Grand station (CTA Red Line)
| Company type | Chicago "L" rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | October 17, 1943 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Grand (referred to as Grand/State in official announcements) is a station on the Chicago Transit Authority's Red Line of the Chicago "L" system. It provides access to Navy Pier, which is reachable by bus along Illinois Street, located one block to the south.
Location
Situated just north of the Chicago River, Grand station is the initial Red Line stop after crossing the river. It is positioned within Chicago's River North area. The station is located underneath North State Street at the intersection with Grand Avenue, serving prominent destinations such as Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.
History
Grand station commenced operations on October 17, 1943, as part of the State Street subway, which now constitutes the central segment of the current Red Line between and stations.
During the 1950s, the CTA implemented a skip-stop service pattern; Grand was classified as an AB station alongside other downtown stops, ensuring that all trains halted there. This skip-stop arrangement was discontinued in the 1990s due to financial constraints.
Renovation
Between 2007 and 2012, Grand station underwent extensive refurbishment that effectively doubled its passenger capacity. Enhancements included a 2,000-square-foot expansion of the mezzanine, broader staircases, and installation of elevators. The total investment for this project amounted to $73.6 million. Unlike most stations within the State Street subway, Grand employs a side platform configuration with two tracks, akin to Chicago/State and North/Clybourn stations. Entrances are accessible from all corners of North State Street and Grand Avenue, with fare control located on a mezzanine level above the platforms.
Operations and connections
Prior to the opening of the State Street subway, streetcars operated along Grand Avenue, alternating routes between Harlem or Western Avenue on the west and Navy Pier on the east. Service extending to Navy Pier ceased in 1941, with tracks removed by 1943. Bus services supplemented and ultimately replaced streetcars by 1951 to serve Grand stations on both the North Side Main Line and State Street subway.
CTA bus routes
- 29 State
- 36 Broadway
- 65 Grand
Other transit
- Navy Pier Trolley (operates seasonally from May through September)