Chicago Union Station revitalization plan moves forward

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
image description

Amtrak, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority revealed a set of initiatives on Friday aimed at advancing the master plan to redevelop Chicago's Union Station.

 

The initiatives announced include a Request for Proposal (RFP) for designing the major improvements and a Request for Information (RFI) for a master developer to lead redevelopment efforts.

In addition, $14 million in Amtrak-funded 2015-16 improvements were unveiled, including the completion of the restoration of the station’s grand staircases and plans for a new passenger lounge to open next summer with direct access from Canal Street. The relocation of the passenger lounge will double the space available for business class and sleeping-car passengers and allow expansion of coach seating at the concourse level; replacement of door systems and heating upgrades; restoration of the 219-foot-long barrel-vaulted skylight that soars 115 feet over the Great Hall; and the creation of banquet and event space in the former women’s lounge. These projects will be finished by the end of 2016 and will help reestablish the Great Hall as a key passenger service location.

“Chicago Union Station is an enormous asset to Amtrak as well as the City of Chicago,” said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak executive vice president/chief of business development. “Amtrak is committed to working in partnership with our stakeholders to launch strategies and make investments that deliver value for the company and help realize the full vision a vibrant transportation hub interwoven within an integrated mixed-use urban district.”

“Union Station provides an essential link to jobs and economic opportunities for Chicagoans. Modernizing Union Station is a positive development for residents, travelers, and businesses across the city,” said Mayor Emanuel. “This is another step forward in building a 21st century infrastructure to power Chicago’s growing economy, and an opportunity to strengthen the investments we’ve made in the

Amtrak said the RFP issued would address the most immediate passenger capacity, service, safety, accessibility and mobility issues at and around the station. These 13 near-term (Phase 1) improvements will be jointly funded by Amtrak, the city, Metra and RTA and were identified in the City-led master plan.

This will advance work for renovation of an expanded concourse, expanded and added entrances, widening of platforms, disabilities compliance, pedestrian passageways and consider ventilation needs in the track and platform areas.

The work to advance these improvements, called Phase 1A, includes planning, historic review and preliminary engineering services, up to 30 percent design, with an option to complete. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to provide these services is on procurement.Amtrak.com, with a selection to be made this winter and design work is expected to be completed in 2017.

Amtrak said the RFI includes the opportunity to redevelop the Amtrak-owned station and surrounding land parcels, as well as improvements to both passenger and employee facilities – all integrated with the surrounding neighborhoods.
The RFI represents the first step in the evaluation of interested parties capable of all aspects of project delivery including an implementable Master Development Plan, design, construction, financing the potential operation and maintenance of non-rail assets, as well as identification of expansion opportunities and commercial development in surrounding areas in the West Loop.

The RFI and future phases of the Master Development process is part of a larger corporate program to leverage the substantial Amtrak asset portfolio. Focused on innovative strategies for sustainable financial performance and infrastructure reinvestment, this program includes additional future opportunities at other Amtrak-owned properties that will undergo a similar Master Development process.

Tags: