Ashland station (CTA Green and Pink Lines)
Ashland is a station on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 'L' system, serving both the Green and Pink Lines. This elevated stop features two side platforms and is situated at 1601 West Lake Street within Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood. To the west of Ashland, the Pink Line branches off from the Lake Street branch by way of the Paulina Connector, leading to the Douglas branch. Nearby stations include Damen on the Green Line approximately 0.5 miles to the west, Polk on the Pink Line about 1 mile to the south, and Morgan roughly 0.75 miles eastward.
History
The station at Ashland began operation on November 6, 1893, as part of the original Lake Street Elevated Railroad route, making it one of the oldest surviving stations in the 'L' network. It was closed on April 4, 1948, alongside nine other stops on the Lake Street branch but resumed service on February 25, 1951, coinciding with the opening of the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway. Between 1994 and 1996, during the Green Line's shutdown for renovations, Ashland underwent refurbishment and was fitted with elevators to improve accessibility.
Structure and location
Located next to Union Park, which hosts events such as the Intonation Music Festival and Pitchfork Music Festival, Ashland station served as the closest 'L' access point to the United Center—home arena for the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)—until Damen station opened in 2024.
Bus connections
- 9 Ashland (Owl Service)
- X9 Ashland Express (weekday rush hours only)