Client:  Chicago Transit Authority

Location:  Chicago, IL

Completion:  2007

*Work completed while at Gensler.

Project Description:

The Dan-Ryan Red Line Rehabilitation began as an initiative to enhance the customer experience with the implementation of new amenities including elevators, longer platforms, brighter lighting, bus canopies, ADA updates, etc.
 
The project began with the Sox/35th Station in time for Chicago to host the 2003 MLB All-Star Game at U.S. Cellular field and continues to align with the re-opening of the Dan-Ryan Expressway in Fall 2007.
 
The nine mile series of stations on the South Redline El are all glass box designs constructed in 1969 and suffered from years of vandalism and neglect.  Much of the glass needed to be replaced for visual and security reasons.

By suggestion, an art program utilizing canopy and glass panels within the frames was offered to enhance the stations where possible. Additionally, murals and mosaic floor tiles at the 35th station were used in honor of the White Sox faithful. 

The addition of a colossal street level canopies on the Dan Ryan overpass is the most architecturally prominent of the enhancements.  Designed to offer safe haven from inclement weather while waiting for bus connectivity and to mark the entry of the stations.