79th
7900S
0E/0W
0E/0W
79th is a stop located in the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway with the usual entirely canopied island platform. The stop opened with the standard small station house in 1969 but has been renovated twice. First from 1977-80 when it received a much larger station house, as well as the 2005-2006 renovations that modernized the station. (Chicago-L.org). The station has its exit at the northern end of the platform. Here there is first a staircase just before the end and then doors at the very northern end of the platforms. These lead to a unique two-level station house. Next on each level are two separate sets of turnstiles virtually stacked on top of each other (the upper level includes a high turnstile). Next there is an elevator (opened in Summer of 1981) followed by a staircase and up escalators. The upper level then ends with doors leading out to the southside of 79th Street. The lower level continues as an open walkway between the train tracks before leading to a staircase/up escalator to a tiny glass headhouse on the north side of 79th Street.
CTA Arts in Transit Program: South Side Weave by Stephen Marc, 2007 is a panel over the central staircase/escalator in the main headhouse.
All photos taken on 1 August, 2011
