In the course of rebundling already known infrastructure projects into a coordinated Near South Side investment plan on Friday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled new renderings for the Cermak/McCormick Place Green Line station. We're not surprised it has a similar feel to the Morgan station— they share the same architect, Carol Ross Barney. But the Cermak station is far more streamlined, owing to its center-platform orientation. This will allow for easy transfers and changes in direction of travel. We rather like the cocoon-like form and minimalism the rendering puts forth. It reminds of Rem Koolhaas' IIT train tube, not to mention countless European rail terminals.
The project will cost close to $50M, with completion expected by late-2014. The mayor's feel-good infrastructure package includes many small tweaks and a few larger items, like a new Chinatown library and rebuild of the Harrison Red Line station. It's all being positioned as major South Side investment designed to attract greater private investment and more local employment options. A lot hinges on whether Motor Row gets its act together, as its positioning makes it the connective tissue for whole Near South Side. Still on the area's wish list: a Green Line station at 18th.
·Mayor Highlights $65M in projects on Near South Side [Sun-Times]
·CTA Tracker: Cermak Station [Curbed Chicago]
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