CTA Washington/Wabash Elevated Station

an iconic transit station design for downtown Chicago

The concept of MOVEMENT is at the heart of Chicago’s transit system, connecting the city’s numerous neighborhoods with the Loop, its iconic landmarks and the lakefront parks. The new Washington/Wabash Station transforms the perception of public transportation facilities, and becomes a new gateway for Millennium Park and many of Chicago’s downtown attractions.

As an appropriate expression for a city that is always moving forward, the iconic project included the demolition of two existing transit stations, installation of new and modified track super structure, station fare collection areas, two new 425-foot long platforms and signature canopies.

The wave form of the canopies weaves through the historic Wabash Avenue canyon as a playful undulating counterpoint to the geometry of the city grid and buildings, and anticipates the soft forms of the park and lake beyond.

The architecture of the canopies is simple, elegant and economical. The skeletal steel and faceted glass structure creates a dynamic play of light alluding to diamond facets and the immediate Jeweler’s Row context. From the platform, the canopy serves as a deliberate contrasting frame that captures views to the historic Wabash facades.

 

Services

Architecture, Lighting Design, Structural, Mechanical

Distinctions
BLT Built Design Awards, Winner in Architectural Design - Bridges / Public infrastructure, 2021
AIA Illinois, Mies van der Rohe Award for Design Innovation, 2019
AIA Chicago, Distinguished Building Award, Honor Award, 2018
AIA Chicago, The Divine Detail Award, 2018
International Design Awards (IDA), Gold Award in Architecture, 2018
World Architecture News Awards (WAN), Future Projects Transport Award Finalist, 2016
Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Winner, 2016
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), National Grand Award, 2018
American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois), Honor Award, Transportation, 2018
ENR Midwest, Best Projects of 2018, Airports/Transit, 2018
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Merit Award, 2019
Chicago Building Congress (CBC), Merit Award, 2018
Illuminating Engineering Society, International Illumination Design, Award of Merit, 2019
Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI), Award of Merit, 2018
Get in touch

Interested in learning more?
Let’s work together to explore the possibilities.

Build your career

Our experience is what differentiates us.
Explore a dynamic, rewarding career with EXP.