[3] It was originally planned that the line would use a steam-powered monorail system that had been developed by Joe Meigs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, however the company eventually chose to use more traditional steam locomotives.

Potential investors found the franchise too restrictive[2] and a new 40 year franchise was awarded by the city council in November 1890, that allowed the railroad to extend to Market Street in downtown Chicago.

[citation needed] It was sold to new owners,[2] renamed the Lake Street Elevated Railroad Company, and a new charter was granted on August 24, 1892.

[3] The first section, running from the downtown terminal at Market Street and Madison to California Avenue opened to the public in October 1893.

The line was completed to 52nd Avenue (Laramie)—a total length of 6.4 miles (10.3 km)—in April 1894.