The architecture behind Chicago Union Station is a beacon of the city’s rich history and transportation legacy.
Completed in 1925, this iconic landmark stands out not only for its grand design but also for its role in connecting the bustling metropolis.
Designed by Daniel Burnham and completed by the firm Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White, Union Station’s Classical Revival exterior and Beaux Arts interior make it a stunning example of architectural elegance.
In the heart of Chicago, Union Station serves as a critical hub for both local commuters and long-distance travelers.
The station’s impressive Great Hall, with its towering Corinthian columns and expansive skylight, is a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture.
Recognized as one of “America’s Great Places,” this historic station has remained a pivotal part of Chicago’s urban fabric.
Standing as the last of the city’s grand train stations, Chicago Union Station continues to be a vital part of the West Loop neighborhood.
Its architectural significance and functionality make it a key player in the story of Chicago’s development.
If you want to delve deeper into this architectural marvel, explore its design and history in more detail here and here.
Historical Significance
Chicago Union Station stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage and its pivotal role in the development of American railroads.
This section explores the design and construction of the station and its role in railroad history.
Design and Construction
Union Station was designed by the prominent architect Daniel Burnham, who played a key role in shaping Chicago’s architectural landscape.
Though Burnham passed away before construction began, his vision was carried forward by the firm Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White.
Construction began in 1913 and took over a decade to complete, finally opening in 1925. The project cost $75 million, equivalent to over $935 million today.
The station features a Classical Revival exterior and a Beaux-Arts interior, reflecting the grandeur of the early 20th century.
Named a Chicago Landmark in 2002, its design underscores Chicago’s architectural excellence.
Union Station in American Rail History
Union Station played a crucial role in American rail history, serving as a major hub for rail travel, particularly during and after World War I.
The station’s strategic location in the West Loop made it an essential gateway for passengers and goods moving through Chicago. It symbolized the city’s emergence as a vital transportation center following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
In 2012, the American Planning Association recognized Union Station as one of “America’s Great Places,” affirming its historical and cultural significance.
The station’s design and its role in boosting Chicago’s rail network exemplify its lasting impact on the development of American railroad infrastructure.
Architectural Features
Chicago’s Union Station, designed in the Classical Revival and Beaux-Arts styles, features grand interiors and significant architectural details. It highlights elements like the Great Hall and intricate designs by Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White.
Beaux-Arts Style
Union Station is a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style, emphasized by its grand facades and detailed ornamentation.
This style, rooted in classical architecture, includes rich decorative elements and symmetry. The station’s exterior showcases stone carvings and large columns, typical of Beaux-Arts.
The monumental barrel-vaulted skylight in the central concourse enhances the grandeur. The Headhouse, an iconic piece of the structure, further exemplifies this approach.
Architect firms Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White meticulously achieved these intricate designs.
Restoration and Preservation
Efforts to preserve Union Station began in recent decades due to its historical and architectural significance.
The skylight in the Great Hall received major restoration, combining modern techniques with original materials. This project ensured it retained the station’s character.
Restoration also focused on marble floors and brass lamps, emphasizing the attention to detail in preserving the original aesthetic.
Specialists in historical buildings supervised the preservation work. Keeping the station’s integrity was paramount, reflecting its status as a key landmark in Chicago’s architectural heritage.
Notable Interiors
Union Station’s interiors are monumental, particularly the Great Hall.
This space features a grand barrel-vaulted skylight, flooding the space with natural light. Marble floors and travertine walls create a luxurious and timeless look.
The Great Hall also includes classical elements like neoclassical benches and brass lamps. Sculptor Henry Hering designed intricate reliefs, adding artistic value.
The station’s internal layout is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting early 20th-century architectural ideals while providing a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
Union Station Today
Chicago Union Station serves as a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of tens of thousands of commuters daily.
Continuing improvements and future developments ensure that the station remains efficient and user-friendly.
Modern Transportation Hub
Chicago Union Station is a central part of the city’s transportation network.
It handles over 120,000 commuters and travelers each day.
Amtrak and Metra services play a significant role. Amtrak owns the station and it is one of the busiest in the nation for Amtrak passengers.
Metra operates many commuter trains passing through the station, connecting the city to suburbs.
Pace buses also serve the area, linking the station with different parts of the city.
Located in the West Loop, the station is critical for public and commercial transit.
Renovations and Future Development
Ongoing renovations aim to enhance the traveler experience.
For instance, projects by Goettsch Partners have updated existing spaces. This makes them more accessible and efficient for Amtrak passengers and Metra passengers.
Plans for new developments include expanding concourse areas and improving facilities to support the growing number of users.
Future projects focus on integrating modern technology to streamline operations. These efforts help maintain Chicago Union Station as a key transportation hub in the city.