Interior demolition work will begin Monday, May 12, at West Chicago’s historic 1869 Chicago & North Western Train Depot, marking the first step in a broader effort to preserve the iconic structure. Crown Coverings has been contracted to perform a partial interior demolition, funded by a grant from the State of Illinois.
This important step is part of a long-term vision for the Depot’s preservation and eventual reuse. While full restoration efforts have yet to be funded, the current work will help stabilize and prepare the building for future phases of development.
The project is scheduled for completion by Memorial Day, with minimal, if any, traffic disruptions expected near the site at 119 W Washington Street.
Originally built in 1869 by the Chicago & North Western Railroad, the depot is a rare surviving example of Italianate railroad architecture, with tall brick walls, wide eaves, and decorative brackets. The building was moved in 1912—though how and why remains a mystery—and many original features, like arched windows and doors, were later altered or infilled by World War II.
Even with these modifications, the depot remains a powerful symbol of West Chicago’s railroad heritage. The City is committed to preserving the structure as part of its broader efforts to honor and revitalize its historic character.