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Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse: An Industrial Relic

Explore Chicago's industrial past at the landmark Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse, a stunning example of Beaux Arts architecture in the West Loop.

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The Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse, located in the West Loop, once provided electricity and heat to the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Terminal. Designed in Beaux Arts style, this early 20th-century building stands as a reminder of Chicago's industrial past.

A brief summary to Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse

Local tips

  • Visit during the day for the best lighting to photograph the building's architectural details.
  • Check out nearby cafes and restaurants to experience the vibrant culinary scene of the West Loop.
  • Combine your visit with a walking tour of the West Loop to fully appreciate the historical context of the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the West Loop, you can easily walk to the Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse. Start at the intersection of W Randolph St and N Halsted St. Head south on N Halsted St towards W Lake St. Continue straight as N Halsted becomes N Clinton St. The Powerhouse will be on your left at 217 N Clinton St. The walk should take about 10-15 minutes depending on your pace.

  • Public Transport

    You can reach the Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse by bus or train. Take the #20 Madison bus towards Pulaski and get off at the intersection of Madison St and Clinton St. Walk north on Clinton St for about 0.2 miles to reach 217 N Clinton St. The bus fare is $2.25, payable with cash (exact change) or a Ventra card. Alternatively, board a Metra train to Union Station. From there, walk northwest to Clinton St, turn left, and walk about 0.5 miles to 217 N Clinton St. CTA train fare is $2.50 per ride.

  • Car

    If driving, enter '217 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661' into your GPS. From the north or south, take I-90/I-94 to the Madison St exit. Head west on Madison St, then turn left onto Clinton St. The Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse will be on your right. Parking is limited in the area; consider using nearby parking garages. Street parking in the West Loop costs $4.75 per hour. Nearby parking garages include 165 N Clinton St , with hourly rates starting at $9.75.

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Discover more about Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse

The Chicago & Northwestern Powerhouse is a historic landmark in Chicago's West Loop, at 217 N Clinton St. Built between 1909 and 1911, it supplied electricity and steam heat to the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Terminal. The powerhouse was designed by Frost & Granger in the Beaux Arts style, incorporating Italian Renaissance Revival elements. Its cream brick and terra cotta exterior features large, arched windows and a 227-foot smokestack. In 1948, the Chicago Tribune reported the powerhouse generated enough power for a city of 15,000. It ceased operations in the 1960s. While the terminal was demolished in 1984 and replaced by the Ogilvie Transportation Center, the powerhouse was saved. Today, it is one of two remaining railroad powerhouses in Chicago and the only one for the Chicago & North Western Railway. The building has been redeveloped into office and retail space. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 2006. Although the interior is not generally open to the public, its exterior can be viewed.

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