Metra joined officials from North Chicago and Lake County today to celebrate the completion of the rehab of North Chicago’s Metra station facility.
The $380,000 project, funded by Metra and overseen by the City of North Chicago, provides an aesthetic and functional upgrade to the passenger shelter while preserving the structure’s unique architectural character.
Metra Chief Operating Officer Kevin McCann and Metra Board Vice Chair Norman Carlson were joined by North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr., U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, Lake County Board member Angelo Kyle, State Senator Adriane Johnson and State Rep. Rita Mayfield to commemorate the completion of the project.
“The North Chicago shelter has always made a strong architectural statement, and this project preserves the unique character of the original facility but provides the community and My Metra’s customers with a shelter that is more functional and durable,” McCann said. “Our stations are very much a part of the communities My Metra serves and projects like this are great examples of what can happen when we work together.”
“The commuters and residents of North Chicago are excited to see the reopening of this beautiful train station,” said Mayor Rockingham. “This entire project to refurbish our station has been a wonderful, collaborative effort between the City and Metra.”
“The North Chicago Metra station represents a historic investment in our community,” said State Senator Johnson. “Efficient, high-quality public transit allows residents to visit surrounding neighborhoods and stay connected with businesses, parks and each other. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism is our ticket to recovery and this station gives us the foundation to support local economies with even greater enthusiasm, and to build new, stronger relationships with our neighbors.”
The completed project preserved the original 1986 shelter’s modern vertical and angular design while addressing issues that improved the station’s function. Window openings were enlarged to allow more natural light and provide better sight lines for passenger safety and security. The shelter’s wood-sided exterior was replaced with fiber cement lap siding and veneer limestone siding. These more durable materials will resist vandalism as well as damage from salt during the winter. The shelter’s roof was also replaced with a standing seam metal roof and new insulation.
Gurnee-based Legat Architects Inc. served as the project’s architect while construction was performed by Integral Construction, Inc. of Romeoville.