Damen Station on the Green Line officially opens

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has officially opened the new Damen Station on the Green Line, a significant addition to the city's transit network. This $80.2 million project, situated at the intersection of Lake Street and Damen Avenue on the Near West Side, addresses a long-standing gap in service between the Ashland and California stops. The new station is designed to provide easier access to the United Center, especially timely with the upcoming Democratic National Convention​​.

The Damen Station project was first announced in 2017 and began construction in 2022. The station features a modern design with green steel-tube bridges, frosted glass elements, and wood tone ceilings. Local artist Folayemi Wilson contributed a significant art piece for the station's main entrance, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the new transit hub​.

The opening of the Damen Station is expected to bring substantial benefits to the surrounding community. By filling a 1.5-mile void in the Green Line, the station improves accessibility for residents and businesses in the area, potentially spurring further economic development similar to the impact seen with the Morgan Green Line stop​.

This new addition to Chicago's public transportation system not only marks the end of a 76-year period since the original Damen station was demolished but also underscores the city's commitment to improving its infrastructure and supporting its neighborhoods​.