New Line Tavern is housed in the former Powerhouse Building of the Chicago and North Western Railway. Built in 1909, the Beaux Arts structure provided electricity and steam heat to the original terminal (since demolished), standing passenger cars, and other nearby railway facilities for over 50 years.

In the early 2000’s the building was gutted and renovated. The Powerhouse Building is a classic example of adaptive reuse in an historical preservation. The façade of the building remains while the interior was altered to house offices and a first floor restaurant. New Line Tavern opened in 2009.

New Line Tavern gets its name from the original rail line to Milwaukee. It was the Chicago and Northwestern’s direct line to Milwaukee and it was called the “new line”. New Line has become a neighborhood staple to residents in the West Loop. Commuters also frequent New Line as it is a great place to drop by before heading to their train home. less