CTA unveils plans for new State and Lake rail station

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) this week unveiled preliminary design concepts for a rebuilt State/Lake ‘L’ station.

The new station will replace the more than 100-year-old existing structure with a modern, fully accessible hub with wider platforms and a range of customer amenities, CTA officials said in a news release. The State/Lake Station serves five of the CTA’s eight rail lines.

The design by TranSystems/Skidmore, Owings & Merrill includes wide balconies open to the public facing north and south that create scenic overlooks of State Street, including an up-close view of the landmark Chicago Theater. 

The architectural design resembles recent signature stations, such as the 95th Street Terminal, the Washington/Wabash Station and Damen Green Line Station, which will begin construction later this year, CTA officials said.

The State/Lake Station project also involves adding elevators at each corner of State and Lake streets.