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Public Transportation Facilites
TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE PROJECTS
TRANSIT
FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES FOR NEW JERSEY
New Jersey (1999-present)
The Transit Friendly Communities
for New Jersey program is a unique partnership
between NJ Transit, the New Jersey Department
of Community Affairs, the Office of State Planning,
and non-profit groups (Project for Public Spaces,
Regional Plan Association, Downtown New Jersey,
Rutgers Transportation Policy Institute and
New Jersey Future). The program was developed
to demonstrate to New Jersey communities that
over $7.5 billion in transit investments for
repairing and connecting all of the State's
passenger train lines can be leveraged to revitalize
downtowns, encourage business and local economic
development, and reduce reliance on the private
car. Following two workshops, eleven stations
were selected for the program to represent diversity
including those in developed downtowns (Rutherford,
Red Bank), new light rail stations (Bayonne,
Riverton, Palmyra), and stations where there
is considerable development opportunity (Hackensack,
Matawan/Aberdeen). Tailored to the needs of
each community, technical assistance involved
a full range of issues: walkability and bikeability
analysis to all stations; traffic calming; community
visioning; new development and zoning strategies
to support higher density uses that support
transit; revitalization of adjacent retail or
downtown districts; and making the train station
an important community place. The goal is to
achieve immediate, visible results in the selected
demonstration communities, while greatly increasing
public interest and awareness across the State
of the opportunity for transportation to leverage
community enhancements and support land use
development practices that are transit friendly.
RUTHERFORD
STATION SQUARE
Rutherford, New Jersey (2000-01)
Since 1896, the NJ Transit Rutherford
Train Station on Station Square has played a
pivotal role in the development of Rutherford,
and has been an anchor for the town's main street.
While important to the community, the train
station was also disconnected, with a wide,
poorly functioning traffic circle in Station
Square. PPS recommended reconnecting the main
street with the station, improving bicycle access
and making the station a focal point for new
infill development. The focal point of the project
is a new modern roundabout at the station along
with pedestrian improvements on all streets
that lead like a spoke from the station.
Funding: New Jersey Transit under a grant from
the Federal Highway Administration TCSP program.
WASHINGTON
METRO SIGNAGE AND PLACEMAKING PROGRAM
Washington, DC (1999-2000)
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Project for Public Spaces worked
under contract to the Washington (DC) Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority to develop a system of
metro station signage enhancements to enhance
the customer experience at Metrorail Stations
through a comprehensive evaluation of the communication
systems used for customers in and around the
stations, and by making recommendations for
improving and enhancing the existing communication
systems with actual design examples. The goal
was to craft design solutions that would result
in more user-friendly station environments and,
by looking holistically at stations and station
surroundings and how all elements work together,
to create dynamic, well-functioning community
places around WMATA metro stations throughout
the system. Funding: Washington Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority.
ECOVILLAGE: 65th
AND MADISON RAPID STATION
Cleveland, Ohio (1998-2000)
The Cleveland EcoVillage is a national demonstration
project with the goal of developing a model
urban village that will realize the potential
of urban life in the most ecological way possible.
The project is intended to unite the latest
Green Building ideas with the goal of reducing
pressures for wasteful urban sprawl. The renovation
of the station has become the central focal
point for the EcoVillage. In May of 1999, Project
for Public Spaces conducted a community workshop
to get people's ideas about potential uses for
the area around the station (in new buildings
as well as a proposed new station plaza) and
to discuss the best ways to access the station.
Recommendations were developed for the programming
and design of the station and surrounding development.
Funding: Regional Transit Authority.
LOS
ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE
Los Angeles, California (1996-98)
The Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative
(LANI) is an effort that evolved in the wake
of the April 1992 riots to repair and rejuvenate
the affected neighborhoods through a grass roots
process that empowers these communities in bringing
about improvement. In particular, PPS has aided
in the conduct of community based planning initiatives
that concentrate on areas near bus stops and
rail stations (in an area where people are truly
transit dependent), with the understanding that
transit not only functions as a focal point
for shopping, transit services and social activities,
but as a catalyst for community revitalization.
As part of this process, neighborhood groups
have planted trees, painted and installed new
streetlights, hung colorful banners, redesigned
their streets to be more pedestrian friendly,
revitalized vacant lots as parks and community
gathering places, in partnership with city,
state and county agencies. Client: Los
Angeles Neighborhood Initiative.
RAHWAY
STATION SQUARE CONCEPT PLAN
Rahway, New Jersey (1997)

While New Jersey Transit was in the process
of building a handsome new train station building
in Rahway, Downtown Rahway Partnership, the
downtown's special improvement district, hired
PPS to look at the possibility of removing adjacent
retail buildings in order to build a new station
square. In addition, PPS investigated pedestrian,
circulation and streetscape improvements that
could be made in the surrounding neighborhood
to better integrate the station and its proposed
plaza into the community. Client: Downtown
Rahway Partnership; Proposed Implementation
Funding: ISTEA.
IRVINGTON
BUS TERMINAL
Irvington, New Jersey (1997)
The Irvington Bus Terminal is a bus transfer
center that handles about 7,500 riders per day.
Located at the entrance to town along Irvington's
main street, Springfield Avenue, the Terminal
facility was too small to serve its growing
ridership, provided few passenger amenities,
constricted bus turning and bus layover, and
had dangerous pedestrian crossing conditions.
In collaboration with the Township and NJ Transit,
PPS developed a plan that includes reconfiguring
the adjacent parking lot to serve as a central
square, expanding the size of the terminal building
to accommodate additional retail and to provide
more passenger waiting area, increasing the
number of bus lanes, and adding crosswalks and
sidewalk extensions to reduce conflicts between
pedestrians and vehicles. Client: Township of
Irvington and New Jersey Transit. Funding: New
Jersey Transit.
DELMAR
METROLINK STATION AREA PLAN
St. Louis, Missouri (1997)

Working with a local team of architects, planners,
and real estate specialists, PPS studied the
current usage and potential of Delmar Station,
which opened in 1993 as part of a new light
rail system. The district around the station,
once a transitional area of industrial and commercial
uses and auto-oriented services, is now emerging
as a hub of activity which can help revitalize
the surrounding neighborhoods. PPS surveyed
riders and analyzed the many pedestrian conflicts
around Delmar Station, which is also a major
bus transfer center. Recommendations were made
for creating a transit plaza with a small retail
kiosk, improving pedestrian crossing, and reducing
vehicle impacts in the area. Working with the
Washington University Urban Research and Design
Center, PPS also prepared a bicycle access plan
for the station. Client: Bi-State Development
Agency.
CENTRAL
RETAIL BUSINESS DISTRICT STUDY
Summit, New Jersey (1997)
PPS, along with Abeles Phillips Preiss and Shapiro,
undertook an economic study and physical analysis
of downtown Summit for the special improvement
district, Summit Downtown, Inc. The well-used
New Jersey Transit station became a target for
improvements because of its location in the
heart of Summit and its potential for becoming
an important public gathering place. Traffic
and pedestrian issues were addressed at the
station, as well as recommendations for increased
retail activity both inside and outside the
station. Client: Summit Downtown, Inc.
BROAD
STREET STATION
Newark, New Jersey (1996-97)
With the opening of the Morris and Essex line,
and the new New Jersey Performing Arts Center
(NJPAC), NJ Transit's Broad Street Station was
in a position to function as a gateway to Newark,
for commuters and theatergoers. The new Newark-Elizabeth
light rail line, scheduled to open in 2002,
terminates at Broad Street. While the historic
station building was carefully renovated and
is well-maintained, the plaza in front of the
station consists of a broad expanse of concrete
with few trees or benches, and is used primarily
by passengers passing through on their way to
transfer between the train and buses that stop
at the eastern edge of the plaza. The plaza
is bounded by six lanes of fast moving traffic
on Broad Street, cutting it off from the rest
of downtown and the NJPAC. PPS's plan called
for additional landscaping, lighting, seating,
and vending, with new pathways that follow the
desire lines of transferring passengers.
Client: NJ Transit.
WILMINGTON
STATION SQUARE
Wilmington, Delaware (1996 )
As part of a team looking at the potential of
the Amtrak Station in Wilmington, Delaware,
PPS developed a program of uses and design concept
for the revitalization of the square in front
of the station. Currently, the square is bisected
by a major roadway and is little used. The proposed
redesign would relocated the bisecting street,
make the square more pedestrian accessible and
create a multi-use urban garden with horticultural
displays, a café, and other amenities. Recommendations
for additional retail in surrounding buildings,
including the station itself, were also developed.
Client: Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Council.
RED
BANK STATION AREA CONCEPT PLAN
Red Bank, New Jersey (1996)
New Jersey Transit and the Borough of Red Bank
jointly hired PPS to develop a plan for the
area around the historic train station that
would include a bus transfer facility. PPS proposed
creating a small park in front of the station
to serve as the center of a revitalized retail
neighborhood as well as a waiting area for bus
patrons. The plan included introducing angled
parking in front of existing shops, commuter
parking strategies, pedestrian improvements
to encourage more commuters to walk to the station
and a plaza for a public market next to the
station. Client: New Jersey Transit and the
Borough of Red Bank.
ORENCO STATION
Hillsboro, Oregon (1996)
Orenco Station is a new 500-acre
development adjacent to a new Westside MAX light
rail project in Hillsboro, Oregon. After an
extensive community process and establishing
a partnership with a major land owner, Orenco
is now being completed and will include 80,000
square feet of retail, with residential and
live-work units on a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined
street, 400 single-family townhomes and cottages,
1400 apartments, two public parks and public
artworks. PPS facilitated three workshops to
establish key design concepts and transportation
strategies for development north of the new
community station. The Orenco Station transit-oriented
development received numerous local and national
awards. Funding: City of Hillsboro.
FREDERICK
DOUGLASS CIRCLE STUDY
New York, New York (1996)
The Central Park Conservancy asked PPS to study
traffic, pedestrian and transportation issues
at Frederick Douglass Circle, an important intersection
at the northwest corner of Central Park. This
included examining how to create a stronger
link between the Park and the existing subway
station beneath the Circle. PPS proposals included
reducing the size of the intersection to allow
for easier pedestrian crossings and more opportunities
for place?making, more attractive and visible
entrances to the subway station and enhancing
and enlarging the entrance to Central Park.
Client: Central Park Conservancy; Funding: The
Federal Transit Administration's Livable Community
Initiative.
"PED
TO MAX" PROGRAM
Gresham, Oregon (1996)
PPS assisted in developing concepts for the
Portland, Oregon area Ped to Max Program, which
is intended to improve the connection between
existing TRI-MET light rail stations and adjacent
communities. Improvements included creating
a better pedestrian environment by introducing
changes such as crosswalks and slowing down
traffic on streets surrounding the stations,
developing concepts for the use of adjacent
public space, as well as recommending management
strategies for addressing issues related to
an enhanced image and identity for the areas.
Client: David Evans & Associates/TRI-MET.
TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS
Corpus Christi,
Texas (1991-96)

PPS worked with the Corpus Christi
Regional Transportation Authority on a series
of projects to develop ways for transportation
facilities to act as catalysts for redeveloping
neighborhoods. Community workshops were held
in a variety of neighborhoods to develop innovative
ways to enhance trolley and bus stops, the City
Hall bus transfer center, and to introduce streetscape
improvements. In the first phase, plans that
were developed and implemented included newsstands
and plant vending facilities to activate a plaza,
vending carts and the creation of an arcade
facade on one block of a retail area. Other
improvements instituted included an extension
of a restaurant building, reinstatement of angled
parking in suitable areas of the downtown, and
a work of public sculpture for an area adjacent
to a trolley stop. In the next phase, PPS worked
on the new Staples Street City Hall bus transfer
center. Uniting seven routes, the center opened
in February 1994 with new landscaping and amenities,
including handmade ceramic tiles gracing the
facility's benches, light poles, columns and
central archway, created by 1500 children and
adult members of the community. PPS received
a Federal Design Achievement Award for work
at this station, as part of the National Endowment
for the Arts Presidential Design Awards Program.
In a follow-up assignment, PPS developed a plan
to improve the pedestrian environment around
the station and to link it to a nearby low income
neighborhood, largely transit dependent, located
on the other side of a major interstate highway.
Recommendations included adding crosswalks,
introducing traffic calming measures and enhancing
landscaping and lighting in order to improve
pedestrian access to the station, encourage
more pedestrian use and help revitalize local
businesses. Client: Regional Transportation
Authority.
HEMPSTEAD
TRAIN STATION
Hempstead, New York (1995)
PPS, working with Urban Associates Architects,
developed a plan for renovating the Hempstead,
Long Island Train Station, one of the busiest
intermodal hub facilities in New York State.
The area around the Station, comprised mainly
of surface parking lots that separate it from
adjacent retail centers and residential neighborhoods,
was not perceived as having a sense of place
or as being safe. PPS recommendations included
design changes and streetscape enhancements
to West Columbia Street facing the station to
make it safer for passengers to cross between
the train and Long Island Bus stations; developing
a distinctive architectural style and upgraded
amenities for the Station building that would
be both welcoming and comfortable for passenger
use; designs to create clear visibility for
Station security, ticket agents and passengers;
provision of a strong management and security
presence at the Station; and the inclusion of
local stakeholders in both the planning and
management of the Station. Client: Long Island
Railroad.
DOWNTOWN
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Boston, Massachusetts (1994-95)
As with most major cities, downtown Boston is
faced with significant transportation problems.
While the city has one of the highest transit
use rates in the country, downtown is still
overly dominated by the private car -- leaving
pedestrians to fend for themselves against the
notorious "Boston drivers." The Boston Transportation
Plan is a comprehensive analysis of transportation
problems and needs for the downtown, looking
broadly at transit, auto circulation, bicycling,
and pedestrians. Under a team led by Cambridge
Systematics, PPS addressed how to make downtown
more pedestrian-oriented through improvements
to reduce traffic speed and better balance pedestrian
and vehicular needs. Case studies of intensively
used pedestrian areas in downtown were conducted,
and pilot projects to test the impact of changes
on the use of street space are being initiated.
Funding: Boston Transportation Department.
COMMUTER
RAIL STATION AND TOWN CENTER
Plainfield, New Jersey (1994)
PPS developed a plan to revitalize
a long-neglected shopping street opposite the
Netherwood commuter rail station in downtown
Plainfield, New Jersey, with new pedestrian-friendly
improvements, including crosswalks, landscaped
medians, lighting and widened sidewalks, as
well as a plan to work with neighboring retailers
to add awnings, improved signage, outdoor cafes
and displays, all in order to create a lively
town center and integrate the station into the
adjacent street and surrounding area. Because
of the station enhancements developed by PPS
and implemented by New Jersey Transit, the City
of Plainfield was able to transfer $450,000
in State roadway repaving moneys to fund streetscape
and place-making improvements to the areas in
front of the train station along South Avenue.
These funds were then matched by a $500,000
ISTEA grant, providing nearly $1 million in
leveraged funds to extend the station enhancement
efforts further into the surrounding commercial
and residential districts. Currently the project
is being implemented, and PPS has been asked
to continue to be involved. Client: City of
Plainfield Office of Planning.
METROLINK
STATION AREA PLAN
San Bernardino, California (1994)
The Santa Fe Railroad Station adjacent to downtown
San Bernardino, which is still in use by Amtrak,
has recently been expanded to include a commuter
rail station operated
by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation
Authority. PPS, as part of its overall plan
for downtown San Bernardino conducted a detailed
planning study of the area around the station
-- a low income residential and commercial neighborhood
-- to determine how the station could act as
a catalyst for the economic revitalization of
the area. In addition, PPS addressed how to
connect the station to downtown, through transit
and physical improvements to the now largely
derelict area. Funding: San Bernardino Economic
Development Agency.
TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE FOR
ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY/EMPOWERMENT ZONE APPLICATIONS
(1994)
Project for Public Spaces, in conjunction with
the Urban Mobility Corporation and the National
Association of Neighborhoods, was asked by the
Federal Transit Administration to provide technical
assistance to communities applying for designation
as Enterprise Zones and Empowerment Communities.
As part of this effort, the team guided over
100 cities and towns in developing community-based
transportation elements as part of their strategic
plans to meet economic development and other
community needs. The team prepared written information,
made site visits to hold workshops and meet
with groups in 15 cities of various sizes, and
consulted with people in additional communities
by telephone. Client: Federal Transit Administration.
KING STREET
STATION
Seattle, Washington (1994)
PPS assisted the City of Seattle in developing
a plan for retrofitting an existing rail station
into a more heavily used intermodal facility
incorporating commuter rail, bus, and taxi,
in addition to the existing transit uses of
the site. PPS's specific role was to outline
ways of ensuring that the facility would be
safe and secure and contribute to the liveability
and quality of life of the community around
it, of which there is some concern. Client:
City of Seattle.
TROLLEY SYSTEM
Riverside, California (1993-1994)
Project for Public Spaces developed a plan for
retrofitting the pedestrian mall in Riverside,
California to accommodate a trolley, to improve
visibility and access to businesses, and to
create nodes of social activity along the mall.
The plan was developed using a community-based
planning process in which members of the Riverside
community participated in developing the recommended
solutions. Client: Riverside Redevelopment Authority.
REGIONAL
TRANSIT AUTHORITY AND GREYHOUND BUS STATION
Riverside, California (1993-94)
Much of the public perception that Riverside,
California is unsafe is related to a very small
area in the downtown which includes the Greyhound
Bus Station and the area surrounding it. Although
the Regional Transit Authority serves over 5000
people each day, because of the negative image
caused by people hanging out at the bus station,
consideration has been given to moving it away
from the downtown altogether. Project for Public
Spaces did an evaluation of the use of the Station
at different times of day, week and evening,
interviewed bus passengers and adjacent retailers
and developed a plan with the City and community
for making improvements to the design, use and
management of the Station. One of the first
changes was the organization of a Wednesday
Market and the addition of a snack and beverage
vendor - both of which have a significant positive
effect on the security of the area. Funding:
Riverside Redevelopment Authority.
HOLLYWOOD
METRORAIL STATIONS
Los Angeles, California (1992-94)
In anticipation of the construction of the Red
Line through Hollywood, PPS undertook a number
of efforts for the Los Angeles Metropolitan
Transportation Agency. Working with the Joint
Development program, PPS conducted a community
workshop and worked with design teams selected
to develop the strategic urban design plans
for the stations at Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood
and Highland, and Hollywood and Western. PPS
also worked with MTA staff to prepare a construction
mitigation plan for these sites, with a focus
of special events and activities to draw people
to the Boulevard during construction. This project,
"Live on Hollywood" was partially funded by
the MTA during 1993-1994. Funding: Metropolitan
Transportation Authority.
ARCHER
SUTPHIN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Jamaica, Queens New York (1994)
Under the sponsorship of the International Downtown
Association, PPS helped to facilitate a workshop
with the Jamaica, Queens business community.
The primary issue was to develop, with members
of the community, a series of small, short term
improvements that could be made to the street
and adjacent multimodal transportation center.
In addition to transportation services such
as the Long Island Railroad, New York City subway
and busses, numerous private van and car services
as well as taxi and a planned monorail connection
to LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports are an integral
part of this community. However, the riders
have little interaction or impact on the economic
and social vitality of the community. This center
is and will continue to be one of the most heavily
used and complicated transportation centers
in the United States. Funding: International
Downtown Association.
WOODBRIDGE
TRANSIT HUB
Woodbridge, New Jersey (1992)

PPS developed recommendations, renderings and
site plans to enhance the downtown Woodbridge
commuter rail station and the area around it.
These improvements included adding historic-style
amenities to the station platform and waiting
areas, expanding both station entrances, with
additional signage, retail activity and plaza
areas for kiss 'n ride. To improve access to
and from the station, PPS recommended paving
the front entrance to the station, installing
better signage and lighting along the paths
to the parking lots in back, and a pedestrian-activated
crossing light under the railroad trestle so
pedestrians could safely cross Main Street near
the station. PPS also worked with local retailers
interested in satellite retail operations to
serve station users and in improving their entrances
facing the station. As a result of the PPS concept
plan, New Jersey Transit applied for and received
over $460,000 in federal discretionary funds
to implement the recommended improvements. The
improvements have been implemented, including
new lighting and pavers that provide a clearer
connection and relationship to downtown Woodbridge
and the new City Hall. Two local retailers are
moving into the two kiosk spaces built under
the Station entrance canopies, and a regional
micro-brewery and restaurant now occupies a
vacant building at the corner of Main Street
behind the trestle. The owner and New Jersey
Transit have arranged for transit passenger
use of the brewery parking lot, and the brewery
owner will landscape the areas adjacent to his
building. Client: New Jersey Transit.
NEW
JERSEY TRANSIT STATION RENEWAL PROGRAM
New Jersey (1991-93)
PPS worked with New Jersey Transit to develop
a cooperative program to improve six New Jersey
commuter rail stations, so that they would have
a stronger impact on the communities in which
they were located. PPS developed a strategy
to enhance the connections between stations
and neighboring communities by generating broad-based
community input and involvement regarding station
management, retail activities, events programming,
passenger amenities and station beautification.
Issues addressed included station identification,
integration of stations with adjacent land uses,
passenger use and comfort, parking fee structures,
and appropriate adaptive reuse of historic station
buildings. PPS is assisting in implementing
design, management and operational changes in
transit facilities in Maplewood, Woodbridge,
Bradley Beach, Plainfield/Netherwood, East Orange
and Rahway, New Jersey. Client: New Jersey Transit;
Funding: The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
PLAZA VILLAGE
East Orange, New Jersey (1992)

The East Orange City Hall, NJ Transit Train
Station, and Post Office -- constructed in the
early part of this century -- create a unique
focal point to the city. PPS prepared a master
plan for this area to make it a center of community
life and activity. During the summer of 1992,
the East Orange Community Market was established
on an experimental basis in conjunction with
a summer-long mid-week Jazz Concert series.
The experience of this program is guiding a
long-term physical improvement plan for the
site which includes the creation of an intermodal
transit center at the station, improved pedestrian
access from the train station to other parts
of the downtown, and improvements to the storefronts
and retail facades of businesses in the adjacent
retail corridor. Client: City of East Orange;
Implementation Funding: ISTEA.
OSCAR TROLLEY
SYSTEM
Orlando, Florida (1992)
PPS served as a member of a design review committee
to evaluate proposal for a new trolley circulator
system in downtown Orlando. PPS also prepared
guidelines for the design of trolley stops and
reviewed streetscape plans. Client: City of
Orlando.
PORT
AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL
EVALUATION AND RETROFIT
New York, New York (1990-92)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
hired PPS to help upgrade the image and operation
of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, one of New
York's largest, most complex public facilities.
Issues addressed included the patron's experience,
wayfinding, circulation, amenities, retail,
management and operations. Some of the problems
in the terminal included large numbers of homeless,
loitering, prostitution, and drug dealing. PPS
worked to rationalize location of activities
and bring desirable activities and users in
to replace inappropriate and illegal activities.
PPS assisted in implementing selected design,
management and operational changes and monitoring
their impact on activity in the bus terminal.
Client: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,
Interstate Transportation Department.
ONE
PENN PLAZA/LONG ISLAND RAILROAD (LIRR)
New York, NY (1988-89)
PPS developed a concept for expanding the Long
Island Railroad terminal in Pennsylvania Station
in New York City. In addition to the LIRR expansion,
the proposed project includes a new entrance
for the LIRR and a $100 million privately developed
retail center located adjacent to the station
on property that is privately owned by Helmsley-Spear,
Inc. Client: Helmsley-Spear, Inc.
PETER
PAN BUS COMPANY EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT
Springfield, MA (1987)
The Peter Pan Bus Company, located in downtown
Springfield, retained PPS to help evaluate the
future potential of its property, including
the possibility of developing a major office
tower and relocating its bus terminal. Long-range
conceptual plans were developed for the Peter
Pan site as well as surrounding blocks, which
include a historic train station. These plans
are being used to stimulate interest in coordinated
revitalization of the area and the conversion
of the train station into a community facility.
Client: Peter Pan Bus Company.
HOWARD
PAULINA TRANSIT CENTER
Chicago, Illinois (1987)
PPS, along with the management consulting firm
of Rubloff Corporate Services, a private developer,
and the City's Department of Transportation,
developed several alternatives for the design
of a proposed retail-transit center in the Howard
Paulina neighborhood of Chicago. The project
was initiated by the Howard Paulina Development
Corporation, a local community organization.
The concept for the development included a transit
hub for commuter trains and buses, and a retail
center that would include shopping and entertainment
opportunities for both commuters and local residents.
A public market was proposed as part of the
retail component. Client: Howard Paulina Development
Corporation.
LOS
ANGELES UNION STATION
TRANSPORTATION STUDY
Los Angeles, California (1986)
PPS prepared the pedestrian design and planning
elements of a transportation plan for
a regional transport center at Union Station
in downtown Los Angeles. The plan includes a
description of existing conditions, future improvements,
evaluation of proposed development programs,
and recommendations for a detailed transportation
strategy. Funding: Community Redevelopment Agency
of the City of Los Angeles.
REDMOND
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Redmond, Washington (1985)
As part of an update of Redmond's transportation
plan, PPS prepared the pedestrian and bicycle
elements. The plan included a description of
existing conditions, needs analysis for projected
activities, comparative improvement analysis
as well as recommended improvements and amendments
to the Development Guide. Funding: City of Redmond.
UNION STATION
Seattle, Washington (1985)
As urban design consultants for the development
of the Union Station site, PPS was responsible
for the planning of public spaces as well as
the urban design, urban climate, historic preservation
and pedestrian and bicycle elements of the environmental
impact statement. In addition, PPS conducted
research to determine the historic significance
of Union Station and described regulations and
incentives for historic preservation of the
building. PPS received a 1985 Progressive Architecture
award in urban design and planning for this
project. Funding: Upland Industries Corporation.
UNIVERSITY
DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Seattle, Washington (1984)
The University District is one of Seattle's
busiest and most congested neighborhoods. An
important goal for the City is the encouragement
of alternative transportation modes. PPS was
retained to evaluate pedestrian and bicycle
elements for existing and future conditions
and to make design recommendations. Funding:
City of Seattle; Metro.
SAN
JUAN CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
San Juan, Puerto Rico (1984)
This study was aimed at improving the connection
between the waterfront and the adjacent historic
district of Old San Juan in order to provide
tourists on cruise ships with a more direct
access to the district. Conflicts between pedestrians
and all modes of vehicles (buses, tourist vans,
taxis) were studied at the two major cruise
ship terminals where 500,000 tourists arrive
each year. Funding: Municipality of San Juan.
SUBWAY
MODERNIZATION PROJECTS
New York, New York (1984)
PPS studied and made recommendations for improvements
to five New York City subway stations (Grand
Central Station, Flushing Line Platform; Times
Square; 59th Street; Lexington Avenue; and Woodhaven).
Specific issues related to circulation, access,
and pedestrian conflict (congested stairs and
corridors) were analyzed in each station. PPS
also looked at the need for station amenities,
the relationship of concessions to the use and
safety of the station, the impact of adjacent
land uses and problems orienting people within
the station and outside the station on the street.
Funding: New York City Transit Authority.
TIMES
SQUARE SUBWAY STATION
New York, New York (1984)
PPS worked on the redesign of the Times Square
subway station as part of the 42nd Street Redevelopment
Project. PPS studied issues related to pedestrian
use, safety and security, circulation and access
to and from the station. Management recommendations
for station layout, access and security have
been incorporated into the forthcoming plan.
Funding: Public Development Corporation.
BELLEVUE
TRANSIT CENTER SITE ANALYSIS
Bellevue, Washington (1982)
PPS established design and site selection criteria
for a transit center to be part of the proposed
Bellevue Pedestrian Corridor. Pedestrian and
urban design criteria were prepared as well
as projections of new development and pedestrian
trip patterns. Funding: Metro.
BANFIELD
LIGHT RAIL URBAN DESIGN
-- PORTLAND STREETS STUDY
Portland, Oregon (1981)
PPS was a member of an award-winning team of
architects, planners and designers that planned,
designed and constructed a 15-mile segment of
a projected regional light rail transit system.
PPS's project role involved the creation of
design criteria related to the needs of pedestrians
and transit riders on Portland light rail streets.
PPS also prepared a draft management and maintenance
plan The team won an urban design and planning
award from Progressive Architecture. Funding:
Tri-Met; City of Portland.
FORDHAM
PLAZA BUS TERMINAL
Bronx, New York (1981)
Located on a heavily used shopping street, between
Sear's and a major office and retail development,
this bus terminal was the unplanned chaotic
stop for six bus lines. PPS's recommendations
were aimed at making the terminal more comfortable
for people to use as well as more convenient
for buses. Funding: Tri-State Regional Planning
Commission.
FORDHAM
ROAD - GRAND CONCOURSE SUBWAY STATION
The Bronx, New York (1981)
This subway station, located in the heart of
the heavily used Fordham Road shopping area,
has the highest crime rate of any station in
the Bronx. PPS determined that the vast mezzanine
level, long corridors, and many stairways exceeded
passenger's need for them, and that these spaces
made the station less manageable. Recommendations
to reduce the size of the mezzanine level and
to improve sight lines throughout the station
were made as part of a total station renovation
program. Funding: Tri?State Regional Planning
Commission.
THE
HUB (149TH STREET) SUBWAY STATION
Bronx, New York (1981)
As consultants to Gruzen & Partners, architects,
PPS analyzed pedestrian flow patterns and identified
problem areas at this major subway station in
the Bronx. PPS also assisted in developing the
design changes to the station, including enlarged
entrance areas and a new transfer operation
between buses and the subway. Funding: Tri-State
Regional Planning Commission.
CRAMES SQUARE
The Bronx, New York (1981)
As lead consultant to the New York City Department
of City Planning for its South Bronx Transportation
Planning Project, PPS analyzed aspects of pedestrian
and vehicular circulation needs in this major
intersection in the South Bronx. Recommendations
for a new entrance and other subway station
improvements were also developed. The centerpiece
of the plan is a new marketplace and gathering
space on the square. Funding: Tri-State Regional
Planning Commission.
BUS
SHELTER EVALUATION STUDY (1980-81)
As part of the development of its Downtown Pedestrian
Improvement Training Materials, PPS evaluated
how people use bus shelters in the Portland
(Oregon) Mall, Chicago State Street Mall, and
the Philadelphia Chestnut Street Transitway,
as well as the downtown bus terminal in Memphis.
The results of the study, summarized in a film,
"Waiting for the Bus," describe the design requirements
for effective shelter design. Funding: U.S.
Department of Transportation and U.S. Dept.
of Housing and Urban Development.
GRAND
CENTRAL SUBWAY STATION
New York City (1980)
Grand Central Subway Station is being renovated
at a cost of $10 million in order to improve
the station's pedestrian circulation and overall
environment. PPS worked with Steelye Stevenson
Value & Knecht, engineers, and Gruzen and
Partners, architects, to analyze pedestrian
flow patterns and to identify points of congestion,
confusion, and conflict. Based on this analysis,
PPS assisted in developing design changes to
the station. Construction was completed in 1990.
Funding: New York Metropolitan Transit Authority.
RESEARCH, EDUCATION
AND ADVOCACY
THE NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR
TRANSPORTATION AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
(1996-present )
As the result of discussions between PPS, the
federal government and several other non-profit
organizations, a new public/private initiative
is being set up to improve the capacity of transportation
planning, decision making and investments to enhance
the social, economic and physical well being of
all communities -- building on existing efforts
of the Department of Transportation to advance
the role of transportation in creating liveable
communities. Discussions are focussing on ways
transportation can: (1) foster community based
planning and people-oriented design improvements,
increasing personal mobility, system access and
capacity and enhancing a "sense of place"; (2)
improve economic opportunities and provide for
more equitable access to these opportunities;
and (3) enhance quality of life, safety, security
and business vitality. While the overall Partnership
is still in formation, PPS and three other non-profit
partners have joined together with USDOT to initiate
a series of pilot educational and demonstration
activities to be undertaken in 1996-1997. The
first of these will be a series of one-day regional
workshops to highlight model, community-based
transportation programs from around the country.
Other activities will include demonstration projects
in selected cities and publication of the results
of the demonstrations. An organizational plan
for the National Partnership is expected to be
completed by the end of 1996 that will define
future directions. Funding: Federal Highway Administration,
Federal Transit Administration, Surdna Foundation.
THE ROLE OF TRANSIT IN CREATING
LIVABLE METROPOLITAN COMMUNITIES
(1994-1996)
The objective of this 18 month national study
that PPS conducted was to develop tangible, practical
and affordable ideas that can be used to both
build new public transit facilities and modify
existing ones so that they contribute in a positive
way to the livability of the communities in which
they are located. PPS did research to define the
key elements of livability and identify transit-related
actions that positively influence these elements
as well as complementary actions (e.g., public
investment policies, schools, housing, safety
programs) that can be used in concert with transit
to determine how they best can enhance community
livability. This research has been framed to inform
a national agenda to develop meaningful roles
for transit in creating livable communities. On
a local level, PPS defined a new process for conducting
transit planning so that it better meets community
needs. Funding: Transit Cooperative Research Program
(Transportation Research Board).
STREETS FOR
ALL USERS
New York, New York (1984)
PPS conducted a study of two major commercial
streets in Midtown Manhattan (34th Street and
Lexington Avenue). The study focused on the interrelationship
between various modes of transportation and the
appropriate distribution of space to different
uses. It included an analysis of the causes of
congestion, points of conflict and the effectiveness
of informational signage. The objectives were
to 1) develop implementable recommendations that
will improve the overall design and management
of the streets and 2) document a methodology for
systematically examining circulation and activity
patterns on major corridors in midtown. The results
of the study have been published by the New York
City Department of City Planning. Funding: New
York City Department of City Planning.
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