The completion of the new Kalamazoo Transportation Center in July 2006 played an important role in the City’s downtown redevelopment plan. Inspired by the existing 1887 Cyrus L.W.Eidlitz-designed train depot, the innovative, award-winning facility perfectly blends the historical elements of downtown Kalamazoo with modern transportation amenities to serve as a welcoming gateway to thousands of travelers each year. The final project was the culmination of input from community groups, neighboring business, preservationists, tenants, and stakeholders.
For decades, Kalamazoo residents relied on the Metro Transit Hub at S. Rose Street and W. Michigan Avenue and the City’s beloved train depot to meet their transportation needs. Over the years, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety around the bus transfer point became a growing concern in the community. City officials responded by beginning plans for a new transportation facility in an undisclosed location. They envisioned a cutting edge structure that would offer a number of convenient services for passengers. William Schomisch, Transportation Director for the City Kalamazoo, was appointed project director.
The first step was to conduct a feasibility study to determine if a transportation center would be practical for Kalamazoo. After completing two studies in the ‘90s, the City was unable to settle on a suitable location for the facility and suspended the project. Plans for the transportation center remained on hold until a local bank approached Kalamazoo Metro Transit with an unexpected proposition.
The bank offered to sell Metro Transit its property adjacent to the Kalamazoo Train Depot. That purchase, and the subsequent purchase of an adjacent auto repair facility, would enable the City to build a transfer center extending from the existing train station onto the new land, creating a centralized transportation hub for the immediate downtown area. Schomisch petitioned Congressman Fred Upton, a long time proponent of a Downtown Transit Center, for capital funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). With the Congressman's support, MEtro Transit secured the land with a $3.8 million grant from the FTA.
This federal grant was matched by Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) monies, which allowed the project to enter the design and construction phases. In 2004, the City commissioned the services of two architectural firms to design the transportation center: Wendal Duchsuherer, a New York based firm specializing in public transportation markets; and Kingscott Associates, a local agency that had assisted with past renovations on the train depot. The train depot was to be the focal concept for the new transportation center.
The firms were soon faced with the challenge of restoring the historical elements of the building while integrating new functions. They studied original photos of the depot and worked with local historians and community representatives to ensure the integrity of the building remained intact. The final design was an impressive 1.7 acres that carried the original Richardsonian Romanesque style throughout.
The budget for the project was $13 million, financed entirely through grants from the Federal Transit Administration and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Construction Company Miller-Davis was contracted to build the project under a lump sum General Contract and broke ground in May 2005. The following summer, in July 2006, Kalamazoo finally had its new transit center.
The completed structure effectively combines contemporary needs with classic architectural style. The refurbished depot is completely handicapped accessible and includes ticketing, administration, storage, and passenger amenities such as restrooms and vending machines. The addition of 20 new bus slips support the Metro Transit bus system and the daily arrival and departure of 16 Indian Trails and Greyhound buses. The facility also handles ticketing and passenger services for eight Amtrak trains daily.
The preservation of the historical elements of the train depot is evident in a number of features. For example, the original lobby terrazzo floor was patched and repaired while the new connecting floor used a blending of terrazzo installed with radial floor heat for more effective space heating; four existing 1920s art deco lobby benches were the inspiration for new benches custom made to match; the train depot’s original fireplaces were uncovered and refurbished; and the addition of steel girders and cathedral ceilings captured the sense of an old European train station.
Outside, the impressive 27,000 sq. foot bus canopies are a modern interpretation of a historic design. Long spans of cantilevered steel sections complement the towering limestone-outline archways. Two cantilevered canopies flank a picturesque view of the depot’s charming red-bricked porte cochere and turret, creating a grand pedestrian plaza.
Upon its completion, the striking building and its contributors were honored with several awards. The Southwest Michigan American Institute of Architects awarded William Schomisch with the Owner’s Award for his dedication to the importance of architecture and its benefits to the community, and Kingscott received the 2007 Honor Award for the exceptional design of the Transportation Center. The project was also recognized by the Kalamazoo Preservation Commission for outstanding rehabilitation and preservation of a historical site.
The distinguished Kalamazoo Intermodal Transportation Center has become a major community asset since its construction one year ago. Travel in the area has nearly doubled; approximately 3,000-4,000 local and long-distance visitors pass through the center each day. Many travelers support local businesses when they explore the downtown shopping and restaurants within walking distance of the transit center. The new location alleviates traffic congestion and provides a safer and more hassle-free journey for passengers, with smooth transitions between routes and access to nationwide train and inter and intra city buses. The 19th century style architecture successfully preserves the feel of historic Kalamazoo while still offering passengers all the comforts and conveniences of modern travel. The Kalamazoo Transportation Center will continue to revitalize the City well into the future.
Project Facts
∙The project cost was more than $13 million dollars
∙Stone similar to the Upper Peninsula red limestone used in the original station was found at quarry in Utah
∙1.2 million lbs. of concrete was used for the plaza piers
∙Each arch weighs about 20,000 lbs.
∙More than thirty community groups were consulted during the design of the Transportation Center
∙The new masonry part of the project uses 515 of precast stone
∙The canopy roofs are made of zinc, which has a recycling rate of 90% in building construction
∙The train depot was originally constructed in 1887 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The depot was designed by architect Cyrus L.W. Eidlitz who also designed Chicago’s Dearborn Station and One Times Square, the building where a lighted ball drops every New Year’s Eve
What’s New at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center
∙Metro Transit buses will arrive and depart as many as 710 times a day.
∙Ticketing areas have up-to-date technology
∙Position sensors alert bus drivers to the proper parking position for passenger loading and unloading
∙Sidewalk snow-melt system will keep the walkways clear in the winter.
∙Kiss-and-ride turnout along Kalamazoo Avenue allows for easy passenger pick up and drop off
∙An automated kiosk for convenient ticket purchasing
∙The canopy is wired for current and future technology advances
Accessibility Features
∙Barrier-free restrooms and one family restroom
∙Changes in the color and texture of walkway brick alert visually impaired people that they are approaching a crosswalk
∙Accessible ticketing areas
∙Entry doors have been identified for accessibility
Links
∙American Institute of Architects http://www.aiami.com/
∙Kingscott & Associates http://www.kingscott.com/
∙Michigan Department of Transportation http://www.michigan.gov/mdot.National /
∙Miller-Davis Company http://www.miller-davis.com/
∙Registry of Historic Places http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/
∙Wendal Duchsuherer A&E http://www.wd-ae.com/
