The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is seeking two partners to redevelop the Stewart B. McKinney Stamford Transportation Center (STC). The project will be delivered through a Design-Build model with applications due by Dec. 5.
The decision to redevelop the 11-acre center is part of the transportation department’s efforts to modernize services and reimagine the STC as a multimodal transportation hub with transit-oriented development (TOD) elements. Ideal candidates will submit visions that combine transit improvements with mixed-use developments, emphasizing TOD options that primarily feature multifamily residential buildings with retail or a mix of commercial, office, hotel or civic uses.
CTDOT determined that, to meet the growing demands of Stamford’s growing population and to replace antiquated infrastructure, the project would implement a series of upgrades and reconfigure the center. Goals include replacing, relocating and repurposing facilities, deploying pedestrian-centric and ADA-compliant designs and utilizing smart parking and energy-efficient systems. While the design process will be ongoing, the department outlines programming elements anticipated to be represented in the center’s final layout.
The project element expectations are divided into three parts:
- Rail station.
- Bus intermodal station.
- Common elements.
As part of the rail station’s reconstruction, a track may potentially be added to the area, integrate ample ventilation, provide fire separation and ensure all railroad clearances are up to code. TOD
design principles will guide all future activities, with plans in place to demolish the existing parking garage to free up space for future construction.
The project’s vision features several public interior spaces, including a station waiting area, ticketing offices and kiosks, restrooms, concessions and vending areas, lounges, lockers and a customer service desk. Plans include building a police substation, dining and retail spaces, community areas, drinking fountains, tourism spaces, passenger information systems and flex space.
The center will be designed to include ample secure spaces for employees, such as offices and meeting rooms, ticket booths and janitor and maintenance spaces. Additional building support service areas should incorporate equipment rooms, communications spaces, maintenance vehicle and equipment storage, a storage and loading dock, a trash and recycling area alongside a trash compactor.
The facility should feature ample redundant and flexible vertical circulations structures to remain ADA-compliant and contribute to pedestrian mobility. These improvements will include elevators, escalators, stairways, ramps, roof coverage, snowmelt systems and moving sidewalks. CTDOT also plans to provide tunnel and pedestrian bridge access to platforms. Reconfiguration or upgrades of existing tunnels and bridges may be necessary to complete the project’s vision.
The project would build new and upgrade existing platforms as needed. These platforms would include canopies, windscreens, seating, signage, information kiosks, dispatch offices, lighting, bridge plates, storage racks and surveillance systems. Utility and security systems planned for the center include:
- CCTV.
- Electrical, fire alarm and lighting.
- Plumbing and fire protection.
- Telecommunications.
- Back-up power.
- Various other station amenities.
CTDOT plans to relocate bus operations to enhance efficiency, connectivity and circulation with the rest of the center. The design should feature ample berth bays, charging, support a variety of bus types and accommodate stormwater treatment systems and snow storage areas. Waiting areas and shelters should include full-length modern shelter structures with wind screening and heating. Additional amenities may include site furniture and bicycle parking and charging.
The bus center will provide at least 4,600 square feet for a public waiting area. The project vision includes ample seating options, accessible public restrooms, concessions and vending machines and a centralized ticketing office. Additional secure interior spaces include designated office and break rooms for staff, support and maintenances spaces and main equipment rooms.
The final common elements for the stie’s outdoor spaces revolve around ensuring there are ample facilities for transportation, parking, storage, stormwater and snow storage systems for the entire center. The project’s design should reflect ample security and wayfinding solutions and ensure passengers benefit from connectivity and accessibility to all transit options.
Photo by Burntorange72 at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, from Wikimedia Commons
