Metra, Woodstock and McHenry County officials today celebrated the completion of the rehab of the Metra station in downtown Woodstock.
“Since opening its doors in 1915, the Woodstock Station has served as a gateway to this historic community,” said Metra Board Chair Romayne C. Brown. “With this latest project, Metra customers and Woodstock residents have an attractive, safe, accessible and welcoming space that should serve the community for many years. Metra was happy to partner with the city of Woodstock to bring this much-needed project to fruition.”
The $250,000 project, funded by Metra and overseen by the city, was the first major rehab of the 2,100-square-foot building in more than 25 years. Work was performed on the building’s interior and exterior. The station’s HVAC system, fire alarm and water heater were replaced, and the bathrooms were repaired. The project also included the replacement of the station’s roof, gutters and downspouts, as well as tuckpointing and painting all the exterior trim. A limestone cladding was also added to the station’s exterior, and the concrete walkways surrounding the building were replaced to improve ADA accessibility and drainage.
Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski and Metra Board Director Ken Koehler joined Woodstock Mayor Dr. Brian Sager, McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Buehler, State Sen. Craig Wilcox, State Rep. Steven Reick and members of the Woodstock City Council to commemorate the completion of the project.
“The city of Woodstock is deeply grateful for Metra’s continued support in improving transit facilities and service for Woodstock’s growing number of residents and visitors,” said Mayor Sager. “We look forward to further collaborating on planned projects, including a new warming shelter and maintenance rail yard that will increase ridership for Metra while offering enhanced convenience and safety for the Woodstock community.”
“These train station improvements will help solidify Woodstock's position as a destination site for tourists and a welcoming location for those who wish to relocate to the area,” said Senator Wilcox. “Real Woodstock and the city of Woodstock have worked hard to establish this brand, and these Metra station upgrades will enhance positive first impressions of this wonderful city and area.”
“McHenry County is deeply appreciative of the funding that Metra has allocated toward improving our stations along the Union Pacific Northwest Line,” Chairman Buehler said. “Thousands of McHenry County residents rely on Metra every day, and thanks to Metra’s and Woodstock’s hard work and close partnership, this historic station will be serving our commuters for many more years to come.”
“These improvements to the Metra station complement the efforts being made to enhance Woodstock's reputation as a destination for people to come and enjoy what we have to offer, and to make our community an even better place to live and work,” said Rep. Reick.