Plans have been revealed for the expansion and renovation of the existing 59th Street/University of Chicago Metra station in Hyde Park. Located between East 59th Street and East 60th Street, the station will serve the upcoming Obama Presidential Center as well as the university. The project is being led by Metra.

The existing station currently utilizes a single outdoor entrance on 59th Street. It hasn’t seen significant renovations in decades, and the 60th Street entrance has been closed for the past 45 years. Due to this—and the increased ridership expected—Metra has partnered with Legat Architects to reconstruct the station with improved accessibility.

Both the 59th and 60th Street entrances will receive new glass enclosures around the existing colonnades. Each will include two elevators to the platform, a storage room, and digital information boards. The upper levels will feature an enclosed exit and an extended roof over the platform. A new lighting package will also be installed. Visit Chicago YIMBY for the full article!