CTA Blue Line Damen station re-opens in Wicker Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The CTA Blue Line Damen station re-opened in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood Monday morning after two months of renovations.

Since Oct. 20, CTA riders have had to use the nearby Division and Western stations to access the Blue Line.

"They restored it to an 1800s feel," rider Jason Saldana said. "It's a cool feel."

About 7,000 riders use the Damen station on an average weekday and had growing structural problems. The $13 million improvements at the Damen station, which first opened in 1895, include new bike racks, granite flooring in the station, new lighting, benches and signage on the platforms. The station's historic masonry walls and entrance canopy were also restored.

Workers still have to fix the newly installed numbers on the station facade, which incorrectly list the address as 1588 North Damen instead of the correct 1558.

The renovations are part of the transit agency's four-year, $492 million "Your New Blue" program, which will update a total of 13 Blue Line stations and upgrade the power and signal systems along the O'Hare branch.

To celebrate the re-opening, Flash Taco at 1570 North Damen Avenue will give away free tamales from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Dec. 22-24. Glazed and Infused at 1576 North Milwaukee Avenue will offer a free doughnut and large coffee to anyone who presents their Ventra card Dec. 22-24.