Chicago Union Station, Railway terminal in West Loop, Chicago, US
Chicago Union Station is a rail hub in Chicago's West Loop serving long-distance national trains, regional lines and commuter routes. The main hall rises over 110 feet (33 meters) and features Corinthian columns, marble floors and a Bedford limestone facade that stretches across nine city blocks.
The current building followed a design that was part of Daniel Burnham's city plan from 1909 and replaced an older station that opened in 1881. Official operations began on January 1, 1925, after the four railroad companies agreed on a shared terminal.
The terminal takes its name from the merger of four competing railroad companies that built a shared stopping point. Films like "The Untouchables" turned its halls into a recognizable part of the city's identity, and many residents see the building as a symbol of Chicago's role in national rail travel.
The terminal sits in the West Loop near Canal Street and is reachable by several bus lines and subway trains. The main hall is located above the platforms, so stairs and elevators lead down to the lower levels where trains depart.
A dedicated nursing suite was added to the terminal and offers a quiet room with seating and electrical outlets. This small facility measures about 5 by 9 feet (1.5 by 2.7 meters) and shows how modern services fit into historic buildings.
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