New CTA Wilson Main Stationhouse Opens In Uptown

CHICAGO, IL -- The CTA and City of Chicago announced the official opening of the new Wilson Stationhouse Monday. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Dorval R. Carter called the opening a "major milestone" in the $203 million Wilson Station reconstruction project. The new stationhouse, which is located on the south side of Wilson Avenue, is equipped with two elevators, two escalators, wider stairwells and additional turnstiles.

“Our investment in the Wilson Station is the latest in our work to deliver a 21st Century transit system for all of Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel in a statement.

The stationhouse was designed to be fully accessible for people with disabilities. A second new station entrance is now open on the north side of Wilson, and a new, much larger platform was built for riders catching northbound trains.

There is also now Purple Line Express service at the new station, which allows riders to transfer between Red and Purple Line Trains for the first time. Carter said the new station aims to be "more modern, convenient and pleasant." (For more local news, subscribe to free email news alerts and a daily newsletter for your hometown Patch.)

CTA also unveiled public artwork that was created especially for the station by artist and engineer Cecil Balmond, who is known for his large-scale public art installations around the world. Known as Arpeggios, the multi-faceted sculpture is suspended from the main stationhouse, and enhanced by a reflective wall and LED lighting. The artwork celebrates the 1920's Art Deco style found in Uptown’s architecture, and reflects the look of the Gerber Building across the street. The CTA is currently seeking a tenant for the building, which is undergoing reconstruction as part of the project.

The Wilson station upgrades also include relocated track columns to improve visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

The full project is expected to be completed by early next year, and includes adding a third station entrance on Sunnyside Avenue, as well as fully restoring the Gerber Building.

The majority of the funding for the project was provided by the State of Illinois. The Wilson project is part of Mayor Emanuel’s 'Red Ahead' program to revitalize the entire Red Line.

Image courtesy of Chicago Transit Authority