UPTOWN — The massive overhaul of the CTA’s Wilson Red Line station began three weeks ago, and so far CTA officials say the project is on track.
The $203 million reconstruction project — which is expected to be finished in the fall of 2017 — is in a preliminary construction phase, which involves foundation work and demolition of some buildings in and around the nearly-century-old station.
CTA spokeswoman Catherine Hosinski said over the past week workers have been demolishing a CTA concession stand and a carpenter stand that were just west of the station’s auxiliary entrance on the south side of Wilson Avenue. There are also crews working to tear down an unused concrete freight structure and the vacant and deteriorated Broadway Mall.
Hosinski said when those projects are completed, crews will demolish the part of the Majestic Menswear building, although the original facade will be integrated into the updated station.
As with any major construction project, Hosinski said the CTA is in close contact with Ald. James Cappleman (46th) to “minimize impact on residents and local businesses.”
The preliminary construction phase is scheduled to be done by spring.
Residents should also expect a public meeting in the future to discuss the public art installations that artist Cecil Balmond will be designing for the station.
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