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Loss of an icon: Rail fans will mourn loss of Deval Tower after demolition
Jul 11, 2007
Ames Boykin rboykin@dailyherald.com
Daily Herald
Pertains to Northwestern, North Central, New Line, Des Plaines
Photograph caption: The Deval Tower, which has been inoperable since a 2005 fire, will be torn down - leaving area train fans sad over the loss of the iconic tower.

A favorite spot for rail fans from all over the Chicago area, the Deval Tower in Des Plaines will soon be no more.

The Tower, which dates to the early 20th century, will be torn down within two years, no longer needed to direct train traffic.

Rail fans are not permitted in the tower, but people are able to stand outside to get a feel of being in the center of action. The place where the three tracks converge has been the place to watch trains rumble by.

But its switching function is now served at another station in Chicago after a 2005 fire made it inoperable. The tower's main function has been to assure the trains on those three tracks run smoothly.

"We're still in the process of cutting over switches to the Clybourn Station north of Chicago," said James Barnes, Union Pacific spokesman.

Within 18 to 24 months, the tower will be demolished, Barnes said.

Train fans say there are different estimates for when the tower was built.

But they can agree on the importance of the tower and its unique spot.

Three lines intersect here forming a triangle of diamonds about 100 yards apart. Union Pacific's triple track, formerly known as C&NW Northwest Line, crosses Canadian National's line, formerly known as the Soo main line from Wisconsin.

Both are crossed by another Union Pacific line, formerly known as the New Line, traveling northeast-southwest.

For rail fans, its void will be felt.

"The demolition of such a structure means that another sentinel watching over the railroad is gone," said Bill Shapotkin, president of the Railroad Club of Chicago.

Deval is an acronym for Des Plaines Valley. The crossing was established when the Wisconsin Central was built through the area circa 1880's. The crossing became even more interesting when the Chicago & Northwestern constructed its "New Line" circa 1908-1911, Shapotkin explained.

The tower is inside the triangle.

Shapotkin, of Wilmette, said what makes Deval unique is that there are trains on three different lines - with trains of three railroads passing through.

The hustle and bustle of trains moving through this Des Plaines spot makes it a "hotspot" for rail fans, Shapotkin said.

However, it's not to be mistaken as a playground. Rail fans are cautioned not to endanger themselves by crossing the tracks.

But the spot will not likely lose its luster once the tower is gone.

"Deval will always be a special place for rail photography - even without the tower," he said.

   
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