The Chicago Transit Board awards contracts to five artists to create art for the new, fully accessible stations being reconstructed as part of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project
The Chicago Transit Board today approved five contracts to renowned artists to create unique pieces of artwork for stations and structures that are being rebuilt as a part of the historic Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project.
The artists will create original artwork for the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations, as well as for the Bryn Mawr station’s second entrance and exit on W. Hollywood Avenue. The artwork will enhance the overall transit experience and add unique elements to the new stations that represent the communities they serve.
“Public art has always been an important part of the CTA and the communities we serve,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We are looking forward to seeing what creative and dynamic artwork these artists will create for our new beautiful and fully accessible stations.”
Artwork will be installed by these hired artists at the following five locations (from south to north):
- Lawrence main stationhouse: Tom Torluemke, Dyer, Indiana.
- Argyle main stationhouse: Mayumi Lake, Chicago.
- Berwyn main stationhouse: David Lozano, Chicago.
- Bryn Mawr main stationhouse: William Conger, Chicago.
- Bryn Mawr Hollywood entrance: Alice Hargrave, Chicago.
CTA will host community meetings with each artist this summer and will announce meeting dates soon.
CTA has been expanding its world-class public artwork in its stations and other facilities as it rebuilds Chicago’s transit system to create an attractive environment for commuters. Over the last decade, the CTA’s public art collection has nearly doubled to include more than 70 permanent works of art across all eight rail lines and multiple bus facilities. This dynamic and immersive collection of public art includes mosaics, art glass, sculptures and interactive installations created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local.
RPM Phase One Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization work: Project status
CTA continues to make significant progress in “Stage A” of the Lawrence to Bryn Mawr portion of RPM. Stage A, which will be completed later in 2023, is rebuilding the northbound Red and Purple line track structures between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr. CTA has completed construction of the new elevated track bridge and is installing new rail and other components in advance of putting the new tracks into service at the completion of Stage A.
Stage B, which is scheduled to begin later this year, will rebuild the southbound Red and Purple Line track structures and build four new, fully accessible Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr. CTA will provide an updated construction schedule and host town halls to discuss the work and impacts to CTA service later this spring.
Construction of the new, fully accessible Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations and adjacent track structures is expected to be completed and opened to CTA customers by the end of 2025. The artwork for each station is anticipated to be installed before they are opened to the public.
For more information about RPM Phase One, please visit transitchicago.com/rpm.
###