Union Station renovation in the works, Chicago officials say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's Union Station is really showing its age- but that's about to change. Renovations will soon start on the 90-year-old transportation hub that 54,000 passengers use every day.

"I experience what riders experience firsthand, including broken water pipes. It always seems to happen at 5 o'clock on a Friday afternoon," RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard said.

Unveiled by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, transportation officials and other local politicians, the proposal will restore Union Station to what it once was. The city is looking for design proposals for major improvements and master developers interested in leading the project.

"Transportation is the center of Illinois economy, and this site is the center of that transportation economy and should reflect that priority," Senator Mark Kirk said.

The improvements will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

"Economy, it cannot run on a 20th Century foundation. It has to run on a 21st Century foundation. And the key to that, whether it's on rail, roads or runways, you have to invest in a future if you want to have a strong and healthy future," Emanuel said.

The improvements include the already-finished Great Hall staircases, a passenger lounge and a heating and ventilation system. The project will be funded in part by the city, Metra and the RTA.