Another CTA station became wheelchair-friendly today as the main stationhouse of the new Wilson stop opened, complete with an elevator and escalator. This was the latest milestone of the $203 million station reconstruction project, which is converting the stop into a double-platform facility that will serve as a transfer between the Red and Purple lines.
The "front hall" of the stationhouse. Photo: John GreenfieldThe airy "front hall" of the stationhouse. Photo: John Greenfield
The new stationhouse, located on the south side of Wilson, is a light-filled glass box, with plenty of room outside of the turnstiles. The fact that the structure is relatively airy, despite being located under the tracks, is partly thanks to a reduction in the number of track columns at street and sidewalk level, which is also beneficial for traffic safety. The city says the stationhouse opened ahead of schedule.
The new elevator makes bike-and-ride commutes more convenient. Photo: John GreenfieldThe new elevator makes bike-and-ride commutes more convenient. Photo: John Greenfield
“Mayor Emanuel and I are pleased to provide ahead of schedule this bright, spacious new entrance to Wilson, which will provide our customers with a more pleasant commuting experience and increased accessibility to the CTA system,” said CTA President Dorval Carter in a statement.
The new up escalator. Customers exiting the station still have to walk down a long flight of stairs. Photo: John GreenfieldThe new up escalator. Customers exiting the station still have to walk down a long flight of stairs. Photo: John Greenfield
Currently all trains are using the west platform, and the station accommodates inbound and outbound Red Line service, and inbound Purple Line runs also stop there. The east platform is still under construction, but curving translucent blue canopies have been completed on both platforms.
The canopies are completed, and the future northbound platform is almost finished. Photo: John GreenfieldThe canopies are completed, and the future northbound platform is almost finished. Photo: John Greenfield
The new main stationhouse offers elevator and escalator access for the first time, wider station platforms with large, translucent canopies to provide better weather protection and additional turnstiles. Additional station features include real-time Train Tracker arrival time displays, new signage (including Braille) and brighter lighting.
The historic Gerber building is currently being restored. Photo: John GreenfieldThe historic Gerber building is currently being restored. Photo: John Greenfield
The rest of the Wilson reconstruction project is slated for completion by the end of the year, including:
Completing remaining the new stationhouse and opening the east platform.
Opening new station entrances on Sunnyside Avenue and on the north side of Wilson Avenue.
Completing restoration of the historic 94-year-old Gerber building on the north side of Wilson at Broadway, which housed the old stationhouse, including restoring a previously demolished clock tower, and announcing a new tenant for the building.
In addition to editing Streetsblog Chicago, John writes about transportation and other topics for additional local publications. A Chicagoan since 1989, he enjoys exploring the city on foot, bike, bus, and 'L' train.
It's infuriating that a person who was entrusted to help keep the public safe was reckless enough to take her eyes off the road while driving to pick up a phone, with tragic consequences.