Chicago station (CTA Red Line)
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1943-10-17 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Near North Side and Streeterville, Chicago |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Chicago (referred to as Chicago/State in announcements) is a station on the "L" system's Red Line, operated by the CTA. It services prominent sections of the Near North Side and Streeterville districts. In 2014, it recorded more than 5.25 million entries, making it the busiest Red Line stop located north of the Loop.
Location
Positioned as the second Red Line station north of the Chicago River, Chicago station lies underground at the intersection of State Street and Chicago Avenue within the Near North Side. It is situated three blocks west of the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, close to notable landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, John Hancock Center, Holy Name Cathedral, the Rush Street entertainment area, and Loyola University Chicago’s downtown campus. The Moody Bible Institute’s Chicago campus is also in close proximity.
History
The station commenced operations on October 17, 1943, as an integral part of the State Street subway, serving as a key connection on the Red Line between and stations.
During the 1950s, Chicago station was classified as an AB stop under the CTA’s skip-stop system, ensuring all trains halted there. This service pattern was discontinued in the 1990s due to financial constraints.
Renovation
From 1999 to 2001, extensive refurbishment took place at Chicago station aimed at enhancing accessibility and modernizing its infrastructure. Improvements included installing new elevators, refurbishing flooring and tiling, and enlarging mezzanine areas.
Unlike most stations within the State Street Subway, Chicago utilizes a side platform configuration with two tracks, akin to Grand/State and . Entrances are positioned at all four corners of North State Street and Chicago Avenue, with fare control areas located on a mezzanine level above the platforms.
Bus connections
- 36 Broadway
- 66 Chicago (Owl Service)