| Address | 319 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Myron Church |
| Status | Designated Chicago Landmark |
| Designation Date | December 12, 2001 (Final)City Council Journal of the Proceedings, p. 76210 |
| Neighborhood | Washington Park |
| Type | Railroad and transit station |
| Landmark ID | L-99 |
Direct quotes from the Chicago Landmark Designation Report
“The station and overpass are among the oldest surviving structures related to the city's famed elevated system, whose first extension was built to serve visitors to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in nearby Jackson Park.”
“Over the next 80 years, most of the other twelve remaining stations south of 39th Street were either substantially altered or completely rebuilt. As a result, the Garfield Boulevard "L" Station is the oldest remaining intact station from Chicago's original elevated line.”
“This ornamental treatment was only reserved for such prominent street crossings. Architect Church's design ability can be seen in other Chicago buildings. A South Side manufacturing building at 1853-61 S. Normal Ave.”
“Early elevated rail stations in New York City and Boston have been destroyed or are no longer in use. The station and its accompanying ornamental steel overpass spanning Garfield Boulevard represent a rare example of graceful transit design that was intended to relate to the city's famed park boulevard system, laid out in 1869.”
“Some elements have been obscured by paint. (The interior has been greatly remodeled and appears to have no historic finishes or trim.) The ornamental steel overpass, which stretches north from the station, is currently painted white, but its decorative features, including its gently pointed arches and tapered columns, remain.”
“Framed by the overpass' powerful-looking steel columns, the station house is both domestic in scale and finely detailed. Although covered with white paint, the facade still features decorative brick patterning and an ornamental cornice. 6 WASHINGTON BAN ADMINISTRATIO PARK MIDWAY AV.”
“The Garfield Boulevard "L" Station retains a high level of integrity. Minimal changes have been made to the exterior of the structure. The station has retained its decorative brick walls and bow-front, which includes a projecting roof with exposed rafters.”