Working from the perspective of a transit operator, UTA seeks to provide a cohesive experience to their riders across the system. A patron of any of their services should be able to easily identify a transit station, understand how to use the services at that station and safely interact with the system. The creation of a unique place today often requires some creative thinking by community members. There may not be any historic fabric upon which to build your identity. The placemaking process in newly emerging places may require the development of a community brand, which may or may not be compatible with the brand of the transit system operator. Having worked in many communities, CRSA has seen firsthand the desire of municipalities to design custom transit stations, install unique pieces of art and integrate station platforms into a more comprehensive urban development. At the 650 South TRAX Light Rail System on Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City, three key design decisions were made to better integrate the station into the emerging community. First, as a project partially funded by the RDA of Salt Lake City, public art was required. Salt Lake City selected a local artist, Jiyoun Lee-Lodge, who created a sculpture that fits the context of Salt Lake City. Second, after some careful compromise with UTA, the design team collaborated with the owner of the adjacent office building to change the color of the UTA Station Shelter. The colors now match. Third, despite a bevy of challenges in the construction of this station, a mid-block pedestrian crossing was installed to allow access to both ends of the centerrunning platform. Locally sourced and fabricated artwork, a holistic color palette (even if subtle), and connectivity are key characteristics that help to tie the transit station into the community. The 650 South Main Street TRAX Station is unique in that it was the first in Utah to be constructed using a mix of public and private dollars. Understanding the importance of transportation to those living and working in the new neighborhood, developers worked with the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City to construct a light rail station that had been envisioned 20 years prior. This balance of funding is happening with other stations, including the new Vineyard Station in Utah County. Vineyard City worked with the state legislature to get funding to help catalyze private development. It’s understood that having an adjacent station can help with the placemaking process and support the overall package of amenities found in a community. By continuing to introduce and prioritize public transportation infrastructure in our communities, we can bolster community character, support connectivity and increase the capacity for growth. 17
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==