Related tweaks plans for new CTA stop in The 78 after alderman objects

Alderman Pat Dowell said she’s waiting to hear from constituents before giving new plan her blessing

The CTA Red Line stop, Curt Bailey, and Pat Dowell
The CTA Red Line stop, Curt Bailey, and Pat Dowell

Related Midwest tweaked its plans for a new CTA Red Line station in The 78 mega development, after Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) rejected an earlier proposal.

Related had wanted to put the station on the southeast corner of 15th and Clark streets, but Dowell objected, saying it would be too disruptive to residents of the surrounding Dearborn Park development. The developer responded by moving the proposed station across Clark into a new building within The 78’s footprint, according to Crain’s.

Dowell appeared to support the change but said she would wait to hear community feedback before giving the plan her blessing.

The station is one of several major infrastructure projects Related has proposed for The 78, including moving the Metra Rock Island tracks that now form an eastern boundary for the site.

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Related’s $7 billion, neighborhood-sized development could include 13 million square feet of office, hotel and residential space, and as many as 10,000 residential units.

The Chicago developer won its first city approval for the 62-acre project in November, but still needs city support for the train station.

By moving the station across Clark, Related is moving it out of Dowell’s ward. The actual 78 development site — including the new CTA station proposal — is in the 25th Ward of embattled Alderman Danny Solis, which could set up an interesting test of whether Dowell’s aldermanic privilege would extend to a project not technically in her ward. [Crain’s] — John O’Brien