The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) recently reopened the Racine Blue Line main station house on Racine Avenue after being completely rebuilt to accommodate an elevator, allowing all riders to access the system.

Originally constructed in 1958, work at the new Racine Blue Line Station main stationhouse, located at 430 S. Racine Avenue, now features a new elevator, a new ADA accessible ramp from the stationhouse to the platform, new stairs, and an extension of the platform.

The Racine station now has clearly defined accessible pathways to and from train platforms, bus stops, and other major modal transfer points. All features along the pathway, such as fare arrays, shelters, benches, and passenger information, were redesigned to remove barriers and allow for universal accessibility.

"Every aspect of this station — from the intentional design of the space to the inclusion of the artwork — now conveys 'welcome' to our riders," said acting President Nora Leerhsen. "I want to extend an enthusiastic 'welcome back' to our riders who rely on this station and welcome all the riders who were previously unable to access this station. This milestone is a celebration of both transit as a physical space and experience, and as an opportunity to connect."

CTA Begins Loomis Entrance Reconstruction

On Monday, October 13, the Loomis Street auxiliary entrance will close for reconstruction. The station will be accessible exclusively via the newly reopened Racine Avenue station. The Loomis Street auxiliary entrance is expected to reopen in 2027. According to an agency release, the cost of the station reconstruction was largely made possible by Rebuild Illinois funds.

Riders entering the new station will be greeted by Flowers for the Blue Line Racine Station, a floor-to-ceiling installation of more than 700 hand-crafted ceramic tiles in the main entrance of the station.

This artwork is the latest in a series of new installations planned over the next few years, as CTA issued a call for artists last year for new artwork to be added to the Austin and 43rd Green Line stations, plus two employee facilities — the newly constructed 63rd Non-Revenue Rail Vehicle Maintenance Facility and the soon to be built Operations Control and Training Center in West Garfield Park.

CTA's collection of public art has nearly doubled over the last decade to include more than 100 permanent and temporary works of art across all eight rail lines and multiple bus facilities. The collection of public art includes mosaics, art glass, sculptures, and interactive installations created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local.