History Walk Site 12: Main Street Train Station

The Main Street Train Station was constructed in 1911 in the Classical Revival Style, which was a common stylistic choice for important public and institutional buildings because of its formality and grandeur. The brick station had a central entrance pavilion emblazoned with “Downers Grove” in a terra-cotta cartouche. The pavilion and wings were wrapped with a Classical balustrade that sat above Doric pilasters. The roof is tiled at the pavilions with a flat-roof for the main building and terra cotta banding on the southern façade. 

On April 3, 1947, the Twin-City Zephyr, traveling at 70 miles per hour, collided with a 14-ton tractor that had fallen onto the tracks in front of the station from a freight train moments before. The Zephyr’s diesel engine burst into flames, and the first two coaches jackknifed, crashing into the station’s north facade. Sixty-five passengers were injured, and three were killed. The Tivoli Theatre served as a triage center, the Masonic Temple hosted temporary housing, and the American Legion provided food. The north elevation’s central pavilion was rebuilt and slightly simplified (see the 1948 architectural drawing). 

Downers Grove’s first train station was located at the northwest corner of current day Main Street and Burlington Avenue. The station’s completion in 1864 led Samuel Curtiss to establish the first subdivision in what is now the business district. When the current Main Street Station was completed in 1911, the 1864 station (visible on the right side of the upper left photo) was used for baggage and freight. It was razed in 1948 when the Main Street Station was repaired and replaced with parking spaces.