Sox–35th station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | September 28, 1969 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Sox–35th is a 'L' stop on the CTA Red Line, positioned at 142 West 35th Street within the Armour Square district. It commenced operations on September 28, 1969, as part of the inauguration of the Dan Ryan branch.
This station mainly caters to visitors of Rate Field, the home stadium of the Chicago White Sox, from which it derives its name. It initially served the now-demolished Comiskey Park—known as "Sox Park" between 1962 and 1976—once located directly across the street. Nearby academic institutions include the Illinois Institute of Technology and VanderCook College of Music, although portions of these campuses are more accessible via the Green Line.
On April 3, 2011, a new Metra Rock Island Line station opened adjacent to Sox–35th at 35th/Lou Jones/Bronzeville.
Design
The Sox–35th station is positioned within the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway. Its primary entrance is on the 35th Street overpass and includes elevator access. An additional entrance on the 33rd Street overpass links to the station through a pedestrian bridge. Both access points feature fare gates at street level, with stairs, escalators, or elevators providing access to the island platform. Northbound trains utilize the east platform side, while southbound trains stop on the west.
Development
Plans for a rapid transit route within the Dan Ryan Expressway median date back to 1958, preceding the expressway's construction. In 1966, Chicago voters authorized a $28 million bond to finance new rail lines along both the Dan Ryan and Kennedy Expressways, enabling federal funding. The Chicago Plan Commission approved these routes in January 1967, projecting a $38 million budget for the Dan Ryan line, including Sox–35th (originally known as White Sox–Illinois Tech). Federal funds were secured by March 1967. Mayor Richard J. Daley announced immediate commencement of construction with an anticipated opening in early 1969; however, engineers expected completion by late 1969 or early 1970. The Sox–35th station and other Dan Ryan branch stations officially began service on September 28, 1969, with a total cost of $38 million—a notably rapid timeline for such infrastructure. Three days before opening, CTA provided complimentary rides between Sox–35th and 95th. Initially, trains ran northbound to the Loop and then west along the Lake Street Elevated; it was not until 1993 that trains followed today's Red Line route north of Sox–35th.
Closure in 1979
On January 29, 1979, during rush hour, CTA suspended service at 14 stations including Sox–35th due to equipment shortages caused by the Chicago Blizzard of 1979. Following public backlash and advocacy from African-American leaders, Sox–35th along with three other stations reopened the next day. The remaining stations resumed service later that week after a caution from the Urban Mass Transportation Administration that such closures might infringe upon civil rights. The Chicago Tribune connected these shutdowns to Mayor Michael Bilandic's loss to Jane Byrne in the 1979 Democratic mayoral primary, highlighting Byrne’s strong backing in predominantly African-American wards affected by the station closures.
Rehabilitation project
In 2002, the CTA revealed plans for a $238 million overhaul of Sox–35th along with seven additional stations on the Dan Ryan branch. The refurbishment encompassed new escalator installations, enhanced lighting and flooring upgrades, and the incorporation of a granite tile White Sox emblem embedded in the floor. Improvements were also made to nearby infrastructure, including the 35th Street bridge, which received new sidewalks and protective canopies. This $13 million upgrade was finalized in time for the 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game hosted at U.S. Cellular Field.
2013 closure
On May 19, 2013, Sox–35th temporarily ceased operations to facilitate the Red Line South Reconstruction initiative, with service resuming on October 20, 2013.
Bus and rail connections
- 24 Wentworth (operates weekdays only)
- 31 31st (operates weekdays only)
- 35 31st/35th
- 39 Pershing