Project Spotlight January 14, 2026

A new train station bridges Chicago’s past and future

Panoramic views and bespoke signage place straphangers at the heart of the city.

Modern public transit station with glass walkway and green structural details

Photos: James Steinkamp

Damen Green Line Station

Project

Chicago, Illinois

Location

Chicago Department of Transportation

Client

Site: 37,887 ft² (3,520 m²)
Building: 18,200 ft² (1,691 m²)

Size

Perkins&Will

The Green Line Station at Damen and Lake brings elevated rail service back to Chicago’s Near West Side for the first time since 1948. Aligned with the city’s Connected Communities Ordinance to advance equitable transit-oriented development, it will support reinvestment in the growing neighborhood, which includes residential zones as well as the United Center arena, Kinzie Industrial Corridor, and Malcolm X College.

With references to Chicago’s iconic bridges and railways, the design of the multimodal station prioritizes passenger comfort while nodding to the city’s history. The glass façade keeps sight lines open and the station full of light, easing navigation from the street to the platform level. A green, painted truss supports a glass bridge connecting inbound and outbound trains, offering spectacular views of the skyline and orienting visitors to neighborhood destinations.

Modern transit station with glass architecture at dusk, featuring vibrant mural.

Modern transit station with glass facade and vibrant mural at dusk.

Modern transit station interior with wooden ceiling and large windows.

Modern train station entrance with a mural and wooden ceiling.

Modern train station entrance with mural and people passing through.

Modern train station entrance with colorful mural and passengers.

Modern green pedestrian bridge with people ascending in sunlight.

Modern green pedestrian bridge with people walking down the stairs.

Modern walkway with glass walls, three people view cityscape from inside.

Modern urban glass walkway with three people enjoying a city view.

Passengers descend the stairs of a train station interior with a wood ceiling and green wayfinding signage.

A person waits on the train platform as a train approaches with other commuters in the background

Modern train station at sunset with a green pedestrian bridge and a mural.

Modern train station at sunset with green walkway and passengers boarding.

Aerial view of urban train station and surrounding cityscape.

Aerial view of an urban green roof and street intersection with cars and train tracks.

Aerial view of downtown skyline at sunset with urban cityscape and skyscrapers.

Aerial view of city skyline at dusk with illuminated streets and buildings.

A welcoming public plaza supports everyday commuters as well as large crowds going to and from the United Center. Inside, a staircase, escalator, and elevator offer a variety of ways to access the train platform.

A glass tile mosaic by artist Folayemi Wilson fills the west wall of the station house. Inspired by the history and future of Chicago’s Near West Side, the artwork roots the station’s identity in the local community.

A timber ceiling adds warmth to the space.

The green painted steel truss references the name of the CTA line and adds a pop of color.

A viewing platform at the end of the bridge provides a place for riders to familiarize themselves with the neighborhood.

A viewing platform at the end of the bridge allows riders to familiarize themselves with the neighborhood.

Bespoke signage inside the station and on the platform offers another level of wayfinding that orients passengers and helps them on their journey.

Fritting on the glass canopy casts a shadow pattern on the train platform.

The ample use of glass in the station house, truss bridge, and platforms keeps sightlines open throughout the stop day and night.

A green roof on the station house reduces runoff and improves insulation.

Seen from afar in twilight, the station glows like a neighborhood beacon.

“This visually stunning new station will enhance affordable and convenient transportation options for residents and help attract future investments that will make Chicago’s West Side a vibrant hub of residential, retail, entertainment, and public spaces.”

Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

Learn more about the Damen Green Line Station project >