After getting input from transit riders, area residents, elected officials and stakeholders through a series of virtual Design Workshops, surveys and community events, the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), has approved a finalized design concept for the “Transit Stop Transformation Project” at the Emerson Park Transit Center. The project, being completed in conjunction with Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis and Metro Transit, will transform the concrete area between the bus bays and MetroLink entrance into an interactive, playful, engaging space that gives a nod to the history of music in East St. Louis and makes it part of the fabric of the community.
The finalized design – developed by the CBB/PGAV team – boasts a vibrant-colored jazz theme, featuring spaces to gather, greenery, shaded seating, canopies and more (see rendering). The team, along with Added Dimension, LLC, is working with East St. Louis High School students on design concepts for a mural for the site.
“This project got underway in January and has been a very engaging process ever since,” commented Herb Simmons, Chair of the St. Clair County Transit District. “We were thrilled with the input we received from the community and are excited about the finalized design. This transformation project is going to do just that – transform this space into a colorful, engaging corridor.”
The “Transit Stop Transformation Project” serves as an extension to Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis’ ongoing efforts to raise awareness about “placemaking” around transit. This is a concept that transforms places people simply pass through in route to their next destination – like MetroLink and MetroBus Transit Centers – into active, engaging corridors that connect individuals and neighborhoods by offering access to products, services, activities and green space.
The “Transit Stop Transformation Project” at the Emerson Park Transit Center is the second project of its kind in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Last summer, a MetroBus Stop in Maplewood, Mo., was transformed and now boasts enhanced bus shelters, a public art installation, a hopscotch game, vibrant colors, improved lighting and sightlines, and better access to surrounding green spaces.
“Permanent placemaking projects like the one underway in East St. Louis can serve as a transformational tool to reconnect a community, promote social equality, increase accessibility, position an area for growth, activate and beautify the public space, and enhance neighborhood safety,” added Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit.
The Transit Placemaking Program is an opportunity for communities, corporations and non-profits to partner with Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit and AARP in St. Louis to transform transit stops in their neighborhoods. Sites are selected based on local government/municipal support, corporate or non-profit partners, and community engagement. Citizens for Modern Transit has a Pilot Funds Program to assist with such projects. To learn more, call 314.231.7272, email kcella@cmt-stl.org or visit www.cmt-stl.org.
About St. Clair County Transit District
Founded in 1981, St. Clair County Transit District oversees 11 MetroLink stations and 18 bus routes in St. Clair County, Ill. If commuters have questions about service, they can call (618) 628-8090 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.scctd.org.
About Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit is a nonprofit, member supported organization that leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system with light rail expansion as the critical component that will drive economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region.
About Metro Transit
Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system which includes more 400 clean-burning diesel buses that serve 68 MetroBus routes in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Metro also operates MetroLink light rail vehicles on 46 miles of track serving 38 stations in the two-state area, and operates Metro Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 123 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/stlouis.
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