Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled final development concepts for the space under the new ‘L’ tracks between the Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations, part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project.
A century-old, 1.3-mile long concrete embankment wall was demolished as part of the RPM project, which has rebuilt Red and Purple line elevated track structure and is also reconstructing the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations. The 10 blocks of open space are located under the new Red and Purple Line tracks between W. Lawrence and W. Ardmore avenues.
“The 48th ward deserves community spaces that are beautiful, safe, and accessible to everyone.” said Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth. “This once-in-a-lifetime investment delivers on that and lays a foundation for our neighbors to keep creating the spaces, events, and community connections that they want to see.”
The CTA partnered with Site Design Group, a Chicago-based, nationally award-winning landscape architecture, urban design and architecture firm to guide the development of a block-by-block plan for the space.
Plans include a pedestrian trail, dog parks, playground, fitness area, benches, and flexible-use plaza space for community events. The CTA held multiple public meetings in 2024 to collect ideas from the community on the types of amenities they wanted under the elevated tracks.
The CTA presented the design plans to the Edgewater and Uptown communities during public meetings Feb. 25 and 26. Block-by-block concepts can be found here.
Construction of the community spaces is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.CTA continues to make significant progress in the final major stage of construction.
After rebuilding the northbound Red and Purple elevated track structure in 2023, CTA is nearing completion of the southbound Red Line structure and four new, fully accessible Red Line stations at Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr. The new stations and tracks are expected to open this summer.
When project starts and Be done by 2027…..