Loyola Avenue Station
Loyola Avenue Station Soundex Code L400
Chicago, IL 60626
Name: Before elevation--Hayes Street Station, after elevation, Loyola Avenue Station.
Chicago "L".org Stations - Loyola
Contents
New Loyola Station Debuts
New Entry Plaza at Renovated Loyola "L" Station Welcomes Commuters, September 3, 2013.
A beautiful new entry plaza now welcomes CTA commuters to the Loyola "L" station. The opening of the plaza marked the conclusion of a $20 million renovation project that brought much-needed improvements to both the Loyola station house and the viaduct over Sheridan Road.
A building that housed a small McDonald's restaurant and a branch bank were demolished to make way for the plaza.
The Loyola station rebuild was a joint effort of the CTA, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Loyola University. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin helped get the project off the ground by securing $11 million in federal funds.
The project stabilized existing infrastructure, upgraded the station house, and improved pedestrian safety by redirecting pedestrian traffic away from a mid-block Sheridan Road crossing in front of the station to a safer four-way signalized intersection at Loyola Avenue and Sheridan (see photo on left). The main entrance was relocated slightly north to allow for the new plaza, which created a more inviting path in and out of the station, with better visibility.
The upgraded Loyola Station provides CTA commuters a bright, new ground-level station house with safer, more convenient access from Sheridan Road on the north side of the station. It also provides commuters with easier access from Loyola Avenue on the south and west sides of the station. The project also rehabilitated the viaduct across Sheridan Road, providing concrete repairs, new trackwork and brighter lighting.
The former Loyola station was re-built in 1980-82, and was among the first CTA stations to be equipped with an elevator.
While the Loyola station rehab and the new plaza are complete, construction continues on a four-story, mixed use building immediately north of the new plaza. The building, owned by Loyola University, will contain approximately 15,000 square feet of first-floor retail space and house 41 one-bedroom apartments.
The building is scheduled for occupancy next summer (2014).
The Loyola Station rehab was first announced in July, 2011, and construction of both the plaza and the building received unanimous support at a community meeting I hosted in April, 2012.
Northwestern Elevated Railroad Photos
RPWRHS photo C036-0103 shows the construction of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad elevation of its tracks just south of what is now the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue. After 1908 the Northwestern Elevated Railroad was extended to Howard Street on the tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. The elevation of the tracks began in 1914, but, due to material shortages caused by World War I, was not completed until 1921. The rear of the original St. Ignatius Church, 6559 N. Glenwood Avenue, can be seen at the left. The Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, was built in this site in 1926.
CRT Photos
RPWRHS photo C036-004 shows the south side of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, circa 1940.
CTA Photos
RPWRHS photo C036-0106 shows the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue in the snow. Photo 1979.
RPWRHS photo C036-0107 shows the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue in the snow. Photo 1979.
RPWRHS photo C036-0108 shows a Northbound 6000 Series elevated train approaching the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, in the snow. This photo is also L009-0101. Photo 1979.
RPWRHS photo L009-0101 shows a Northbound 6000 Series elevated train approaching the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, in the snow. This photo is also C036-0108. Photo 1979.
RPWRHS photo S013-0680 shows the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, in April 1987.
RPWRHS photo S013-0642 shows Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, June 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0699 shows the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, April 1987.
RPWRHS photo S013-0700 (overexposed) shows Wendy's Restaurant, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, under Loyola Avenue Station. April 1987. Later a McDonald's.
RPWRHS photo S013-1110 shows Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue, April 1987.
