Madison Street (Chicago)
Madison Street is a major east–west street in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to human intervention, in the early 19th century the Chicago River after forming a large bend emptied into Lake Michigan at the present day intersection of Madison Street and Michigan Avenue. The street was laid out in the first plat of Chicago. Since 1908, it has served as the address origen between North and South on the Chicago street grid.
Notable buildings located along Madison Street include the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building, Chase Tower, Three First National Plaza, the Chicago Civic Opera House, Citigroup Center and the United Center. The West Side's United Center is across Madison Street from the former site of the Chicago Stadium, "the Madhouse on Madison".
History
Per a 1908 decision by Chicago's city council, Madison serves as the north–south dividing line for Chicago's street numbering system, while State Street serves as the east–west line. At one point, the intersection between the two streets was considered the "world's busiest corner."Transportation
The 20 Madison bus route runs along Madison Street from Austin Boulevard to Michigan Avenue. In downtown, the route runs along the Loop Link, part of which runs along Madison Street.On the Chicago "L", the Loop Elevated serves Madison Street by two stations: and stations. The street is also served by the Blue Line and the Red Line. Historically, Madison was also served by,,, and stations.
Madison Street provides a connection to Ogilvie Transportation Center and Chicago Union Station through Accenture Tower and a stairway connector, respectively. Metra serves both stations; Amtrak only serves the latter station.