The historic Norwood Park Train Station has undergone a complete renovation and has opened its doors to the public on Grand Opening Day, Friday, June 27th at 6pm.

The efforts to save the precious NorwoodPark landmark began in The efforts to save the precious Norwood Park Landmark began in 1999. The Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce formed a not for profit 501/c3 Train Station Foundation spearheaded by the late Bert Schreiber. The "trip" to complete the renovation took almost 9 years and over a million dollars in funds from the Illinois First grant program and Union Pacific/Metra.

The building has undergone total renovation following the removal of asbestos in the basement.

New electrical, sewage and HVAC systems have been installed. The interiors have been returned to their original appearance: the deteriorating woodwork has been completely restored, brand new floors and freshly painted walls resemble the 1907 appearance of the station!

It has been a hundred years since the Norwood Park Train Depot was built in the style of the architectural duo of Frost and Granger, pioneers of the Arts and Crafts style.

The road to the project's completion was not easy: the Foundation was the subject of attacks and a lawsuit by a "taxpayer advocate", the release of the grants had been delayed several times but ultimately the project came to fruition thanks to the help of State Sen. deLeo and the 41 st Ward alderman, Brian Doherty. The Foundation headed by President Helen Brown Levinson survived the many obstacles, to bring the renovation to a successful conclusion.

The "new" Station will be home to "Northwest Café", an eatery owned by local residents, the Haak family. Sandwiches, fresh coffee and original Italian gelati will attract both the young and the old!

The Norwood Park Train Station is located at  6088 N. Northwest Highway.

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