05/26/99
Today the Chicago Transit Authority unveiled its latest Adopt-A-Station project on the Red, Purple Express and Brown Lines at the Belmont rail station. Ann Sather Restaurant commissioned artist David Lee Csicsko to paint murals featuring the diverse population of this Lakeview neighborhood.
CTA Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett said, "This program lets the CTA and members of the communities we serve combine resources in order to enhance our common areas. Stations that are more inviting result in increased numbers of satisfied customers."
?We are very pleased to cooperate with Tom Tunney of Ann Sather Restaurants. The partnership at this station and the other Adopt-A-Station sites throughout the Chicago area help to increase the CTA's involvement in the communities we serve," said CTA President Frank Kruesi.
The Adopt-A-Station program encourages community groups and businesses to work as partners in making CTA rail stations more inviting and attractive as centers of community interaction. Artwork, planters, or benches can all be added to enhance the local flavor of a station. Maintenance work remains the responsibility of the CTA.
"We are adopting this 'L' Station in honor of Ann Sather, an early pioneer of a woman-owned business, who passed away a few years ago. The Belmont stop and public transit in general have been an integral part of the restaurant's history over the past 55 years," according to Ann Sather Restaurant owner/operator Tom Tunney.
Started in 1997, the popular program now covers 26 'L' stations throughout the CTA service area. Participating stations include the Red Line at Addison adopted by illustrator Steve Musgrave and the Blue Line at 18th Street adopted by Gallery 37 and the Mexican Fine Arts Center.
David Lee Csicsko is the artist whose work is showcased on the Belmont 'L' Station. His trademark colorful, whimsical work has been featured by such groups as the City of Chicago for ?Downtown Thursday Night," the Shedd Aquarium, and Loyola University.
Businesses, organizations or community groups interested in adopting a station should contact the Chicago Transit Authority Adopt-A-Station program at 312-664-7200, extension 3067 for more information.
Contact: Media Realations312-222-6106
###