In 1875, two developers of residential land in this area, James Clybourn and Robert Greer, contracted with the Chicago & North Western Railway for 5 trains a day in each direction to stop at a station to be built on this site. The establishment of train service kicked off the residential and industrial development of this area. By 1900, 56 trains a day were stopping at Summerdale. As part of a wave of consolidation by the railway, this station (as well as Rose Hill station to the north) was closed in 1958. The Ravenswood station was constructed at Lawrence Ave shortly thereafter, and is now the highest ridership station on the line.

The mural art on the walls of the viaduct, depicting the four seasons, was designed by local artist Laura Coyle in 2011, and is maintained by local neighbors and art students from nearby Amundsen High School.