Column: Union Station’s Redevelopment Could Start by Spring, Adding Amenities for 37 Million Annual Passengers

As seen Chicago Tribune

A more than $1 billion redevelopment of Union Station could begin as soon as next spring, starting with a seven-story glass-and-steel addition on top of its main building.

More than a year after they were chosen by property owner Amtrak to reconfigure and build onto the massive rail station, Chicago-based developers Riverside Investment & Development and Convexity Properties on Monday night unveiled new details of their proposal to add a hotel, apartments, offices and new retail tenants.

Plans for the project’s first phase were outlined in the first public meeting held by Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, the initial step in the process toward gaining the alderman’s blessing, and eventually zoning approval from the City Council.

If the plan is approved by the city and the developers successfully implement their vision, Metra and Amtrak train passengers would experience a more vibrant Great Hall concourse and more options for eating, drinking and shopping. It also would bring hundreds of residents and hotel guests to the property.