A new and improved Metra station is making tracks for Morton Grove commuters.
The rail station at 8501 LeHigh Avenue reopened in December following a $4 million renovation that included a $300,000 grant from Metra and $500,000 in state funds secured by State Rep. Mike Kelly. The station, which has not been updated since the 1970s, features a two-story structure with a clock tower, modern amenities, and a soon-to-be tenant. A September grand opening is planned.
“It’s a lot more accessible, and it’s a great entry point for the village,” said Morton Grove Village Administrator Chuck Meyer. “It’s a phenomenal building, very usable, with a lot of creature comforts.”
Those comforts include new furniture and charging stations for cell phones and computers with plans to open a cafe.
“We’re in the final stages of negotiating a contract to create a nice, usable space for people to have a beverage and get a small bite to eat while they’re waiting for the train,” Meyer said.
The station also features electronic screens for incoming trains, and the “voice of Metra” announces the status of trains entering the station.
Metra is now redoing the asphalt platforms on both the east and west sides of the tracks, which is a three-month process from start to finish since Metra works in quadrants for the safety of commuters, Meyer said. There are also plans to expand the parking lot for the area. He expects construction to wrap up in August.
The renovation project was funded by the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district that the station is in — not from the village’s general fund — Meyer said, along with support from Metra and Rep. Kelly.
“Investing in our community means investing in the systems that move us, and the updated Morton Grove Station is a great example of what we can achieve through partnership,” Rep. Kelly said in a statement prepared for Pioneer Press. “It has been a true pleasure to secure and distribute the necessary funding for this project in close coordination with State Sen. Ram Villivalam and Mayor Janine Witko.
“By modernizing our infrastructure in the 15th District, we aren’t just improving a building; we are boosting ridership, creating local jobs, and making the ‘green’ choice for our environment,” Kelly said. “This station is a cornerstone of our commitment to a more sustainable, accessible and prosperous future for all residents.”
Rep. Kelly’s office confirmed the funding for the station was part of the capital projects that are included in the state budget each year.
“We’re excited to secure this funding and look forward to getting more projects for the community approved,” Kelly said.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
