Renovation permit issued for State/Lake CTA L station

A renovation permit has been issued for the new $444 million State/Lake CTA L station that is replacing the former 130-year-old station. Planned by the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Transit Authority, the station closed in January to allow for the 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, and the former station demolished, general contractor F.H. Paschen can now move forward with the buildout of the new station. The new station is expected to open in 2029.