UNION STATION MASTER PLAN STUDY - STAGE 2
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 1
Potential Modifications to Chicago Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
DECEMBER 20, 2013
In the first stage of the Master Plan Study significant opportunities to
improve the current layout of Chicago Union Station were identified.
Outreach to Union Station users conducted during 2011 highlighted key
issues including congestion in the concourse, crowding in the Amtrak
waiting room, and the complex and confusing nature of the station’s
layout.
in cooperation with
Appendix C to the Final Report of the first stage of the Study
includes space planning layouts for some initial concepts for proposed
improvements in the medium term (a 5-10 year horizon). As part of the
second stage of the Study, these proposed improvements have been
revised based upon an analysis of a pedestrian simulation model of the
existing station conditions and further technical refinements. New space
planning layouts (in plan view) as well as architectural renderings have
been created and are included in this memo on the following pages.
www.unionstationmp.org
The key strategy that has guided this effort has been to open up the
station’s concourse area to improve passenger flows and to make it
easier for passengers to navigate through the station. The potential
modifications attempt to achieve this goal by relocating some existing
station functions away from the most congested parts of the existing
station concourse and moving the stairs and escalators that serve
the station’s Canal Street entrance. These changes would create a
continuous uninterrupted east-west axis through the station, connecting
the Great Hall on the west with the entrance to Amtrak’s waiting rooms
on the east. North-south movement inside the station would also be
greatly enhanced by relocation of the Amtrak ticket office, customer
service offices, and newsstand, creating a wide uninterrupted northsouth axis connecting the north and south platform areas. A central
information counter could be located at the convergence of the new
east-west and north-south axes, in the center of this newly opened up
concourse. From this central point, which would also be open to the
street level and natural light from above, clear and easy directions could
be provided to train gates, waiting areas, ticketing, food service, rest
rooms, station exits, and connecting transportation. It may be noted
that Union Station’s original passenger concourse, demolished in 1968,
featured a passenger information counter in nearly the same location.
These potential station concourse modifications would be compatible
with Amtrak’s current plans to alleviate crowding in its main waiting
room by relocating the Metropolitan Lounge (reserved for premium fare
sleeping car passengers) to a new, larger space in a currently unused
part of the headhouse building (off of the Great Hall). The existing
waiting room could then be expanded to encompass the entire east
side of the concourse area, approximately doubling the capacity of the
existing space.
The potential station concourse modifications would also complement
the creation of another large waiting room by repurposing existing backof-house space under the station’s former mail platforms. As proposed
in the first stage of the Master Plan Study, this below track level waiting
room would be used to service the former mail platforms when they
are converted for passenger use. The entrance to the underground
passageway (a former steam tunnel) connecting the repurposed
mail platforms and lower level waiting rooms to the existing station
concourse would be located at the highly visible eastern terminus of the
new east-west axis through the station concourse.
Finally, several new escalators and/or stairways are proposed to be
added to reduce the overcrowding conditions that presently occur
during commuter rail peak periods. It is possible that further analysis
could recommend even more escalators and stairways than depicted in
the attached drawings.
Further modifications to these plans will be proposed based on
additional train operations and pedestrian flow simulation modeling to
be conducted as the second stage of the Union Station Master Plan
Study progresses during the upcoming months. These preliminary
depictions of potential modifications to the station are being presented
at this time to document the current status of this planning exercise and
to facilitate additional comment and input from stakeholders.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
1
f
a
g
d
b
c
e
h
a. Canal Street entrance
b. Connecton to Great Hall
c. Track level passenger concourse
d. Diesel exhaust plenum
e. Amtrak waiting room
f. Office building/lobby
g. Food court
h. Walkway to possible new platforms
(converted from mail platform)
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1. This view, facing north, is a cutaway section of the possible modifications to Union Station’s passenger concourse between Canal Street and the
Chicago River. The station’s Canal Street entrance and below-street connection to the Great Hall are on the left, and Amtrak’s waiting room and
the mezzanine food court are on the right. On the lower right are proposed stairs and escalators connecting to a below track level walkway to the
proposed waiting room under the former mail platforms that are to be repurposed for passenger use.
2. This view of the pre-1968 Union Station concourse, facing west, illustrates the openness that allowed free movement and made it easy for people
to navigate through the station. An information counter was located in the center of the space.
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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University of Arizona Library; Fred Harvey Collection
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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3. Interior view of Union Station’s existing Canal Street lobby, facing north. This space is adjacent to the curbside where Amtrak customers are
picked up and dropped off and Amtrak’s coach buses board. Arrival and departure information is provided on small screens and there is no room
for seating; this lobby quickly becomes overcrowded during inclement weather.
4. Rendering of possible modifications to Union Station’s Canal Street lobby. The lobby could be expanded into vacant retail space to the north
and south, creating a larger, light-filled, inviting space. The expanded area could be used to create an atrium opening to the track level below by
shifting the stairs and escalators further to the north and south from their current position. Large train departure and arrival status displays could
greet entering passengers and natural light would reach the track level below. These improvements and amenities would help people to orient
themselves within the station while also making the indoor environment more pleasant.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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5. Interior view of Union Station’s existing concourse, facing east from the passageway connecting to the Great Hall. Today, the east-west axis
between the Great Hall and the Amtrak waiting lounge is blocked by the stairs and escalators serving the station’s Canal Street entrance. This
visual and physical obstruction makes it difficult for people to orient themselves and freely circulate within the station.
6. Rendering of possible modifications to Union Station’s concourse, facing east from the passageway connecting to the Great Hall. Relocating the
stairs and escalators to the north and south of their current positions would create an unobstructed east-west corridor for improved circulation
and orientation between the Great Hall and Amtrak’s waiting lounge. Clearly visible just inside the Amtrak waiting lounge entrance would be
stairs and escalators leading to an underground passageway connecting the station concourse with additional (lower level) waiting rooms serving
the former mail platforms repurposed for passenger use.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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7. Interior view of Union Station’s existing concourse, facing northwest from the bottom of the existing stairs and escalators serving the station’s
Canal Street entrance. The current configuration is congested and makes it difficult for people to orient themselves to the street level. Little
natural light reaches the concourse level through the elevator and stairway openings.
8. Rendering of possible modifications to Union Station’s concourse, facing northwest from the bottom of relocated stairs and escalators serving the
station’s Canal Street entrance. This reconfiguration would improve circulation and orientation by opening up views along an unobstructed eastwest through the station axis and also allow abundant natural light to reach the concourse level. This plan would double the number of escalators
serving the Canal Street entrance, from two to four.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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9. Another interior view of Union Station’s existing concourse, facing southeast from the passageway connecting to the Great Hall. This image
further illustrates how the east-west corridor within the station is currently blocked by stairs and escalators, while north-south movement within
the concourse is also impeded by Amtrak’s ticketing and check-in counter.
10. Rendering of possible modifications to Union Station’s concourse, facing southeast from the passageway connecting to the Great Hall. This view
illustrates how this part of the concourse could be opened up, creating a new focal point where an unobstructed east-west axis and a newlycreated north-south axis converge. From an information counter at this point, people could see the Amtrak waiting lounge, the Great Hall, access
to Canal Street, and train platform gates to both the north and south.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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11. This is the view upon entering Union Station’s south concourse from Tracks 6-8, facing northeast. During the morning and afternoon peak
commute periods, the three escalators serving the south platforms all operate in the peak direction. When multiple morning commuter trains
arrive simultaneously, there is not enough escalator capacity and passengers back up at the base of the escalators. There are also no visual cues
to lead to other parts of the station and alternative exit paths. During the afternoon commuting peak, if there are any service delays, this area just
outside the platform quickly becomes crowded with passengers awaiting their train’s boarding call.
12. Rendering of possible modifications to Union Station’s south concourse upon entering from Tracks 6-8, facing northeast. By relocating some
existing station functions, such as the Amtrak ticket office, away from the most congested parts of the concourse, a wide north-south corridor
is opened through the concourse between the north and south platform entrance areas. This added circulation space would provide a “relief
valve” during periods of peak travel demand or service disruptions, while also creating space for additional stairs and/or escalators in the areas of
highest demand. These changes would also make it much easier for people to orient themselves within the concourse.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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13. A view of the below track-level “steam tunnel” than currently connects the basement under the station concourse with a basement area under
the former mail platforms.
14. Rendering showing a possible reutilization of the “steam tunnel” space into a passenger passageway possibly featuring moving walkways and
an art installation. This passageway space would connect Amtrak’s improved waiting lounge space within the station concourse to additional
new waiting lounge space located under the new passenger platforms that would be created from the station’s former mail platforms. This new
lower level waiting lounge could comfortably seat over 1000 passengers awaiting trains that will use the new platforms above. The existing space
has high ceilings and could be reconfigured to include food service, rest rooms, and related traveler amenities. The mail platforms and space
underneath have been little used by Amtrak since it stopped carrying mail in 2002.
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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South Platform Plan
a. New Passenger platforms (converted from mail
platform)
Chicago Union Station
Proposed Medium Term Renovation
Concourse Level Plan
b. New vertical circulation to street level
Potential Modifications to Chicago Union
Station’s Passenger Facilities
Pedestrian Circulation& Lobbies
Clinton
UP
Existing Platforms
2,221 USF
DN
Vertical Circulation
New Through Track Platforms
Vertical Circulation
New/Modified Platforms
New Vertical Circulation
Remaining Baggage Platforms
Amtrak Waiting Area
Existing Platforms
Metra Waiting Area
Ticketing
Retail/Food
Building Cores
Train Operations
Office Space
Vacant
Pedestrian Circulation and Lobbies
c. Widen platforms 6/8 and 10/12 (baggage
platforms removed)
SEE CONCOURSE
LEVEL DETAIL ON
PAGE 22
New Vertical Circulation
DOWN
DOWN
DOWN
DOWN
DOWN
b
DOWN
b
DOWN
b
DOWN
b
WN
c
b
DO
Congress
i
c
DN
22
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18
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14
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10
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6
8
Canal
2
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a
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N
Jackson
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
Van Buren
16
Chicago River
Adams
a
40
Possible modifications to
Platforms 6-8 and 10-12
The seldom-used baggage platforms adjacent
to Tracks 8 and 12 (top) could be removed
and the tracks realigned to occupy the former
platform space. Then the adjacent passenger
platforms could be widened (bottom) to
improve circulation and allow space for
new stairs, escalators, and elevators directly
connecting these platforms with street level.
Baggage
Platform
Before
Expanded Access to North
Platforms
Three of Union Station’s north platforms
currently feature access from both the
north and south ends of the platforms. The
south ends of these platforms connect to
the station’s passenger concourse, while
the north ends connect to stairs serving the
street level at Madison Street. The platform
serving Tracks 1 and 3 only exits to the
south at present, which reduces its utility as
a commuter platform serving Metra trains.
However, by realigning an existing track
connection at the north end of Platform 1-3,
it would be possible to add access to Madison
Street from this platform as well. This would
allow Tracks 1 and 3 to be more intensively
utilized during peak periods, effectively
increasing the capacity of the north side of
the station.
After
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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CDOT’s Planned Union Station Transit Center (USTC) and Canal Street Access Improvements
Scheduled for construction by CDOT in 2014, the USTC will replace a small surface parking lot with an off-street terminal for several CTA bus
routes that now occupy two lanes on Canal Street in front of the station’s historic headhouse. Passengers will be able to walk between the station
and the new Transit Center without crossing streets by using a new stairway and elevator connected to the existing underground walkway between
the station’s concourse and Amtrak’s parking structure. The USTC project will also allow space on Canal Street to be reallocated as depicted below.
A new boarding island will be created in the middle of the street to increase the curb space available for boarding of taxis, buses, and private vehicles
at the existing main entrance to Union Station on the east side of Canal Street. The Canal Street improvements will be made as part of CDOT’s
Central Loop Bus Rapid Transit project, at the same time as USTC construction.
CDOT’s planned improvements to Canal
Street, facing north from Jackson
AECOM
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Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
CDOT’s planned Union Station Transit Center | Bird’s Eye View facing northwest
UNION STATION TRANSIT CENTER • BIRDS EYE VIEW
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
Planned USTC Entrance to Union Station
at southwest corner of Jackson and Canal
Planned USTC Bus Boarding Platforms, facing southwest
Muller & Muller Architects (all renderings on this page)
UNION STATION TRANSIT CENTER • BUS BOARDING PLATFORM
UNION STATION TRANSIT CENTER • TUNNEL ENTRY BUILDING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Street Level Plan
Potential Modifications to Chicago Union
Station’s Passenger Facilities
Adams
222 S. Riverside
Pedestrian Circulation and Lobbies
b
Vertical Circulation
New Vertical Circulation
c
Amtrak Waiting Area
Ticketing
Union Station
Retail/Food
a
d
d
Building Cores
c
Diesel Exhaust Plenum
e
Train Operations
Office Space
Vacant
Jackson
300 S. Riverside
Chicago River
Canal
Clinton
New Bus
Transit Center
a. Expanded Amtrak lobby
b. Revised and expanded Adams Street
stairs access
c. Retail space connected to Amtrak lobby
d. Relocated and added escalators
e. New Metopolitan Lounge
Van Buren
N
Pedestrian Circulation& Lobbies
Existing Platforms
20
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
New Through Track Platforms
Mezzanine Level Plan
Potential Modifications to Chicago Union
Station’s Passenger Facilities
Adams
Pedestrian Circulation and Lobbies
a
Vertical Circulation
EXISTING ESCALATOR
DOWN TO
TRAINS
b
New Vertical Circulation
EXISTING ESCALATOR
c
Retail/Food
Building Cores
d
Diesel Exhaust Plenum
d
UP
EXISTING RAMP
e
Jackson
a. Revised and expanded access
c. Relocated diesel exhaust plenum
e. Added stairs
Canal
Clinton
d. Relocated & added stairs and escalators; reduced retail space
Chicago River
N
b. Added escalator
Van Buren
Pedestrian Circulation& Lobbies
Existing Platforms
New Through Track Platforms
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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Concourse Level Plan
Potential Modifications to Chicago Union
Station’s Passenger Facilities
Adams
Pedestrian Circulation and Lobbies
Existing Platforms
2,221 USF
b
Modified Platforms
Vertical Circulation
a
f
d
h
i
New Vertical Circulation
c
d
Amtrak Waiting Area
Metra Waiting Area
g
Ticketing
DN
UP
e
DN
Retail/Food
Building Cores
Train Operations
Jackson
a. Relocated Amtrak ticketing/baggage check
d. Relocated stairs and escalators
e. Relocated Metropolitan lounge
Canal
Clinton
c. Expanded coach waiting area
Chicago River
N
b. New escalator
f. Information counter
g. New stairs
h. Vertical cirulation to new lower level walkway
Van Buren
Pedestrian Circulation& Lobbies
Existing Platforms
22
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
New Through Track Platforms
Vertical Circulation
Amtrak Waiting Area
New Vertical Circulation
New Vertical Circulation
Amtrak Waiting Area
Vertical Circulation
Metra Waiting Area
Ticketing
Retail/Food
Building Cores
Train Operations
Office Space
Vacant
Pedestrian Circulation and Lobbies
Pedestrian Circulation& Lobbies
Chicago Union Station
Proposed Medium Term Renovation
Basement Level Plan
b. Walkway to new waiting area (converted from
“steam tunnel”)
Potential Modifications to Chicago Union
Station’s Passenger Facilities
Existing Platforms
a. Stairways, escalator and elevator to existing
waiting area
New Through Track Platforms
Lower Level Plan
c. Possible moving sidewalk
d. Possible newly excavated area
Clinton
e. Possible new waiting areas (over 1,000 seats)
f. Vertical circle to new platforms
g. Possible new food service
Retail/Food
Building Cores
h. Existing “cross tunnel”
Train Operations
i. Vacant space available for relocation of support
functions
Vacant
i
Congress
Canal
a
h
c
g
e
g
b
d
Jackson
Van Buren
Chicago River
Adams
e
f
N
i
Potential Modifications to Union Station’s Passenger Facilities
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www.unionstationmp.org
Prepared for:
In Cooperation With:
Prepared by:
Photos: TranSystems
Union Station renderings: Ross Barney Architects, Inc.