The California Blue Line Station is on track to get a major facelift beginning next year.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has approved the granting of a construction contract, facilitating modernization and accessibility upgrades to the busy Logan Square transit station.
Here’s a brief history of the station and an inside look at the renovation process.
California station among busiest on the Blue Line, says CTA
The California Blue Line station (2211 N. California Ave.) was originally constructed in 1895, and last renovated in 2015, according to a CTA release.
The station is among the CTA’s busier Blue Line stations, recording more than 1.125 million entries in 2025.
All about the California Blue Line renovation plans
Under the program, the CTA will outfit the California stop with the following upgrades:
- Two new elevators serving the inbound and outbound platforms.
- New stairs and accessible doors.
- Updated signage and wayfinding.
- Platform and canopy extensions.
- Adjustments to lighting, railings and windbreaks.
- Improvements to sidewalks, ramps, drainage and landscaping.
The planned California Blue Line station overhaul is a part of the CTA’s broader All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).
This initiative aims to make all CTA stations 100% accessible to those with disabilities by 2038.
Currently, 110 out of the CTA’s 146 rail stops are fully accessible, representing 75% of system stations. This figure is among the highest for legacy transit systems in the U.S., according to the CTA.
The CTA notes the full value of the California Blue Line modernization contract will not exceed $39.9 million.
Financing for the project will come from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and City of Chicago Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.
Construction is slated to commence in late 2027. The station will remain open to commuters during construction, with crews building a temporary entrance and stationhouse on adjacent St. George’s Court.
To view more renderings and learn additional info, click here.
