The Plan For Elmhurst's New Train Station

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst is going ahead with a design for a new train station that would include a lot more space and light. It is also expected to feature a York Street underpass and a 24-hour waiting area.

The city's planned larger station is based on projections that weekday boarding will increase by a quarter by 2038. The current station, which is deemed undersized for its ridership, is the fourth busiest in the Metra system, officials said.

On Monday, the City Council voted 9-2 for a design that includes wood, brick and a lot of glass. This follows public hearings and surveys made available to residents.

Before the council meeting, city committees looked at four alternatives. Some of them included a clock tower and limestone, but those options were rejected.

The current station was built in the 1960s and updated in the 1980s. The new one is set to have 50 percent more space, about 3,000 square feet.

Some of the City Council's discussion involved whether the preferred alternative was "Elmhurst-like," which officials acknowledged was a subjective judgment.

"There's no way we're going to make everyone happy," said Alderman Mike Brennan, who headed one of the committees that considered the alternatives. "In my opinion, after much debate with myself, I think this design alternative is fresh and modern."

Alderwoman Marti Deuter suggested a two-week delay for a vote, saying it was a tough decision and that the council should give the public more time to weigh in.

Alderman Mike Honquest said it was fine to delay, but he doubted the council would get much more feedback, especially during a time when many residents are on vacation. He also said the city has been open about the process.

"If we vote this down, I don't know where we're going," he said.

Alderman Jacob Hill said it was important that the train station is a brand for Elmhurst, given that so many people go through. He said the public opposed a station that was too modern or sleek and wanted a smaller, warmer structure.

"I think it's very important to reinforce the style that the public comes to regard as Elmhurst-like," Hill said. The preferred alternative "doesn't represent that. I know that's a subjective judgment."

Alderwoman Dannee Polomky said the city's Architectural and Building Commission, which reviewed the alternatives, was not given "a foundation for the operating principles for our downtown plan." For that reason, she said she would vote against the preferred one.

During public input, resident Claude Pagacz urged the council to stick to the basics for the station.

"It's a train station for people to board a train. They're not going to spend all day there. It's not a hotel. It's not a restaurant. It's a railroad station," Pagacz said. "Freight trains drive by it all day long. I understand that it has to be replaced. Replaced with what?"

The council voted 9-2 for the preferred design, with Hill and Polomsky voting no. Aldermen Bob Dunn and Noel Talluto were absent. Another council position remains vacant.

Officials said tweaks would be made to the plan in the next phase.

Last year, city officials said the project was expected to cost as much as $25 million, with $20 million coming from outside grants.