Amtrak, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Metra, and the Regional Transportation Authority revealed a set of initiatives on October 16, 2015 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.
“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.”