Metra and local leaders today celebrated the completion of a major rehab of the 103rd Street/Washington Heights Station on the Rock Island Line.
Work began in April to completely rehab the depot building originally built in 1910. The entire interior was rehabbed and the passenger waiting area was expanded. The project included installation of a new heat and air conditioning system as well as new flooring, paint, and woodwork. The building exterior was repainted, and new soffit and fascia were installed along the roof line. The project also included new LED lighting inside and outside the depot and new landscaping.
The project also addressed ADA accessibility issues with the installation of a new ramp and stamped patio area around the depot as well as other improvement to pathways between the depot, the boarding platforms, and the parking area. Passengers with disabilities now have level access between the platforms and the depot. The depot also now has a motion sensor on the door to allow ADA customers easy access.
The project is part of Metra’s 2023 station beautification program, an annual effort across the system focusing on repairs, such as painting, gutter replacement, or concrete patching, that if not addressed could lead to the deterioration of a station facility. The program also targets more extensive station improvements such as the 103rd Street/Washington Heights project.
The work, with exception of the repaving of the parking lot, was performed entirely by Metra employees. Total project costs were approximately $700,000.