Central station (CTA Purple Line)
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Headquarters | Evanston , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Central is a station on the Purple Line within the Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' system, situated at 1024 Central Street in Evanston, Illinois (coordinates 2600 north, 1000 west). The elevated platform is positioned above Central Street, approximately half a block west of Ridge Avenue. Designed by transit architect Arthur Gerber, the station features a Beaux-Arts style and is located on the southern side of Central Street, with an entrance at street level and an additional exit on the northern side.
Structure
This station is in close proximity to several prominent locations such as Evanston Hospital, the offices of NorthShore University HealthSystem, a local fire station, Canal Shores Golf Course, and the Chandler Newburger Recreation Center. Also nearby are Ryan Field, which serves as the home stadium for the Northwestern University Wildcats football team, and Welsh-Ryan Arena, where Northwestern's basketball team competes. Just to the west of Ryan Field stands Mustard's Last Stand, a popular hot dog vendor. The Central Street station on the Metra Union Pacific North Line is located a few blocks further west, less than one mile from this station.
Former service
The Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad formerly served Central via its Shore Line Route. Similar to stations like Foster and Noyes, Central featured an extra side platform on the west side of the southbound track dedicated solely to North Shore Line trains, which did not allow free transfers to 'L' trains. This platform was dismantled following the cessation of North Shore Line services in 1955; however, its concrete foundations remain visible opposite the current platform south of Central Street.
Bus connections
- 201 Central/Ridge (operates Monday through Saturday only)