Chicago officials announced Thursday a two‑year timeline for renovating the former Greyhound bus terminal at 630 West Harrison Street. The plan follows the city’s $19.2 million purchase of the property earlier this year and aims to address long‑standing safety, cleanliness and accessibility concerns raised by nearby residents.
Phase 1: Immediate Repairs and Security Enhancements
Work slated for late 2026 through early 2027 will focus on essential infrastructure. The city will install a new heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning system, replace the roof, repair exterior lighting and upgrade the camera monitoring network. To improve safety, the city will station two armed security guards around the clock and maintain a total of 64 surveillance cameras inside and outside the facility.
Phase 2: Comprehensive Assessment and Further Upgrades
During 2027‑2028, a thorough assessment will identify additional improvements. Potential upgrades include enhanced security measures, ADA‑compliant features, fire‑alarm and sprinkler systems, bathroom renovations, and structural or masonry repairs. The city will also evaluate interior finishes and exterior landscaping.
Community Concerns and City Response
Neighborhood residents have long complained about overgrown grass, litter, discarded needles and criminal activity around the terminal. Alderman Bill Conway (34th Ward) expressed initial skepticism about the city’s purchase, citing those safety and cleanliness issues. After reviewing the plan, Conway said the city’s ownership offers a chance to take direct responsibility for the station’s condition.
City officials emphasized that taking control of the property allows municipal departments to address problems more efficiently. Streets and Sanitation crews have already begun trimming trees, clearing brush and cleaning the surrounding area, with a regular maintenance schedule to follow.
Security Coordination and Public‑Safety Partnerships
Security operations will be coordinated with the Chicago Police Department, and staffing levels will be adjusted as needed. Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report any criminal activity. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will conduct a two‑block radius survey of lighting, traffic patterns, pavement, sidewalks and signage over the coming months. Findings will guide pedestrian‑ and traffic‑safety improvements, with street‑lighting upgrades expected to be completed by December.
Transition Agreement with Flix
Under a transition agreement, Flix—owner of the former Greyhound brand—will continue operating and managing the station for up to twelve months after the city closes on the property. This arrangement provides continuity of service while the city implements its renovation plan.
The former terminal, in service since the late 1980s, handles roughly 500,000 passengers annually. A 2024 DePaul University policy brief warned that if the station were to close, Chicago would become one of only three of the world’s 130 most‑populous cities without an intercity bus terminal.
City leaders view the upgrades as a vital step toward preserving a critical transportation hub for Chicago’s residents and visitors, while also enhancing safety and quality of life for the surrounding community.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
