As Chicago takes steps to buy and preserve its only intercity bus station, we offer a visual tour of the station through the decades.
For decades, Chicago’s intercity bus terminal, whose location moved several times since it first opened in 1928, has served hundreds of thousands of riders each year. Today, the terminal, owned by a real estate company, is at risk of being sold and torn down for redevelopment — a loss that would make Chicago the largest northern hemisphere city without an intercity bus terminal.
A 2023 brief from the Chaddick Institute explains the importance of the transit hub for low-income passengers and suggests a strategy for the city to acquire the station and operate it similarly to other public transportation facilities like rail stations and airports. After much urging from advocates to buy the property and preserve it as a transit hub, the city issued a proposal in late 2025 to do just that.
To celebrate Chicago’s intercity bus terminals, we offer a visual timeline of their history, from the first Wabash Street location to the present-day facility. Hover over the images to enlarge them or zoom in.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
