The finalized design concept has been approved for the Transit Stop Transformation Project at the North Hanley Transit Center, which is being completed in conjunction with Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis and Metro Transit and through a partnership with St. Louis REALTORS®.
The project will transform the concrete area between the bus bays and MetroLink entrance into an interactive, playful and engaging space.
The finalized design – developed by Team Better Block with the assistance of local design firm Design Lab 443 – boasts a vibrant-colored “Transit: We All Ride Together” theme. It features shade structures, seating, musical artwork, ground murals and window designs. In addition, it reflects the diverse group of riders who utilize this MetroLink-MetroBus connection point in unincorporated St. Louis County. Construction will commence in September and be completed in October 2022.
“The planning process for this project was fueled by the input of the local community, and the final design fits the feel of the area, as it will serve as an extension of the fabric of the community,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director, Citizens for Modern Transit. “We are excited to see this concept come to life and transform this space into an engaging corridor that residents of all ages can enjoy.”
The “Transit Stop Transformation Project” at the North Hanley Transit Center is the fourth transformation of its kind in the St. Louis region. Transformations were also completed at the Belleville Transit Center in Belleville in June 2022, the Emerson Park Transit Center in East St. Louis in August 2021 and at a MetroBus stop in Maplewood in June 2020. Each project showcases un understanding of and commitment to equitable development around transit, the possibility of play, the ability for creative interventions to produce long-term impact for residents of all ages and the need for collaboration to succeed.
The partners work with stakeholders to build consensus and policies to move permanent development forward – and ultimately establish lasting developments at transit stops that are helping to improve safety and security, build ridership and increase activity around transit. Each project also reinforces the element of fun that comes with activating space and will be maintained via partner commitments to ensure sustainability for years to come.
