Metro Board approves Union Station Master Plan, allowing near-term projects to go forward

http://thesource.metro.net/2014/10/23/metro-board-approves-union-station-master-plan-allowing-near-term-projects-to-go-forward/

By Dave Sotero, October 23, 2014



 

 Sitting at a new plaza overlooking the historic patios – the view is looking north.

 
 Sitting at a new plaza overlooking the historic patios – the view is looking north.


 

A ground floor site plan of the Master Plan. The big changes: a relocated Patsaouras Bus Plaza would be elevated and be located between the rear of the historic concourse and the existing railroad tracks. The current pedestrian tunnel under the tracks and platforms would be replaced by a widened multi-modal concourse, with two sunken areas offering seating and amenities.

 


This rendering shows the expanded multi-modal concourse, with a direct connection to HSR station below grade on the east side of Vignes. The USMP could support other approaches to a HSR station as well.
 

 Walking west over a new pedestrian bridge that spans the railroad tracks and platforms and connects the east and west sides of the Union Station property.

Looking north, with the relocated Patsaouras Bus Plaza to the east and the historic station to the west.

 
 A rendering of the new east entrance to the station, looking toward Vignes Street.

 

 An aerial view of Union Station with potential future development and strong connections to neighboring communities and amenities.

The western end of the new expanded concourse, showing one of the sunken areas, and views to the trains above.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors today approved actions to officially move the Union Station Master Plan, an ambitious long-range roadmap for L.A.’s single largest public transit hub, from planning to implementation. 

Metro can now pursue its initial implementation strategy for near-term projects, which includes a programmatic environmental review of the recommended transit improvements as well as the commercial development program. Metro can also seek immediate funding opportunities for improvements to the station’s perimeter, and will form partnerships with the city and county, real estate and investment communities to support related implementation efforts.

“Today is a milestone day in our goal to bring ‘America’s Last Great Train Station’ into the 21^st century,” said Eric Garcetti, L.A. City Mayor and Metro Board Chair. “Metro is now on the move to make Los Angeles Union Station a world-class transit hub.”

Planned improvements to Union Station’s perimeter include a series of streetscape, open space and transit stop improvements that soften the edges of the station, improve the pedestrian and cyclist experience, strengthen connections to and from the station’s entrances and create a more welcoming environment to transit riders and visitors. Foremost among these improvements is the planned removal of the surface parking lot on the northern side of the forecourt and the creation of a public plaza. This and other improvements will directly link with the El Pueblo Historic Monument, where apprxoimately $1 million in local open space funds has been identified to support the design and implementation of these improvements.

Metro was recently awarded other grant opportunities to improve four bus stops along Cesar Chavez between Alameda and Vignes, which includes creating shelters, additional seating and information, and bike facilities.  Metro has also received a grant from the Congestion Reduction ExpressLanes Net Toll Revenue Project and is providing matching funds to create a Metro Bike Hub on the west side of Union Station that will offer parking for about 300 bicycles, 24-7 secure access control, a space for bike retail and repair services, and a meeting/training space to conduct bike safety training workshops. This bike hub is expected to open in 2017.

The master plan improvements build on ongoing restoration and upgrades for the historic station, which have included new signage, restoration of the historic furnishings, woodwork, metalwork, chandeliers, and repainting. Further planned improvements are renovation of the 75-year-old roof and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the historic station. Work will be completed under the watchful eye of the Historic Architectural Consultant firm ARG and the Los Angeles Conservancy. In addition to restoration work, Metro has begun actively leasing spaces at the station. In the past six months, leases have been signed with Café Crepe, T&Y Bakery, and most recently two new kiosks for the east portal and a new gastro pub in the Fred Harvey restaurant, which will be developed and managed by downtown restaurateurs Cedd Moses and Eric Needleman.

Long-term plans, subject to the availability of future funding, call for a new expanded, multi-modal passenger concourse and the relocation of Patsaouras Bus Plaza to the west side of the property.  Both of these concepts are intended to improve the efficiency of transit operations and enhance the passenger experience at the station. 

The master plan development program includes 3.25 million square feet of entitlements on the Union Station property.  The master plan preserves the historic station, which is registered as a national historical landmark, yet it also envisions new commercial development that will help make Union Station a world-class destination.  Possible development could include new retail amenities, hotel, housing and much more. 

Metro has been working on the Union Station Master Plan for the last two years with the assistance of a consultant team led by Gruen Associates and Grimshaw Architects.  The station opened in 1939 and primarily served passenger trains connecting to cities across California and the United States. Ridership has increased tenfold since the station opened and is now approaching 110,000 trips per day. Daily ridership is expected to jump to nearly 197,000 trips per day by 2040 as the Metro Rail system continues to expand.