As part of the $203 million Wilson Station Reconstruction Project, CTA is restoring the station’s famous Gerber Building built in 1923 at Broadway and Wilson and will be available for lease
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today kicked off a search for a new developer or retailer for the Wilson Station’s historic 1923 Gerber Building, which is being completely restored as part of the signature Wilson Station Reconstruction Project. At the corner of Wilson and Broadway, the Gerber Building is one of Uptown’s most recognizable structures and the restoration is returning it to a fully functional building while respecting its unique architectural legacy.
Under the leadership of Mayor Emanuel, CTA began the Wilson project in 2014, which is replacing a nearly 100-year-old station and tracks with a new, fully accessible station that will serve as a transfer point between Red and Purple Line Express trains. A key part of the project is also the restoration of the 94-year-old Gerber Building. The entire project will be completed by the end of 2017 and the Gerber Building will be available for occupancy in January 2018.
“The Wilson Station reconstruction is creating a modern, 21st century transit station in the heart of Uptown,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. “With the restoration of the Gerber Building, our goal is to create a new anchor for economic development in the neighborhood.”
The Gerber Building, located at 4620 N. Broadway, is a long, one-story Beaux Arts-style building that formerly functioned as the primary entrance to the elevated Wilson Red Line station. Prior to the Wilson Station Reconstruction Project, the building was underutilized due to its age and need for utility upgrades. The restoration is restoring the façade to its original 1923 appearance, preserving its historic character while also adapting the interior for a new use.
The restoration includes rehabilitation and cleaning of terra cotta masonry, and new storefronts, doors, and exterior lighting that are consistent and compatible with its historical appearance. The overhaul will include an auxiliary entrance to the Wilson station. Efforts by both the design and construction team have sought to maximize the retention of original building fabric, and maintain the original design intent of the building. Once completed, the building includes approximately 13,200 square feet of interior space available for lease.
The Wilson station serves 1.9 million annual riders. As part of the competitive bid process, CTA is seeking a long-term partner that will complement the Uptown neighborhood and the investments that CTA is making in the Wilson station. For more information on the Wilson Station Reconstruction Project and the Gerber Building restoration, visit: http://www.transitchicago.com/wilson/. To download the Request for Proposals for lease of the Gerber Building, please visit www.ctarealestate.com.
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