Racine station (CTA Green Line)
| Company type | Rapid transit station (disused) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | February 25, 1907 in Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Defunct | January 9, 1994 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Racine is a disused rapid transit stop situated on the Chicago Transit Authority's Green Line, positioned at 6314–16 South Racine Avenue within Chicago's Englewood district. The station commenced operations on February 25, 1907, coinciding with the westward expansion of the Englewood branch of the South Side Elevated Railroad. Although the Green Line shut down on January 9, 1994, Racine did not resume service when the route reopened on May 12, 1996.
History
Built between 1905 and 1906 during the initial phase of the Englewood branch development, Racine was crafted in the Greek Revival architectural style by Earl Nielson. Its original platform and station house have been preserved, distinguishing it as the sole surviving original Englewood station that has neither been demolished nor reconstructed.
Initially serving as the terminus for the Englewood branch prior to its extension to Loomis in July 1907, the station was originally called Center Street. This name changed after the street was renamed Racine Avenue. In 1949, with the CTA’s introduction of A/B skip-stop service, Racine and all stations along the Englewood branch were classified as "A" stations.
Station closure
The Green Line’s shutdown on January 9, 1994, for extensive renovations led to Racine’s closure alongside other stops. However, unlike most stations, Racine did not reopen when service resumed on May 12, 1996. The CTA formally discontinued operations at Racine and five additional stations in 1994 as part of its Green Line refurbishment plan. This decision provoked opposition; over twenty community leaders established the Green Line Coalition to demonstrate outside Mayor Richard M. Daley’s office. They contended that the CTA reneged on its commitment to reopen these stations and cautioned that such closures would impede economic progress in underprivileged neighborhoods. Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon decried the shutdowns as racially motivated and described them as "a slap in the face," emphasizing their impact on predominantly African-American areas. Due to its historic designation secured through an agreement with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the station building was preserved. Subsequently, personnel from the nearby Racine Shops train yard utilized the platforms for boarding until their removal occurred between late 2016 and early 2017.
Prospects for reopening
By December 2022, efforts to revive Racine station gained traction as local Englewood advocates petitioned for its reinstatement. A referendum regarding its reopening was included on ballots within Chicago's 16th Ward during the initial round of the 2023 Chicago elections. The February 28, 2023 vote revealed overwhelming support—exceeding 93%—reflecting strong community interest in restoring transit services and fostering potential economic renewal.