Lawrence station (CTA)
| Company type | Chicago Transit Authority rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Lawrence serves as an elevated station on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line, located at 1117 West Lawrence Avenue within Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. The station comprises four tracks accompanied by a single island platform that caters to the inner pair of tracks. During weekday rush hours, Purple Line express trains utilize the outer tracks without making stops here. Nearby stations include Argyle to the north, approximately one-third of a mile away, and Wilson to the south, roughly one-quarter of a mile distant.
Positioned in Uptown's renowned historic entertainment district, Lawrence station offers convenient access to prominent cultural sites such as the Aragon Ballroom, Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Riviera Theater, and Uptown Theatre.
History
The station commenced operations in 1923, shortly after the elevation of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad segment between Wilson and Howard. In 1995, the original station building was demolished and temporarily replaced with a provisional structure.
Red & Purple Modernization Project
Among six renovation proposals for the Purple Line and northern Red Line, three suggested closing Lawrence station along with Thorndale, Jarvis on the Red Line, and South Boulevard and Foster on the Purple Line. Two concepts involved substituting Lawrence with a secondary entrance at Ainslie connected to Argyle, while another plan proposed an entrance at Winona linked to a new underground Foster station.
As part of Phase I of the Red & Purple Modernization Project, Lawrence station was closed for demolition on May 16, 2021, and subsequently reopened on July 20, 2025. The redesigned facility includes expanded platforms, enhanced lighting systems, and full compliance with accessibility standards for passengers with disabilities.
Bus connections
- 36 Broadway (located about half a block from the station)
- 81 Lawrence (providing Owl Service)