First off and maybe most importantly to this area, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced yesterday that the city is going to construct a CTA Green Line stop at Cermak:
This $50 million TIF-supported project consists of the design and construction of a new elevated CTA station at Cermak on the Green Line. The station, located in the two mile-stretch between the existing Roosevelt and 35th/Bronzeville stations will provide much needed access to rapid transit for neighborhood residents and businesses. The new station will be ADA-accessible and have station house facilities located at grade level. The platform will be a center-island configuration for an eight-car train with canopy coverage for six cars. The station will also include an auxiliary exit to the north side of 23rd Street.
The design work will begin in March with construction set to begin by February 2013. The 18-month construction project is expected to be complete by July 2014.
This station, which will allow another access point to McCormick Place, is expected to provide a significant boost to the convention industry and help facilitate conventioneers getting downtown quickly and affordably.
This doesn't come as a surprise to loyal Sloopin readers, but it makes it a little more tangible and real when the mayor announces the plan. Although July 2014 seems like a long time away, we imagine this will continue to drive positive momentum for the area (see old Motor Row entertainment district stories) .
We will follow-up with a couple additional posts today on other things in the Cermak area.
(Image from Chicago Tribune)
