A few commuters heading to the Metra platform from the west side entrance were surprised on Monday, Dec. 9, to see other riders coming toward them from the east side, which has been closed for 20 months to be rebuilt.
“Is it open?”
It was. The new east side entrance, with its two-story glass atrium and accessible ramp was open for use after receiving a $27-million facelift.
A couple of commuters who had time to stop and share their first take on the new facility were glad it was open and were impressed with the features.
Mark Cudiamat said he lives in downtown Homewood and was trekking through the 183rd Street viaduct and north on Park Avenue to enter the train station during construction.
“This was a long time coming,” he said. “I’ll say I am very impressed at how it looks. It’s very different from the old Spanish style house that used to be here. But this looks great.”
Chloe Kapica said she liked the improved lighting and signage.
“It’s wonderful. I really love it,” she said. “It’s not what I expected. It kind of turned out to be better. I love that there’s a lot more light, especially on the platform. And these signs that display the times are even more helpful.”
Homewood village staff continued their new tradition of greeting residents with free coffee and donuts on special days, a practice that started when they east side was closed in March 2023. Staff also did the donut giveaway in May when the west side of the station reopened after being closed for seven weeks while the stairway to the Metra platform was replaced.
Assistant Village Manager Terence Acquah said the gesture was a good way to show residents the staff is thinking about them.
“It’s just another opportunity to engage the public,” he said. “We wanted to welcome people with open arms because this is a big day. I know it’s been very inconvenient for a lot of people and so we just wanted to welcome back people with some coffee and donuts.”
While waiting for commuters to arrive, staff members noted the design details of the new entrance building, including a bas relief map of downtown Homewood on the west wall of the building, the play of light from the second story windows and the improved digital signage helping commuters find the progress of their trains.
Metra is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Dec. 13, to mark the opening of the rebuilt station.
