Location
Washington, D.C.
Status
Design Completed 2014
Client
Amtrak
At Union Station, WMATA asked KGP to study possible improvements to intermodal connections between Metro and Union Station including trains, bus, parking, and the new DC Streetcar line. An existing unfinished pedestrian tunnel was examined for future connections to the H Street tunnel and to H Street bridge where new development is planned. The impact of Union Station’s new master plan was also considered during this project. Metro aims to proceed to create immediate relief for passenger crowding in the North Mezzanine.
The design included a new 1st Street Entrance cut through the Burnham Wall where new stairs and a ramp will extend down to 1st Street, greatly increasing the existing capacity and minimizing pedestrian conflicts within the mezzanine. The stair and ramp will be covered with a 116’ long glass and steel canopy protecting patrons from the elements. By placing the ramp on the exterior of the station, additional space is created in the mezzanine, providing the necessary area for 3 more fare gates. Additionally, a new stair will be constructed from the mezzanine up to the concourse, leading to Amtrak/MARC lines, the garage, and the Intercity Bus Terminal. A 2nd phase will follow with new elevators to the platform.
Because of the architectural significance of the site, approvals by the Commission of Fine Arts, SHPO, and NCPC were required. KGP worked directly with the CFA staff members to develop a design that would be more easily approved by the CFA board members. The board approved the design unanimously and KGP completed 100% construction drawings in 2014.
