Infrastructure

Lost Legends #9: Chicago’s Central Station in South Loop

7:45 am on August 13, 2023 By Jack Crawford

Chicago’s Central Station, once a hub of vibrant activity, represents a significant chapter in American railway history. Constructed in 1893, the station was designed by esteemed architect Bradford L. Gilbert to accommodate the traffic demands of the World’s Columbian Exposition. Located near Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue, the station’s strategic position was instrumental for moving people and goods within the city and beyond. Notably, there was another dismantled passenger station known as Grand Central Station, which was highlighted in a previous Lost Legends article.

Auburn Park Metra Station. Rendering by Ross Barney Architects

New Metra Station Construction Permit Issued at 611 W 79th Street in Auburn Gresham

7:00 am on August 6, 2023 By Jack Crawford

A construction permit has been approved for a new transit development at 611 W 79th Street in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The project, owned by Metra, involves constructing a new two-story Metra station that will integrate with the Rock Island Line.

Design Work Continues On Replacement Of Metra UP North Bridges

7:30 am on August 2, 2023 By Ian Achong

Design development continues for the upcoming replacement of multiple bridges on Metra’s UP North Line across the north side. The work comes as the existing bridges push over 120-years in age with most of them held up by rusted columns, however the project has been a point of contention for locals since its announcement in 2021. The project is being led by Metra themselves who recently held its second community meeting on the proposed design.

Evolution of the Chicago 'S' Curve. Imagery via YIMBY+

Lost Legends #8: The Lake Shore Drive ‘S’ Curve Bottleneck

7:30 am on August 1, 2023 By Jack Crawford

As evident from our last installment of ‘Lost Legends’ showcasing the Prentice Women’s Hospital, once-celebrated designs may reveal impracticalities as functional demands evolve. While not “legendary” in a traditional sense, the story of the construction and later removal of Lake Shore Drive’s zig-zag ‘S’ curve conveys a similar notion of a city adapting to changing infrastructural needs.

Contractor Awarded For Austin Green Line Station Reconstruction

7:30 am on July 30, 2023 By Ian Achong

In a wave of continuous improvements, the Chicago Transit Board has awarded the construction contract for the Austin Green Line Station. Located at 351 N Austin Boulevard within the Austin neighborhood, the project comes at a time when the Chicago Transit Authority is working on making all of its stations fully accessible by 2038. The project is being led by the CTA itself although an architect is currently unknown.

First Phase Of Blue Line Reconstruction Announced By CTA

7:30 am on July 23, 2023 By Ian Achong

The Chicago Transit Authority has announced the partial reconstruction of the Forest Park Blue Line Branch within the Near West Side. The work will take place in two-phases and span from the LaSalle station in the east to the Illinois Medical District station in the west, eventually future phases will rebuild the entirety of the branch while making it fully accessible. The work is being led by the CTA and will be completed by the fall.

New Protected Bike Lanes Announced In West Town

7:30 am on July 10, 2023 By Ian Achong

New bike infrastructure plans have been announced along parts of N Milwaukee Avenue and W Grand Avenue within West Town. The two separate projects will run on portions of the large roads as each city ward must coordinate such infrastructure within their boundaries, the lanes would bring desperately needed improvements on some of the most dangerous streets in the city. The work for both is being executed in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) with the support of some advocacy groups.

Dearborn Station as seen in 1906. Postcard illustration by Detroit Publishing Co

Lost Legends #7: Dearborn Station’s Pitched Roof

7:30 am on June 1, 2023 By Jack Crawford

Dearborn Station, also known as Polk Street Depot, is one of the remaining central stations in Chicago. This Printer’s Row passenger hub was once notably taller, featuring a distinctive steep pitched roof. In this seventh Lost Legends article, we will discuss the changes in the station over its 140-year history, including the fire that resulted in the loss of the additional structure.

Lost Legends #5: Grand Central Station in South Loop

7:45 am on April 19, 2023 By Jack Crawford

Chicago once had its own Grand Central Station, a proud and bustling hub of railway activity, now existing only in the annals of history. The magnificent South Loop structure, designed by a renowned architect and boasting a rich past, was eventually overshadowed by its more famous counterparts. This latest installment in our series delves into the story of this lost legend, exploring its history, the vision of its architect, its demolition, and its present day incarnation.

New Data Center Plans Revealed for 321 E 21st Street in South Loop

7:45 am on April 16, 2023 By Jack Crawford

Digital Realty has submitted a revised proposal for a data center in South Loop at 321 E 21st Street. The new plan comes after the initial project, approved in 2014 as part of a larger Planned Development, lapsed due to the developer not completing the project before the PD approval expired.

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