Deep in the heart of Englewood lies Ashland Yard. This vital Chicago Transit Authority facility hums with the energy of the Green Line. Ashland Yard is more than just a place to store railcars. It’s a testament to Chicago’s ever-evolving transportation system.
Presently, the Ashland Yard accommodates the modern 5000-series railcars. Imagine these sleek, efficient trains finding their temporary home here. The yard sits adjacent to the Ashland/63rd station. This makes it a crucial hub for maintaining the Green Line’s operational flow.
Ashland station first opened in 1969. It was part of an extension of the Howard-Englewood “A” service. This extension stretched a quarter mile west from Loomis. The station quickly became a vital transit point for the surrounding community.
Back then, the Ashland station had a unique design. It was very typical of structures built around suburbia in the 1950s and 1960s. The station’s architecture drew inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright. However, it also showed the influence of the Bauhaus movement. This blend created a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for commuters.
A new car shop was built near Racine station in 1968. It replaced the inadequate facilities at Loomis. The Loomis Yard was extended west almost to Ashland station. This expansion increased yard capacity from 136 to 200 cars. The tracks even stretched a few blocks west of Ashland to Hermitage Avenue. This allowed trains to change direction without obstructing the platform.
Perhaps the station’s most recognizable feature was a tall decorative spire. It stood in the bus terminal south of the station entrance along 63rd Street. The spire featured a triangular pylon. It ended in a point with a three-sided backlit marker. Each side displayed the CTA logo.
In 1994, the Green Line underwent a two-year rehabilitation. The Ashland/63rd station closed for renovation during this time. The renovation included an elevator. This made the station accessible to everyone. The center island ticket agent’s booth was removed.
Interestingly, Red Line trains were rerouted via the South Side Elevated to Ashland/63rd in 2013. This temporary change mimicked the old Howard-Englewood “A” trains. It provided an alternate service plan during the Red Line South Reconstruction Project. The Red Line service to Ashland/63rd resumed on July 30, 2018.
Ashland Yard once went by another name “CJ” yard. This stood for Chicago Junction. The Chicago Junction Railway built this yard. This railway served the Chicago Union Stock Yards. The railway’s roundhouse was located near 43rd and Ashland.
Picture steam engines puffing smoke as they maneuvered through the yard. Imagine the bustling activity as workers maintained and repaired the locomotives. A yard tower once stood tall here. It served as a central point for directing trains.
Today, Ashland Yard continues to serve as a crucial element of Chicago’s public transportation. The echoes of its past intertwine with the rhythms of modern rail operations. As the Green Line trains come and go, Ashland Yard stands as a reminder of Chicago’s enduring commitment to efficient and accessible transit. The station exemplifies the city’s architectural heritage.