51st station
| Company type | Chicago "L" rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | August 28, 1892 in Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
51st is a stop on the Chicago Transit Authority's "L" system, operating on the Green Line in Chicago, Illinois. Positioned at 319 E 51st Street, it lies three blocks east of State Street and commenced service on August 28, 1892.
History
Built in 1892 as part of the South Side Elevated Railroad extension for the World's Columbian Exposition, the 51st station was originally crafted by Myron H. Church as a brick structure incorporating Queen Anne architectural details and a distinctive half-cone bay. The platforms were constructed from wood and sheltered by tin canopies, similar to other stations along the South Side Elevated Railroad.
When the A/B skip-stop system was introduced in 1949, 51st was designated as an AB station. It functioned as the transfer hub between the Englewood (A) and Jackson Park (B) branches until 1982, after which its transfer role ended when nearby Garfield station assumed AB status.
The station temporarily closed in 1990 for canopy removal and later underwent significant refurbishment during the Green Line shutdown from 1994 to 1996. The original station house was replaced with a contemporary building featuring a white and green tiled exterior, while wooden platforms were upgraded to steel and glass structures. Renovation work concluded in 1997, one year following the Green Line's reopening.
Services
Serving Chicago's Washington Park and Grand Boulevard areas, 51st station is situated near the 47th and Garfield stops on the Green Line. Trains bound for Harlem/Lake, Ashland/63rd, and Cottage Grove operate at ten-minute intervals. In 2007, the station recorded 340,624 boardings, making it the 22nd most frequented station on the Green Line.
The facility includes two elevated side platforms adjacent to two tracks. The station building is located on the south side of 51st Street, housing fare control points and providing access to platforms through stairs and elevators. Additional exits are available on the north side. The station offers full accessibility for passengers using wheelchairs.
Bus connections
CTA
- 15 Jeffery Local