Wisconsin/Randolph station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Defunct | 1903 |
| Headquarters | Oak Park , United States |
Area served | Oak Park, Illinois |
Wisconsin/Randolph functioned as a rapid transit stop on the Chicago "L" system from 1899 until 1903, located in Oak Park, Illinois. It acted as the western endpoint for the Randolph Street branch, which was operated by the Lake Street Elevated Railroad.
History
Prior to the introduction of rapid transit, steam-powered passenger trains operated along Randolph Street’s median through the Suburban Railroad, connecting to Grand Central Station. The Lake Street Elevated obtained rights to use tracks between Wisconsin Avenue and Lombard Avenue, allowing 'L' trains to link northward with the Lake Street branch (currently the Green Line) for direct service into the Loop. When 'L' service commenced on May 14, 1899, it featured an attractive fare of five cents, with travel times from Randolph to the Loop ranging between 38 and 45 minutes.
In 1902, after the Suburban Railroad entered receivership, it terminated its lease with the Chicago Terminal Transfer, causing 'L' operations to cease on December 21, 1903. Subsequently, the Suburban briefly operated a complimentary streetcar shuttle between Wisconsin and Lombard until December 24. On January 7, 1904, Oak Park mandated the removal of all stations; not long after this order, vandals destroyed the Wisconsin Avenue station.
Design
Stations along Randolph Street for rapid transit were adapted from former Suburban Railroad depots. These featured straightforward wooden structures modified for 'L' use by adding high-level platforms and lengthened canopies. The Wisconsin Avenue station was distinctive in having a single platform situated alongside the eastbound (north) track only.