Adams/Wabash station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | November 8, 1896 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Owner | Chicago Transit Authority |
Adams/Wabash is a station on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 'L' system, serving the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines. Up until 1963, it also provided service for interurban trains operated by the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad. The station is conveniently positioned close to prominent cultural sites including Symphony Center, the residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
History
The station commenced operations on November 8, 1896, under the Lake Street Elevated Railroad and was integrated into Charles Yerkes's Union Loop in October 1897.
Initially, each platform had its own ticket office, with station buildings constructed from painted sheet metal and decorated with Corinthian pilasters and window frames reflecting Baroque architectural style. The platforms were split to accommodate two separate "L" companies, compelling riders to purchase distinct tickets for transfers. This changed in 1913 when a single ticket allowed passengers to move freely across the entire platform.
A footbridge spanning the tracks was added during a 1940 upgrade. In 1967, fare control was relocated to a mezzanine level beneath the tracks, replacing the original station houses at platform level. Due to heavy passenger volume, both below-track and above-track entrances have remained in use since then.
From 1987 to 1989, extensive renovations were carried out on the mezzanine and platforms, including installation of new exit stairways, control booths at each end of the platforms, and an extended canopy.
Bus connections
- 1 Bronzeville/Union Station (Weekday Rush Hours only)
- 7 Harrison (Weekdays only)
- 28 Stony Island (Weekday Rush Hours only)
- 126 Jackson
- 151 Sheridan