Fifth/Lake station
| Company type | Former rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | September 22, 1895 in Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Defunct | December 17, 1899 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Fifth/Lake was a stop on the Union Elevated Railroad's route, now incorporated into the Loop segment of the Chicago "L". Situated at the intersection of Fifth Avenue (currently Wells Street) and Lake Street in Chicago's downtown area, it commenced operations on September 22, 1895. It was one of three stations launched as part of the Lake Street Elevated Railroad's "Wabash extension," which subsequently became the Lake Street branch of the Loop upon its completion. Originally intended to be temporary because Fifth Avenue was designated as the western Loop leg, the station ceased service on December 17, 1899, and was dismantled soon thereafter.
Background
Wells Street first appeared on James Thompson's 1830 map of Chicago and received its name in honor of local soldier William Wells. Due to a growing association with illicit activities, it was renamed Fifth Avenue in 1870, borrowing the name from New York’s distinguished Fifth Avenue in an effort to enhance the neighborhood’s reputation.
Construction
The Union Elevated Railroad was the pioneer in obtaining authorization to extend transit service into the downtown district.
Demolition and aftermath
The establishment of the Loop’s western leg along Fifth Avenue required removing the Fifth/Lake station to accommodate the connection with the North Side elevated line. The southbound (eastbound) platform closed and was torn down in 1896 for this purpose; however, the northbound (westbound) platform remained functional until December 17, 1899, due to delays by the Northeastern Elevated in linking to the Loop. Having operated for just over four years, Fifth/Lake ranks as the third shortest-operating station in Chicago "L" history.
To lessen disruption for local merchants caused by the station’s shutdown, station houses from Randolph & Fifth were relocated to Couch Place, situated half a block south of Lake Street. This relocation led to confusion among passengers, prompting a move in 1913 of these station houses to Randolph Street. The buildings on Couch Place then served as administrative offices for CRT and its successors until their demolition during development for the Washington/Wells station in the 1990s.
The original attempt to improve the district’s image through renaming Fifth Avenue did not succeed as hoped, resulting in its return to the Wells Street designation during the 20th century.