Loyola station
| Company type | Chicago Transit Authority 'L' station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Rogers Park, Chicago |
| Products | Rapid transit services (Red Line) |
Loyola serves as a stop on the Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' system, specifically on the Red Line. Situated at 1200 West Loyola Avenue within Chicago's Rogers Park district, this station sees substantial usage from students attending the nearby Lakeshore Campus of Loyola University Chicago. The Red Line's right-of-way traverses the campus's southwest corner. While the Purple Line weekday rush hour express trains utilize the outer tracks at this location, they do not make stops at Loyola station.
History
This site has hosted three different stations over time: the initial facility opened in 1908, was reconstructed in 1921, and the current structure was built between 1980 and 1982. Originally, access was provided via an entrance on Loyola Avenue; however, the present entrance is positioned on the west side of Sheridan Road, directly across from a principal entrance to the Loyola campus. A corridor on Loyola Avenue remains in use, leading to the turnstiles and an exit/entry rotorgate that operates with Ventra farecards. The station is fully ADA accessible.
The elevated platform rests on a fill embankment nestled between the southbound and northbound Red Line tracks and does not provide platform access to the express tracks employed by Purple Line Express trains during peak hours. Notably long and narrow—stretching over —the platform curves toward the northwest. It is bisected by an elevator shaft: southbound trains now stop at the northern segment while northbound trains serve the southern segment, a reversal from the layout prior to 1998. Both sections are designed to accommodate eight-car trains standard to the Red Line. A viaduct supports part of the southern platform as it extends over Sheridan Road.
The station building is relatively large and includes ample space for concessions. As of 2024, it houses a Dunkin' Donuts outlet. An adjacent former McDonald's closed in early 2012 ahead of planned renovations that began that spring, which also involved creating a pedestrian plaza next to the station (see Loyola station renovation).
From 1949 through 1976, Evanston Express trains—later renamed Purple Line Express—also made stops at Loyola.
Loyola station renovation and Sister Jean Plaza
Between 2012 and 2013, extensive updates were made to the station concurrently with construction of a new plaza beside it. The CTA introduced a new front entrance facing this plaza while maintaining station operations through phased construction to reduce passenger inconvenience. This renovated entrance became operational in 2013.
On August 21, 2022, the plaza was officially dedicated in honor of Sister Jean on her 103rd birthday. Sister Jean serves as the chaplain for the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team and rose to national prominence during their remarkable run in the 2018 NCAA tournament, as well as their subsequent appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Bus connections
- 147 Outer DuSable Lake Shore Express
- 155 Devon
External links
- Loyola Station Information at Chicago-'L'.org
- Train Timetable (PDF) on the official CTA website
- Loyola Station Details from CTA's official platform
- Sheridan Road Entrance via Google Maps Street View
- Loyola Avenue Entrance through Google Maps Street View