In 1930, the Merchandise Mart was completed, taking the title of the world's largest commercial building, clocking in at a whopping 4.1 Million square feet. At that same time, an elevated station was built to provide a link to the Mart and all of its shopping capabilities. The station was constructed at the same time as the Mart was being built, and it was appointed with all of the most elegant accutrements, be they gently curved roofs or latticed framing.
Of course, fast forward 30 years, and the station was again subject to the architectural whims of the Merchandise Mart. This time it was the transition to a more utilitarian style that resulted in the removal of the station's earlier Art Deco appearances. Also in this time period, there was a special 70-foot temporary platform constructed so that the station could accommodate longer trains without at the same time cutting off access to other necessary stations and tracks in the area.
By the late 80s, the station was starting to need another renovation, which is when the CTA stepped in and authorized a complete renovation of the Mart's station. This renovation included expanding the canopy, as well as making the whole station ADA accessible. This renovation was largely completed by 1988. Today the station still serves as a valuable link between the rapid transit system and the Merchandise Mart.
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