As Pace Struggles, CTA Claims "No Major Delays" After Doomsday Day One
CTA Doomsday Schedule: Day 2
Calumet Fisheries Wins James Beard Award
How To: Roast a Chicken (If You're an Idiot)
30 Percent Chance Of Hailey
Photoshop by Benjy Lipsman
And so it begins. Apple, the supermegaultra computer/tech company, is looking into a deal with the CTA that could bring the cash-strapped transit agency some much needed money while opening up an advertising smorgasbord. The Sun-Times reports that the CTA has confirmed they're in talks with Apple for something that would amount to "station domination." Essentially, Apple would pay for refurbishments to a train station in exchange for "first dibs" on any and all advertising that would go up at the station. Not surprisingly, the station being discussed is North/Clybourn on the Red Line; construction is already underway on a new Apple store nearby. (Apple decided on that location for its new store after its much-publicized split with the Block 37 project.) One thing the deal, which could give the CTA up to $4 million in funding for the refurbishments, will not do is hand over station naming rights.
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
The Sun-Times article isn't very well researched. Couple points:
- First, the deal is already done. See Chicago Transit Board Ordinance 009-92, which was approved in August.
- Second, Apple would be entitled to the right of "first refusal" for naming rights in the event the CTA offers such rights for sale.
Apple's primary motivation for the refurbishment is likely not advertising, but rather to fix what they see as an eye-sore that would detract from the appearance of their neighboring store.Who cares what their motivation is? Just let 'em do it. Really, you're going to see advertising in the station anyway, why not let one company do something positive with it?
good. at least you know apple will probably do something pretty with it.
Suddenly, I'm no longer cool enough to catch the train at North/Clybourn.
Of course, I was on the bubble anyway.
i think this is one thing that most, if not all chicagoans could agree on.
I bet the Wintards are having a field day with this.
"I bet the Wintards are having a field day with this."
They would post their indignation but their Windows 7 just froze up.
What, too soon?
I'm sure most of the people catching a train at the Red Line North/Clybourn station already own an iPod or iPhone. Sounds like preaching to the converted. How about buying the station outside U.S. Cellular Field?
Yeah, but they're constantly coming out with new versions of the iPod/iPhone so if they can convince the loyal converted to buy a newer one, inundating them ads seems like a smart move.
But I'm with you on the U.S. Cellular stop. I look at the one at Wrigley Field and the one at Sox Park and wonder what's up.
*chip-on-the-shoulder Sox fan*
What's so great about the Addison Red Line stop?
It was specially designed to go with nearyby Wrigley field. It has the bricks, the large artworks referencing the ballpark. All that's missing is indoor ivy. By comparison, the Sox stop looks like a lobby in an industrial park. Other than the words "White Sox" dropped here and there and the fact that the ballpark is visible, it could be anywhere. I'd like it to have a bit more White Sox personality please. Maybe an exploding turnstyle.
Like I said, I'm a perennial-chip-on-the-shoulder Sox fan.
As long as the Dan Ryan's flanking it on both sides, every Red Line stop south of Chinatown is going have that freeway and industrial park feel to it.
I suppose you're right. Still, a mosiac of Dick Allen at 35th would've killed them?...
I agree. I think a blow-up copy of this photo would be ideal:
http://site.steelcityauctions.com/dickallen.jpg
Can someone put a roof on our 'new' brown line stations- WTF! I'll take a Windows 7 Roof if I have to