Union Station to get $12 million rehab

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's Union Station is in for a major facelift.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the $12 million commitment from Amtrak Thursday, which will begin what the mayor described as a "complete overhaul of Union Station that will require a multi-year $500 million investment."

Union Station is the third busiest rail terminal in the United States, serving approximately 120,000 passengers each day.

"It's in need of renovation and in need to re-design to accommodate all the growth we've had," says Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari.

One of the top priorities in the rehabilitation is to open up space in the often-congested and overcrowded concourse by the Amtrak trains.

"It's pretty hectic," said Jason Arges. "It's kind of like a riot sometimes, people get a little pushy, so it will be nice to have some breathing room."

"My first time on Amtrak, we got here and it was extremely crowded," says Ann Ashley, "and I just felt like everyone was on top of each other, and I personally believe if there's more room, I think more people would ride the Amtrak."

Other improvements include replacing the worn-down marble on the iconic steps that lead to the Great Hall and replacing door systems for better insulation against the cold.

And since the building is coated in 90-year-old Indiana limestone, important facade work is already under way to prevent seeping water.

Emanuel also said that the rehabilitation will be supported by projects, already underway, to expand Union Station's role as a central transit hub, including building the Union Station Transportation Center, a consolidated CTA bus terminal to be built on city land across the street that will anchor the new Central Loop Bus Rapid Transit Corridor. The corridor, Emanuel says, will connect Amtrak, Metra and the CTA Blue Line to help create faster, more reliable transit, especially for people commuting between work and home.

Emanuel says he's working with the Amtrak, Metra and state and federal partners to help secure more money for further improvements.