Amtrak seeks ideas for Chicago Union Station upgrade

Image generated with Ai

Amtrak is undergoing a transformation of the Concourse at Chicago Union Station and is actively seeking input from travelers, station users, and local residents to shape the project. The envisioned changes encompass enhancements to the boarding process, upgraded amenities, and the introduction of new services.

To initiate the design phase, a survey is now available at ChicagoUnionStation.com. QR codes linking to the survey are displayed on video screens throughout the station. The survey will remain open until the end of the month, underscoring Amtrak’s commitment to involving Chicago Union Station users in the design and subsequent construction phases.

This marks the first significant improvement at track level and above since 1991 for a station that serves a substantial daily clientele of Amtrak and Metra customers. The initiative is part of the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), enjoying repeated endorsement from state, regional, and federal leaders.

Chicago Union Station, which originally opened in 1925, holds historical significance, and Amtrak aims to collaborate with partners and the public to develop a preferred design that will guide the station into the next century. Jeannie Kwon, Amtrak Vice President, Mega Programs Development and Coordination, emphasized the use of federal capital funds and contributions from partners for both design and construction elements.

Barney Gray, Amtrak Assistant Vice President for Major Stations, emphasized ongoing efforts with partners to explore various funding avenues, including grant opportunities. The goal is to fund the construction, redesigning the Concourse to deliver a state-of-the-art station befitting a premier city.

The design team for this Amtrak-owned station, led by Chicago-based Epstein in collaboration with FXCollaborative, brings together Epstein’s expertise in managing complex public facilities and FXCollaborative’s design experience in transportation projects.

Epstein, known for its work on projects such as the Terminal 5 concessions area at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, collaborates closely with FXCollaborative, the designer of the well-received Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge and Office Complex in the Moynihan Train Hall for New York Penn Station.

As part of their commitment, Epstein is actively pursuing a 28.2% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Small Business Enterprise (DBE/SBE) participation goal. The firm pledges to allocate 15.3% of design fees to DBE firms and 12.9% to Minority/Women/Veteran/People with Disabilities-owned firms.

Amtrak views this endeavor as one of several significant infrastructure projects led by its Capital Delivery department, with investments in modern trains, updated stations, new tunnels and bridges, and other critical upgrades. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided unprecedented capital funding for passenger rail, ushering in A New Era of Rail focused on enhancing the customer experience, improving safety and reliability, driving economic development, reducing trip times, expanding capacity, advancing accessibility, and promoting sustainability.