Grimshaw/Gruen's 17-hectare L.A. Union Station Master Plan approved to begin final phase

Since Gruen Associates and Grimshaw Architects were approved in 2012 to create the L.A. Union Station Master Plan, the leading designers and their team recently got the green light from the L.A. Metro to begin the plan's third and final phase.

Preserving the station's iconic nature and enhancing its surrounding 17 hectares to address the city's most pressing needs in the future, the proposal is set for completion in Summer 2014.

Read up on more details right below:

"The scheme preserves the celebrated qualities of the historic station and its surrounding 17 hectares while addressing the urgent needs of the future.

The master plan includes a new passenger concourse which will provide a large-scale civic space for passengers and related support functions and amenities. Additionally, a new bus facility will consolidate local and regional bus functions, bringing passengers in closer proximity to additional modes of transport. Other enhancements include improved way finding and a more efficient layout with flexibility for future growth that might include the placement of high speed rail service at or near Union Station."

"The master plan aims to enhance passenger and visitor experience by forging new connections to nearby destinations and inspire a mix of uses that reflects the shifting demographics of users. The increased level of activity combined with renewed access, easier navigation and open space improvements will encourage visitors to linger, fostering the idea that Union Station is a full-time destination in Los Angeles."

Project details:

Los Angeles Union Station Master Plan
Los Angeles, California 

Client: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Size: 17 hectares (40 acres)
Completion Date: 2014

Project text and images via Grimshaw Architects.