The Ogilvie Transportation Center houses more than just Metra trains. It is home to one of the tastiest food courts in the city. Need a European excursion without leaving Chicago? Spend the day casually perusing the various vendors at this vibrant international market. Or listen for the honeybees as they buzz nearby at their home atop near of one of Chicago's environmentally friendly buildings.
The tan brick classic renaissance revival-style building houses one of the most bustling food courts in Chicago. At the Chicago French Market, you can find some of the freshest produce, most decadent desserts, earthy artisan breads, hearty sandwiches, and unique cuisines from around the world. The food options are endless, and although the selections may not be all Parisian, the decor and atmosphere will certainly make feel like you’re spending a bright, cheerful sunny afternoon in France. Be sure to bring your red beret...ooh la la!
What’s cool about the Ogilvie Transportation Center is that the Metra train tracks sit quietly above the food court. These 16 tracks and 8 platforms services over 100,000 passengers daily, traveling to the north, northwest, and west sides of the city and suburbs. It is the sixth-busiest rail station in North America.
Built in 1911 by architects Frost and Granger, the Ogilvie Transportation Center was the former Chicago and Northwestern Passenger Terminal. It replaced the Wells Street Station, originally located at the southwest corner of Wells and Kinzie, where the Merchandise Mart now sits. In 1997, the building was named after former governor and lifelong railroad advocate, Richard B. Ogilvie. He was also the founder of the Regional Transit Authority, better known as the RTA.
Featured Photos:
Photo 1
The Ogilvie Transportation Center (formerly The Chicago and Northwestern Passenger Terminal) and the Chicago French Market / 131 N. Clinton (bounded by Randolph and Madison to the north and south, Canal and Clinton to the east and west).
(in the background)
Accenture Tower (formally the CitiCorp Center and 500 West Madison Building) / 500 W. Madison. The Accenture Tower holds the distinguished title as Chicago’s largest Class A, LEED Gold-certified building. This distinctive post-modern-style building rests atop of the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Built in 1984 by architects Murphy/Jahn, the former Chicago and Northwestern Passenger Terminal head house was raised and replaced with the CitiCorp Center, which was renamed as the 500 West Madison Building in 1987, and now known as the Accenture Tower as of 2019.
540 West Madison Building / 540 W. Madison. Did you know that honey bees hive and thrive atop of this 31 story, 1.1 million square foot, building? In its first year on the roof, the bee colony generated about 100 gallons of honey. The building also boasts that it's the first commercial building in Chicago of its kind to harvest rainwater to supply its fully landscaped plaza and lush roof garden. The 540 West Madison Building was built in 2003 by architects Goettsch Partners.
Photo 2
The Ogilvie Transportation Center and the Chicago French Market Clinton / 131 N. Clinton. The beautiful awning at the entrance.
Photos by Tracy Brown