Damen station (CTA Green Line)
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1893 |
| Defunct | 1948 (original station) |
| Fate | Reconstructed and reopened in 2024 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Owner | Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) |
| Website | https://www.transitchicago.com/greenline/ |
Damen is a rapid transit stop on the Chicago "L"'s Green Line, which resumed service on August 5, 2024. Initially inaugurated as Robey in 1893, it was part of the original Lake Street Elevated route. The station ceased operations in 1948, resulting in a 1.5-mile interval between adjacent stations. Renewed neighborhood growth and increased demand for improved access to the United Center sports venue led to its reconstruction between 2022 and 2024. The modern elevated facility includes two side platforms and upgraded accessibility features, reflecting the Chicago Transit Authority’s commitment to strengthening transit connections and fostering urban development.
Original station (1893–1948)
The Lake Street Elevated Railway Company was founded on February 7, 1888, and later reincorporated as the Lake Street Elevated Railroad Company on August 24, 1892. Its line, known as the Lake Street Elevated, commenced passenger service on November 6, 1893, operating between California station and the Market Street Terminal. This route comprised 13 stations, including one situated on Robey Street (renamed Damen Avenue in 1927). Initially operated by steam locomotives, the line was electrified on May 9, 1896.
Financial struggles prompted reorganization into the Chicago and Oak Park Elevated Railroad (C&OP) on March 31, 1904. The C&OP became part of the Chicago Elevated Railways (CER) trust on July 1, 1911, which consolidated management and introduced free transfers across lines while maintaining separate company identities. In 1924, these entities merged to form the Chicago Rapid Transit Company (CRT), with C&OP operating as its Lake Street Division following acquisition at auction. Public control began with the establishment of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in 1945, which assumed "L" operations on October 1, 1947.
On April 4, 1948, the CTA closed the original Damen station along with nine others due to low patronage and to accelerate service times. These stations were demolished in early 1949; their materials were recycled to extend platforms at other "L" stops. This closure created a service void between California and Lake Street Transfer, which expanded to a 1.5-mile gap between California and Ashland by 1951.
New station (2024–present)
A CTA study conducted in 2002 examined adding "infill stations" along the Green Line to reduce long distances between stops. After reopening of Morgan in 2012 and Cermak–McCormick Place station in 2015—both spurring local economic development—the new Damen station was announced on February 9, 2017, as the third new CTA stop under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Design and engineering work began that year, with initial construction scheduled for 2019 and completion targeted for 2020.
Construction started in May 2019 but encountered delays due to supply chain disruptions. The Damen stop fills a gap between the California and Ashland stations and becomes the nearest "L" access point to the United Center. It serves a growing commercial corridor and residential area, enhancing transit options within this important business district.
At announcement, project costs were estimated at $50 million, with funding sought from state and federal programs alongside proposed tax increment financing (TIF) championed by 27th ward alderman Walter Burnett Jr.. The city launched a Lake Street reconstruction initiative in April 2018 that included improvements related to Damen station.
Following setbacks caused by utility relocations and supply chain issues, a building permit was granted in August 2022. Although initially planned for an eighteen-month timeline, construction extended further; the station ultimately opened on August 5, 2024, just prior to the 2024 Democratic National Convention held at the United Center.
Original station
The initial Damen station consisted of two separate station houses, one serving each platform, crafted in a distinctive "gingerbread" Queen Anne architectural style, akin to other stops along the route and the still-standing Ashland station buildings. These structures were warmed by potbelly stoves. Although the original plans indicated ticket booths facing the street, they were ultimately installed within recessed alcoves beside the platforms. The construction contract was awarded to Frank L. Underwood and Willard R. Green, who subcontracted the work to Lloyd and Pennington Company.
New station
On July 9, 2018, plans for a modernized station were revealed, showcasing a glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge linking the inbound and outbound platforms while providing panoramic views of the city skyline. The design was led by the architectural firm Perkins and Will, with structural engineering services provided by Simpson Gumpertz & Heger.
Ridership
Damen station reached its highest ridership of 496,839 passengers in 1905, maintaining figures above 400,000 only through 1906. From that point onward, passenger numbers steadily decreased: it last exceeded 300,000 riders in 1920, dropped below 200,000 in 1927, and fell under 100,000 by 1931. The lowest recorded annual ridership was 80,161 in 1938. In its final full year of operation (1947), the station served 106,902 passengers—a decline of 3.91% compared to 111,248 in 1946. Partial data from 1948 indicated 30,262 riders prior to closure. By this time, Damen ranked among the stations with the least ridership on the Lake Street line and was closed alongside several others on April 4, 1948. In 1947, it was positioned as the 208th busiest out of 222 stations; early in 1948, its rank dropped to 218th out of 223 stations measured.
Bus connections
- 50 Damen