Merchandise Mart station
| Company type | Chicago 'L' rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1930-12-05 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services (Brown Line, Purple Line Express) |
Merchandise Mart is a station within the Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' system, positioned in the Near North Side district at 350 North Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois (coordinates 320 north, 200 west). This elevated stop is constructed on a steel framework that forms part of the Merchandise Mart building itself. The primary access point includes turnstiles and a customer service booth located on the building’s second floor.
There are two unstaffed entrances that accept only fare cards, reached by long staircases descending from Wells Street just north of Kinzie Avenue. The station contains a pair of steel side platforms with wooden decking and protective canopies, each capable of accommodating eight-car trains—the longest trains operated by the CTA. The southbound platform is situated slightly below the main entrance level, while an enclosed pedestrian bridge spans above the tracks to connect to the northbound platform.
Merchandise Mart station is fully compliant with accessibility standards and employs a sophisticated elevator system: one elevator on the southbound side links the entrance level with both the platform and the upper level of the connecting bridge, while a second elevator on the opposite side of this bridge provides access down to the northbound platform.
Kinzie station
The Kinzie station was part of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad’s North Side Main Line and was located at the intersection of Kinzie and Wells Streets in Chicago’s Near North Side. It initially provided service to the adjacent C&NW passenger terminal known as Wells Street Station, prior to the inauguration of the new C&NW terminal at what is now Ogilvie Transportation Center in 1911.
Kinzie began operations on May 31, 1900, but ceased functioning in 1921 when it was replaced by the Grand station. Presently, Kinzie Street is served by Brown Line and Purple Line Express trains stopping at Merchandise Mart station.
Merchandise Mart station
The current Merchandise Mart station commenced service on December 5, 1930, undergoing a reconstruction phase between 1987 and 1988. Up until 1963, it also accommodated interurban trains operated by the North Shore Line. The station mainly serves the Merchandise Mart, recognized as one of the largest commercial buildings globally, along with nearby art galleries and dining establishments.
Service
Merchandise Mart is served by Brown Line trains, with Purple Line Express trains making stops during weekday peak periods. This station was unique among Brown Line stations in not receiving upgrades during the Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project because its previous 1987–88 renovation had already ensured full accessibility and support for eight-car train operations.
Bus connections
- 37 Sedgwick (operates weekdays only)
- 125 Water Tower Express (available during weekday rush hours)