ChiTown Traffic Tattler

Glossed over in Monday’s media coverage that Apple and the Chicago Transit Association have been in talks over a nearly $4 million agreement to renovate the Red Line’s North and Clybourn station in exchange for right of first refusal to name the public transit station is the ordinance which states the Chicago City Council must approve any deal, the agreement would run through April 12, 2019 and Apple wants the work done by September.

The proposal — as first reported by ChicagoBusiness.com — also gives Apple advertising exclusivity at the at the station, located at 1555 N. Clybourn Ave.

The publication reported that the new Red Line stop would have seven lighted ad displays, and the brick station would retain its 1940s-era look.

A proposed agreement between Apple and the Chicago Transit Association would have the computer giant spend $4 million to renovate the Red Line's North and Clybourn station in exchange for right of first refusal to name the public transit station and advertising exclusivity. (Photo via IfoAppleStore.com)

The proposal is an interesting short-term fix to the transit agency’s $178 million budget shortfall, but according to reports, the renovations are more in Apple’s self-interest than in the CTA wanting to upgrade a station in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Apple plans to open a retail store near the station — it’s second in the city proper — and feels the renovations will lend a higher aesthetic to the surrounding neighborhood.

“Apple thinks their products are designed and work the best, and they want the stores to reflect that attitude,” Michael Damore, executive managing director of Chicago-based architectural firm Epstein, told ChicagoBusiness.com.

According to IfoAppleStore.com, structural steel has been erected for the store, which could open by Fall 2010. The store will be built on a triangular piece of land formed by three intersecting streets.

On Aug. 12, the CTA Board approved the ordinance that paves the way for the arrangement.

In the ordinance, Apple agrees to “pay all costs of the exterior, interior, and platform refurbishment and desires that all work at (the North and Clybourn station) be completed not later than September 30, 2010.”

Apple will also pay for design and construction management for all portions of the station refurbishment project, according to the ordinance.

This means $1,789,000 out of Apple’s pocket for refurbishing the exterior of the station building, and up to $2,108,000 for rehabilitation of the interior of the station.

The term of the agreement begins after approval by the Chicago City Council, which is required because of Apple’s wish to complete a landscaping project near a city-owned bus turnaround adjacent to the Red Line station and the computer company’s future retail story.

The CTA says the turnaround isn’t needed, and Apple could lease the land from the city.

If approved, the agreement would end on April 12, 2019. It includes four five-year options, a 30-day termination provision and would automatically end if Apple terminates the lease on its retail store near the station.