CTA’s newest ‘L’ station opens at Damen/Lake, just in time for DNC
CHICAGO — Seven years in the making and completed just in time for the Democratic National Convention at the United Center, the Chicago Transit Authority on Monday opened its newest ‘L’ station at Damen Avenue and Lake Streets on the city’s Near West Side.
The new Damen station returns rail service to the neighborhood after 76 years and closes a 1.5 mile gap on the Green Line between the Ashland and California stations. The 5,000 square-foot, modern-designed facility is fully accessible with elevators and escalators and the city’s 1000th Divvy docking station. A large mural inside the station, called ‘Promise,’ will greet commuters.
“The artwork asks the question as the kids look up the stairs, ‘Where are they going? What kind of Chicago future might the green line take them to?'” artist Folayemi Wilson explained.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel revealed plans for the station in 2017, but construction on the site didn’t begin for another five years. The station cost $80 million to build but has already spurred transit-oriented development in the area. A 96-unit, mixed income apartment development is under construction across the street.
CTA Commissioner Tom Carney called the development a “stunning addition to the Near West Side.”
At a ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Brandon Johnson championed the investment in the community.
“The Green Line in particular has such historic relevance because it is the only line that touches the west and the south sides, and we know that when it comes to accessibility for the people of this region, this line is a line that we have to continue to draw to make to sure we close the gaps between those who have and those who desire,” Johnson said.
A previous station, called Robey, existed at the location from 1893 to 1948.
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