North Western Station-Past’s Future Now; July 2016

On my 1984 visit to Chicago I’d made photos and traveled to/from the old North Western Station.

Wow, have things changed.

Yes, I’ve made some visits between then and now, but it’s been a long time.

The old station was torn down not long after my first visit and replaced with an epic glass box. Today, this is known as the Ogilvie Transportation Center.

The Oglivie Transportation Center as seen in July 2016. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
The Oglivie Transportation Center as seen in July 2016. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.

In the mid-1990s, about the time that Chicago & North Western was folded into Union Pacific, the station’s Bush train sheds were demolished and replaced with more modern platform coverings. I made a few photos during that transition.

Still, it seems a bit strange for me to see the former North Western Station in this modern format. My impressions from 32 years ago remain only in my memory and few photos that I made with my Leicas.

Inside the Oglivie Transportation Center. Tracks and trains at left. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Inside the Oglivie Transportation Center. Tracks and trains at left. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Lake Forest, that's where I'm going. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Lake Forest, that’s where I’m going. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Hot as an oven. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Hot as an oven. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Metra. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Metra. Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Panoramic composite exposed with my Lumix LX7. The old F40PH diesels run headend power off the prime mover. Deafening under the sheds.
Panoramic composite exposed with my Lumix LX7. The old F40PH diesels run headend power off the prime mover. Deafening under the sheds.
Exposed with my Lumix LX7.
Exposed with my Lumix LX7.

Tracking the Light post new photos every day!

2 comments on “North Western Station-Past’s Future Now; July 2016

  1. Lincoln Reed on said:

    The panoramic shot with the four F40 was really cool ! Great shot to capture four locos like those !!!

  2. deafening sounds of F-40s with H.E.P. under the sheds? I remember the distinctive sounds of the miniature H.E.P. pony engines on C&NW and Rock Island E and F units as the pushed, and pulled short and long strings of Bi-Levels in and out of La Salle STreet and North Western stations. It was sort of a “Chicago Signature” sound. So LONG ago.

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