Lee–Van Aken station

Lee–Van Aken station is a station on the RTA Blue Line in Shaker Heights, Ohio, located in the median of Van Aken Boulevard at its intersection with Lee Road, after which the station is named.

History
The station opened on April 11, 1920, with the initiation of rail service by the Cleveland Interurban Railroad on what is now Van Aken Boulevard from Lynnfield Road to Shaker Square and then to East 34th Street and via surface streets to downtown. The underpass at Lee Road was dictated by an existing creekbed at the site. It is the only grade separation on the Van Aken line.

In 1980 and 1981, the Green and Blue Lines were completely renovated with new track, ballast, poles and wiring, and new stations were built along the line. The renovated line along Van Aken Boulevard opened on October 30, 1981.

In March 2008, architects were selected to design a new station to replace the existing structure. The new station would be accessible passengers with disabilities includes elevators, a larger pedestrian/bus interface point and enhanced safety and security systems. Public art titled "Railway Dream" by American Sculptor Rachel Slick was commissioned for street level entries and East and West bound platforms. Construction began on June 25, 2014, and the rebuilt station opened in December 2015.

Station layout
Unlike most other stations served exclusively by the Blue Line, this station is located in a cut within the median of Van Aken Boulevard just west of the Lee Road overpass. Concrete stairways with canopies and elevators lead from Lee Road down to two side platforms. Each platform has mini-high platforms which allow passengers with disabilities to access trains.

Notable places nearby

 * Shaker Heights Public Library