First Phase of Lake Forest's East Train Station Makeover Begins

The makeover of the is underway, and Stage One of Phase I improvements is expected to continue until Thanksgiving.

Phase I involves restoring the roof consistent with the original design of the station to include slate, restoration of dormers and hipped roof elements, and removal of the roof overhang on the station and gable on the west building, according to a press release from the

In the spring, Stage Two will begin with restoration of exterior wood and stucco. Stage Three includes masonry repairs and tuckpointing, with a start date to be determined.

Phase One construction is being paid for out of two funds. In 2009, the City partnered with the to apply for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program and was awarded $835,090, The grant, along with $160,000 from the city’s capital improvement program and Metra’s donation of $250,000, will allow Phase I, in three stages, to begin.

The total estimated price tag needed to completely restore the station is $3 million.

Phase Two of the project includes interior restoration, consisting of all work related to upgrading and replacing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression systems and carpentry. Phase Two will begin at a future date after sufficient, private funding has been secured.

Lake Forest has not budgeted for Phase Two. Individuals interested in supporting this phase of the project can visit the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation website for details at www.lfpf.org.