Homewood Village President Rich Hofeld joined with Metra and local officials today to celebrate the completion of the Homewood Station project, marking an end to a 20-month-long, $21 million project to completely rebuild the station facility and improve ADA accessibility. The Metra station is part of an intermodal transportation facility serving Metra, Amtrak and Pace customers. The project’s final stage, the eastern entrance to the Metra station, officially reopened to customers on Dec. 9. Metra’s project followed a significant investment by Amtrak to rehab its part of the shared facility.
“This new facility offers a tremendous improvement to the customer experience for Metra, Pace and Amtrak riders,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. “It also demonstrates how cooperation from multiple entities can secure funding and create tangible benefits in our communities.”
The revamped Homewood Station now includes an ADA-accessible east headhouse with a ramp, a renovated platform, wind breaks, warming house, and gatehouse. Upgrades to the facility also included new drainage, ventilation, lighting, and interior finishes in the existing tunnel; and replacement of the elevator and stairs connecting the tunnel to the platform. In addition, a new Pace bus facility was created with three bus bays, a covered waiting area, and driver relief facilities.
“Homewood is excited to open the facility and reconnect the commuters to downtown Homewood,” said President Hofeld. “While this project was being constructed, Homewood facilitated the development of several new downtown opportunities for commuters and residents to enjoy, including a new mixed use residential building, shops, eateries, new restaurants and bars, just steps away from the new station. We invite commuters to stop into the downtown and explore downtown Homewood.”
“The completion of the Homewood Station project is a significant step forward in ensuring equitable access to reliable transportation for Cook County residents,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Cook County is proud to have contributed to this transformative project, and its success reflects the power of collaboration to strengthen connections across our communities.”
"The reopening of the Metra station in Homewood marks a great investment in public transportation to connect the South Suburbs to the greater Chicago area," said U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL 2nd). "The ADA accessibility improvements will ensure everyone can safely ride on trains and buses. When we invest in public transportation, we invest in our communities."
"Our region's riders deserve world-class public transportation, including accessible, safe, and comfortable stations," said Regional Transportation Authority Board Chair Kirk Dillard. "The redeveloped Homewood Metra station is a shining example of what is possible when agencies work together to better serve riders."
"This project showcases the power of collaboration in delivering modern, accessible, and efficient transportation options for our region," said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. "The new Homewood Station and its updated Pace bus facility highlight our shared commitment to improving mobility and connectivity for those we serve."
“Having access to reliable transit and investing in transportation infrastructure is essential for the South Suburbs’ growth and vitality, which is why I’m thrilled to celebrate the completion of the Metra Homewood Station” said Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller. “This project represents what we can achieve when multiple levels of government work together to prioritize transportation equity and progress. As a Cook County Commissioner, I was proud to champion County funding to make this vision a reality. It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about people. My most precious cargo rides Metra, my family, and I’m committed to ensuring safe, accessible, and efficient transit for all our residents.”
“Access to safe, efficient, and affordable transportation should be a fundamental right as mobility equals opportunity, and I’m pleased that residents of Homewood and the 30th District now have access to a first-class transportation hub,” said State Rep. William Davis (D-30th). “This project and the other improvements planned along the Metra Electric Line will be major contributions to the continued revitalization and prosperity of our south suburbs and the ability of our residents to access jobs, appointments, recreation, and other opportunities.”
“FTA is proud to support the renovation and modernization of Metra’s Homewood Intermodal Station, that dates back to 1911. This investment reflects Metra’s and FTA’s commitment to improve safety, accessibility and enhanced features to make it more user-friendly,” said FTA Regional Administrator Kelley Brookins, whose agency provided $13.6 million to support the project. “These improvements ensure a safer, more comfortable, and efficient experience, shaping transit and serving the needs of Chicagoland commuters.”
The Homewood project is part of a transformative, multiyear plan to renovate and make accessible stations on the Metra Electric Line through the South Side and south suburbs. The project contractor was Elgin-based IHC Construction and consultant services were provided by Muller & Muller, Ltd. IHC committed to subcontracting 30% of the work to DBE firms.
The project was funded in part by a Federal Transit Administration Shared Transportation Program (STP) grant and formula funding totaling $13.6 million. Additional funding came from the Regional Transportation Authority, Cook County, Pace and Metra.
