The Wilson reconstruction program is a part of CTA’s Red Ahead program, a $1 billion comprehensive initiative to maintain, modernise and expand the most-traveled rail line of Chicago, the Red Line. It will provide a brand-new, reconfigured station to the locality, and will also help in the economic development of the uptown neighbourhood.
Including contemporary architecture in its design, the reconstructed station will feature glass and steel canopies and a glass-enclosed entrance along Wilson, one of the two Wilson entrances. An auxiliary entrance is planned for Sunnyside Avenue, serving a newer commercial development housing Target and Aldi stores.
In order to provide a modern convenient transportation facility to the locality, the project also includes significant track and signal system improvements near the station, as well as structural and viaduct work.
Replacing the badly deteriorated 1923-built station, the renovation of the station aims at revitalising the public transportation system as well as improving the quality of life for everyone who uses it. It will also be equipped to help speed travel and improve access for people with disabilities.
The renovation work includes the restoration of the terra cotta exterior from the historic 1923 Gerber Building at the corner of Wilson and Broadway; a rebuilt station house with elevators and other modern amenities; and new transfer platforms. Improving the appearance and pedestrian environment on Broadway and Wilson, the reconstruction will also remove some ‘L’ structure support columns from both the street and sidewalk.
Demolition work is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2013. The reconstruction project is slated to begin in 2013 with construction continuing through 2015.
