the new Bryn Mawr station on the Red Line
The CTA is seeking artists who work in two- and three-dimensional art forms. The scope of these projects will need to include design, fabrication, and the eventual physical delivery of the work. Artists will be selected based on the strength of their submissions. Once chosen they will then be expected to participate in neighborhood town halls to receive feedback and get to know the neighborhood through the eyes of some of the locals.
While construction of the rails and lines themselves is expected to be complete in late 2022, the total rebuild including station overhauls and art pieces is projected to continue through the end of 2024.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
that’ll make riding the Red Line safer. LOL
Am I missing something? $2 billion for 4 station rehabs and the Belmont flyover? That is absurdly expensive if those are the only projects included in that cost.
They’re also rebuilding all 4 tracks between Belmont and Addison-ish, and raising Lawrence-Bryn Mawr 5 feet above the current embankment. It’s costly, but not outrageously. Keeping the line open with temporary stations and 24/7 service doesn’t make it cheap, and construction staging in those areas is pretty tight too.
Thanks for the explanation. I wasn’t aware of the scope.