Fullerton station (CTA)
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois , United States |
| Products | CTA Red Line, Brown Line, Purple Line Express train services |
Fullerton serves as a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 'L' station positioned on the North Side Main Line. It consistently accommodates both Red and Brown Line trains, while Purple Line Express trains stop here during weekday peak periods. This elevated facility, situated in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, includes two island platforms alongside four tracks. Outer tracks are designated for Brown and Purple Line services, whereas the inner tracks cater to Red Line trains. Beyond functioning as a vital transfer hub, Fullerton station also provides convenient access to DePaul University's Lincoln Park Campus.
History
The station at Fullerton commenced operations in 1900 as an express and local stop on the Northwestern Elevated Railroad. During the 1920s, platform extensions were implemented to support eight-car train configurations; the northbound platform was lengthened northward and the southbound extended southward due to adjacent building constraints. In 1949, modifications included additional exit stairways and the installation of a 15-foot supervisor’s booth. Until 1961, off-peak shuttle service operated on the Ravenswood Line between Kimball and Fullerton before being shortened to terminate at Belmont.
With rising passenger numbers, Evanston Express trains began servicing Fullerton in 1989. The original station building suffered fire damage in December 1996, with police suspecting arson. It reopened in February 1997 featuring a single ticket booth; however, this proved inadequate for handling passenger flow, prompting the construction of a new adjacent station house that opened in 1998.
Demon Dogs
In 1983, under CTA chairman Michael Cardilli, Peter Schivarelli leased space beneath Fullerton station to establish Demon Dogs, a hot dog stand. Schivarelli financed its construction but paid minimal rent while CTA covered utility expenses. This lease arrangement was terminated in 1998 following public criticism; Schivarelli pursued legal action against CTA, winning at trial but ultimately losing on appeal. Demon Dogs continued operations until 2005 when it was removed during the station’s reconstruction phase.
Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project
As part of the Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project, Fullerton underwent reconstruction that included broader platforms and installation of ADA-compliant elevators. The renovated platforms now accommodate trains with up to ten cars, facilitating potential future expansion of the Red Line. Unlike other stations undergoing upgrades, Fullerton remained operational throughout construction by utilizing a temporary station house starting October 2006.
The renovation stirred controversy due to demolition of both the well-known Demon Dogs stand and DePaul University’s historic 1929 Hayes-Healy Athletic Center despite opposition from community members. Elevators became operational on December 31, 2009, significantly improving station accessibility.
Services
Fullerton station serves as a connection point for the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines, linking Lincoln Park with the Loop, Ravenswood, and other North Side neighborhoods. Brown Line trains operate at intervals of approximately 7–8 minutes; Red Line trains run every 5–8 minutes on weekdays and every 7–10 minutes during weekends; Purple Line trains serve passengers every 10–20 minutes during weekday rush hours. While Brown Line service ceases at 1:30 a.m. on weekdays, Red Line trains provide continuous 24/7 service ensuring uninterrupted station access. In 2021, Fullerton recorded 1,354,840 boardings—a rise of 14.5% compared to 2020—making it the busiest station on the Brown Line, fifth busiest on the Red Line, and the highest ridership point on the Purple Line.
Fare control facilities are located within a modern station building on the south side of Fullerton Avenue; meanwhile, the original structure was relocated across the street to serve as an auxiliary farecard-only entrance. From the station house, stairways lead down to two island platforms: the eastern platform serving northbound trains and the western platform serving southbound ones. Additional exits provide access to Fullerton Avenue’s northern side. The project satisfied its federal Full Funding Grant Agreement by completing all work by December 31, 2009.
Bus connections
- 37 Sedgwick (operates on weekdays only)
- 74 Fullerton