Overview
- The City Council voted 38–10 Wednesday to authorize buying 630 W. Harrison St. for about $19.2 million from GH Chicago LLC, with a closing that city officials have said could occur by August.
- Under the purchase agreement, FlixBus, which owns Greyhound, will continue to operate the station for up to 12 months while the city launches a request for proposals to pick a long-term operator.
- The council expanded the Canal/Congress tax increment financing district to include the site and budgeted roughly $30–31 million for capital repairs, but those renovation funds still require further council approval.
- A city assessment found deferred maintenance that needs attention, including the roof, HVAC, windows, exterior doors, and security systems, and the city plans to cover operating costs by charging rent to bus carriers.
- Supporters say the move preserves indoor, centralized intercity service used by about 450,000–500,000 riders a year and prevents curbside loading, while opponents warn total costs could rise above $50 million and question city ownership of the facility.