Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Wabash Lights Shine Bright Under the 'L' Tracks (VIDEO)

By David Matthews | February 4, 2016 8:24pm | Updated on February 4, 2016 8:30pm

JEWELERS ROW — Chicagoans got their first glimpse Thursday at the funky LED show that the Wabash Lights team hopes to bring Downtown.

And while the lights only stretch a few feet for now, their debut dazzled spectators and drew cheers from the crowd that gathered to watch Thursday night.

"The thing that's important is that this is a test," project co-founder Jack Newell said. "We're excited but tempered, because we're not at the finish line yet."

The beta test under the "L" tracks at Wabash Avenue and Monroe Street is the product of a $60,000 Kickstarter campaign. Newell and others hope the excitement Thursday night develops into a multi-million dollar campaign to light up the Wabash train tracks from Madison to Adams streets. That endeavor is expected to cost $3 million to $5 million. The current preview is expected to last six months to a year.

David and Alexis Cogswell, who stepped out of their Loop high-rise to see Thursday's demo, look forward to seeing a longer-lasting light show near their home, too. 

"I hope they finish the project," Ms. Cogswell said. 

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: