Project to update Garfield Green Line station, streetscape moves forward with selection of contractor to create Washington Park focal point
The CTA today moved forward on Mayor Emanuel’s Garfield Gateway Project, a plan to make major improvements to the Garfield Green Line station and streetscape to create a strong community focal point on Chicago’s South Side and an iconic gateway to the Washington Park community.
The Chicago Transit Board today awarded a $25.9 million construction contract to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC for the Garfield Gateway Project, which will include rehabilitation of both the historical and active stationhouses of one of the agency’s most iconic ‘L’ stations. By revitalizing the Garfield Station, CTA is not only benefitting commuters, but complementing a larger community revitalization effort by neighborhood groups, local property owners and the University of Chicago.
“We are happy to be moving forward with the Garfield Gateway Project, which will rejuvenate and transform the Washington Park neighborhood,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter. “The upgrades being made to this iconic station will boost the development that’s already taking place throughout the area and provide sustainable, good-paying jobs to the local community.”
The $50 million Garfield Gateway Project also includes a number of upgrades to the active stationhouse (320 E. Garfield Blvd), which opened on the north side of Garfield in 2001, as well as to the immediate surrounding ground-level area. Together with the Chicago Department of Transportation, the project will include restoration of the historic stationhouse’s façade and terra cotta exterior, while the currently used station will receive a new escalator on the southbound side and new mid-platform exit stairs, as well as a dedicated bus drop off area, new bus shelters, new bike racks and a brand new bike lane on Garfield Blvd. Additionally, the entire stationhouse (floor, ceiling and walls) will be replaced, LED lighting will be installed and all station surfaces will receive a fresh coat of paint.
The Garfield Gateway Project will also rehabilitate and restore the original Garfield stationhouse for a community center. Built in 1892 as part of the South Side Rapid Transit’s extension to the World’s Columbian Exposition —the historic Alley ‘L’—the Garfield Station is the first ‘L’ station facility and one of the oldest intact public transit stations in the country.
CTA received $25 million in TIGER federal grant funding in 2016 for this project and will utilize a mix of CTA and local funding for the remainder of the project cost.
For more information about the Garfield Gateway project, visit the project web page at http://www.transitchicago.com/garfieldgateway/.