Dempster Street Station
Also known as: Skokie Swift Station; North Shore Train Station
_CTA_Station.jpg){kind=link}
Why it's listed
Built in 1924-25 at 5001 West Dempster Street in Skokie, this brick depot served both the North Shore interurban line and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company. Architect Arthur N. Gerber designed it in a low, bungalow-like manner with strong Prairie School influence. Seven similar Gerber stations were built at the same time along the five miles toward Howard Terminal, but all were razed, leaving this largest and most ornate example as the sole survivor. The station's north side faced Dempster Street, its west side served as the North Shore Line loading platform, and its east side sheltered waiting passengers. It was listed for its link to railroad history and to the growth of Skokie, then known as Niles Center, which expanded rapidly after the interurban arrived. The depot also reflects the utility empire of Samuel Insull, whose companies owned both railways. A later amendment proposed relocating it roughly 140 feet east, keeping it near the original rail line and facing Dempster Street.
Significance in brief: The station is significant for its role in railroad and transportation history and in the growth of Skokie, which was then called Niles Center. It is the sole surviving one of eight Gerber-designed stations built along the line between Dempster Street and Howard Terminal. A 1998 amendment documents a proposed move of about 140 feet within the terminal, arguing it still meets the criteria consideration for moved properties.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 95001005, listed February 28, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 5001 Dempster St., Skokie |
|---|---|
| County | Cook County |
| Listed | February 28, 1996 |
| Reference number | 95001005 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1925-1945 |
| Architect / builder | Gerber, Arthur N., Architect |
| Architectural style | Craftsman; Prairie School |
| Criteria |
|
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The 1998 amendment proposes moving the station about 140 feet east within the Dempster Street Terminal, because of a transit improvement project. Earlier correspondence describes it as threatened with demolition. |
| Coordinates | 42.04041, -87.75217 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 95001005.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q568297
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.