University of Chicago to renovate, reopen historic CTA Green Line station

Renovations are planned for the historic CTA Green Line station as part of plans for a major arts and culture corridor along East Garfield Boulevard. The University of Chicago will renovate the interior of the shuttered, 125-year-old Chicago Transit Authority Green Line stationhouse in Washington Park as part of an ongoing effort to establish a major arts and culture corridor, called the Arts Block , along East Garfield Boulevard. The Chicago Transit Authority announced today that its board approved a contract for the University, through its Lake Park Associates subsidiary, to lease the historic station, following a competitive bidding process. The station, which the CTA said it believes is the oldest rapid transit station in the United States, has been closed since a new station opened across the street in 2001. The University will invest $219,000 toward renovating the station, which will be re-opened as a welcome center for the Arts Block and for the Washington Park neighborhood. The welcome center is expected to open in 2018 and will include space for community-focused programming, such as an incubator for small, local businesses. â?'Leasing the station to expand its use underscores the Universityâ''s commitment to supporting vibrant mid-South Side neighborhoods and to finding new ways to engage with local residents and visitors to the South Side,â'' said Derek R.B. Douglas, vice president for civic engagement and external affairs.