Demolition permit issued for State/Lake CTA L station

A demolition permit has been issued for the existing State/Lake CTA L station that will be replaced by a brand new $444 million station. The project is being led by the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Transit Authority, who recently announced that the station will close on January 5th for demolition of the 130-year-old station. 

Designed by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, the project will replace the existing station with a modern, fully accessible rail hub featuring wider platforms and a range of customer amenities. The reconstruction will meet modern accessibility standards, improve safety, and create a more welcoming rider experience. 

Key upgrades include complete ADA compliant elevator access to both elevated platforms and the Lake Street subway, removal of columns within the intersection below, new signature glass canopy for weather protection, wider platforms, maximized glass areas for improving security, LED energy efficient lighting, and improved sidewalk crossings with bump-outs. A flyover bridge will allow passengers to crossover the tracks to switch between platforms. 

With advance utility works already underway since August, the platform will close to passengers on January 5th. Trains will continue to run through the Loop and will bypass the station during demolition and construction. Pedestrian and vehicular access on Lake Street will be affected with intermittent closures and detours as needed during construction. The new station is expected to open in 2029.