Metra announced that it will enhance the rehabilitation of the 111th Street/Pullman Station by painting the warming house in Pullman colors to commemorate the neighborhood’s historic significance to the railroad industry.
As part of a station improvement project that began in June, Metra will paint the warming house to resemble the Gertrude Emma, a Pullman Palace Car Company railcar that was manufactured in the South Side neighborhood for use on the Pennsylvania Limited between Chicago and New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“We are pleased to add character to this station that will honor a unique Chicago neighborhood and enhance the gateway to the Pullman National Monument,” said Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “As a member of the steering committee for the Pullman Transportation Plan, we want to encourage tourism to this historic site.”
Local Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) and Historic Pullman Foundation President Michael Shymanksi have applauded the new paint design, which will come at no additional cost.
“The updated improvement plan will mean the 111th Street Station not only will receive the much-needed repairs residents deserve, it also will become another important asset that will help bring more people to Pullman to go to work, to live and to play,” said Ald. Beale.
Ongoing station improvements include replacement of the warming house, replacement of platform deck boards and removal of the unused portion of the platform, replacement of the stairway to the platform and repair or replacement of the roof over the stairway. In addition to painting, the project will include other cosmetic improvements.
“Metra’s improvements at the 111th Street/Pullman Station are a compliment to the Pullman National Monument District,” Shymanski said. “The extra effort in planning the painting of the station warming house reflects the heritage of rail passenger cars constructed and operated by The Pullman Company.”
Painting is expected to start in early September shortly before the project is finished.
The project is part of Metra’s 2016 construction program, which includes approximately $200 million in infrastructure improvements to 27 stations, 21 bridges and 24 road crossings, as well as the replacement of 120,000 rail ties to ensure safe and reliable service and maintain a state of good repair systemwide.c
