We have good news for users of the Metra Electric Line’s two downtown stations.
First, this summer Metra was awarded a huge grant—$80 million—to renovate the historic, 129-year-old Van Buren Street Station. We’ve long planned a renovation of this hidden jewel in Grant Park, but we’ve also always known it would be costly, thanks to its age, its condition, its historic character, and its location mostly underground.
The new grant, from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program, will help us pay the bill. We will also use a 2025 USDOT National Infrastructure Improvements grant of $24.5 million, $10 million in other federal funding, and at least $26 million in state funding. The work is in design now and construction is expected to begin in late 2028.
While maintaining the station’s historic character, the project will provide waterproofing, enclosed platform warming shelters, digital signage, and a modern green roof system. The plans also include two new elevators on the east side of Michigan Avenue improving ADA accessibility. For details, go to metra.com/VanBurenStationProject.
A more immediate project will be the renovation of the South Water Street entrance to Millennium Station, which should start this fall. The $8 million project includes selective demolition and reconstruction of existing portions of the station and amenities including vendor areas, office areas, storage rooms, locker rooms, work rooms, restrooms, interior finishes, doors, and signage.
