Rockwell Reopens
Today saw the reopening of the first two stations in the CTA's Countdown to a New Brown expansion project. Rockwell and Kedzie are two of the grade-crossing stations near the end of the Brown Line. For those unfamiliar with the project, it is in response to the growing number of riders along the line, which right now can only accommodate trains with six cars. The plan will allow eight car trains, meaning the platforms need to be longer. As well, all the stations will be accessible. In this case, it means ramping up to the platform from the street; other stations will require elevators and ADA-compliant stairs.
Here are some photos of the Rockwell station I took earlier today.
While the design probably won't win any awards, it's a definite improvement over its previous incarnation.
The station now has a stronger presence along Rockwell Avenue, a small retail/business area with an almost small town feel.
The grade crossing adds to the small town feel.
The interior is much more spacious than before, allowing people to wait inside in inclement weather.
Most of the station is platform, so it's a shame the CTA didn't include a canopy or any additional shelters for people waiting, given that the kiosk area is situated at the far end of the platform. Additional access is available via a turnstile at the other end of the platform, behind where I'm taking the above image.
Some new "seating" inside, next to the standard issue City of Chicago trash can. Can't say I understand why the CTA opted for this sort of furniture inside and very few benches and new round seats outside. The stations have always suffered from a lack of seating. Hopefully, in this case Rockwell isn't an indication of what to expect for the elevated stations to follow.
Here are some photos of the Rockwell station I took earlier today.
While the design probably won't win any awards, it's a definite improvement over its previous incarnation.
The station now has a stronger presence along Rockwell Avenue, a small retail/business area with an almost small town feel.
The grade crossing adds to the small town feel.
The interior is much more spacious than before, allowing people to wait inside in inclement weather.
Most of the station is platform, so it's a shame the CTA didn't include a canopy or any additional shelters for people waiting, given that the kiosk area is situated at the far end of the platform. Additional access is available via a turnstile at the other end of the platform, behind where I'm taking the above image.
Some new "seating" inside, next to the standard issue City of Chicago trash can. Can't say I understand why the CTA opted for this sort of furniture inside and very few benches and new round seats outside. The stations have always suffered from a lack of seating. Hopefully, in this case Rockwell isn't an indication of what to expect for the elevated stations to follow.
Public seating = stuff homeless can't sleep on.
ReplyDeleteSure, but recently the City has addressed that through the design of the seating itself rather than the elimination of any seating. The round seats (not pictured, about 12-18" diameter) on the platform address the sleeping problem but there aren't many. It would be pretty cool to see the platform littered with those round seats!
ReplyDeleteInstead of eliminating the cause, trying to “hide” the consequences. A problem beyond the interest of this blog I guess.
ReplyDeleteThe imperfection of the outcome when comes to public services. The dream continues to be a dream.
I like the new rockwell and kedzie stations as well, but agree with the lack of canopy.
ReplyDeletewhich was actually promised by the CTA in the final round of public meetings. for me the openings have some dire implications, the first being my own station, francisco, will soon be closing, and second, will these new "seating" features and basic approach to station design clash with the renovation and restoration that will take place at francisco. where they have promised to restore the station house, and canopy, while adding a ramp, plantings, and 75 ft of platform.
From the example of the overengineering of the new crossing equiptment, and the oddities of the new stations, I am just crossing my fingers and hoping that they come to their senses while preserving the last remnant of the at level stations that made up the end of the brown line, purple line, and old skokie line.
the older stations suffered from a lack of maintenance and a "paint it over" approach to any problem. With a little bit of care I hope this can show the CTA that not completely tearing down a station can LOWER the construction costs.
something that might get the CTA interested in less drastic station expanison in other areas.
sorry for such a long comment
I don't know if like the new station. Maybe I need to see it in person. This was my station when I worked at North Pier. I was really fond of the old one. It had a zillion layers of paint, but I like that antiquated feel. I'm interested to see what the Franciso station looks like along with the rest of the line.
ReplyDeleteI've lived within a block & 1/2 of Rockwell for 8 years, and sure, the old station needed improvement(s) so let's hail the city for the effort.
ReplyDeleteBut, I just got off at the new stop an hour ago and the shiny new door from the platform deck to into the shelter was propped open with a thick binder marked "Rockwell," presumably containing info for the station personnel... Or wait, maybe the architects' plan is for each new station to get a new black binder for door-prop purposes? "Procedure One: prop doors open with this binder." Brilliant!
So, that's yet another design failure/oversight to note along with the monster crossing lights (which horribly intrude on the 'small town' atmosphere when viewed from down the street -- the armatures are taller than all but the newest [crappy condo] building,) and the lack of seating (30% longer platform, but one _fewer_ seat spaces: two old benches at four spots each thrown out for one new four spot bench and three new individual stools).
I giggled this morning when I saw those stool seats... Cute as objects but come on, do we need to make such an obvious effort to deny bums a place to rest?
Maybe I'll feel nicer when winter comes and I can wait inside but for right now the new place seems lame.
I liked the undesign of the old stations, not the historic ones, just the blank ones. This new one kind of looks like a Panera, I have to admit I love that bench thing it looks like icing on a birthday cake!
ReplyDeleteOops, just as I was getting all high n' mighty, I had a better look around today and there is more seating down the platform... couple more benches and another three stool cluster.
ReplyDeleteStill stand by my other gripes.
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