On Aug. 13 the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of its new transit shelters on High Street in downtown Columbus. So far, 12 shelters have been installed along High Street, with the next being installed later this week by Brasco International.
COTA challenged a class of Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) industrial design students to submit designs for new COTA passenger shelters. The students were asked to incorporate sustainable or "green" features and materials, offer protection from the elements, and were required to be ADA compliant. The community offered feedback on the submitted designs, and Michael Young’s design was selected. Michael collaborated with COTA on the decision of who would fabricate the shelters, and the project went to Brasco International.
COTA’s $479,735 investment in the project demonstrates its commitment to the revitalization of Columbus’s downtown. The shelters were sustainably constructed with recycled aluminum and HDPE materials, polycarbonate roof, and are finished in a low VOC powder coat. The shelters are complimented by custom leaning rails and benches. All materials are made in the USA and are Buy America compliant.
Speakers at the event included designer Michael Young, Curtis Stitt, president/CEO, COTA, Tom White, president, CCAD, and Marilyn Brown, Franklin County commissioner.
