Based on an earlier feasibility by WMATA to study increased accessibility to NoMa Metro station, a preferred tunnel alignment connecting Metro to the east side of the railroad tracks won approval to be further developed. The NoMA Bid contracted KGP to study the implementation of the connector and its strategies for its integration within the surrounding neighborhood context.
The connection beneath the major rail right of way – just north of Union Station would bring Union Market and residences on the east side four minutes closer to the station, likely substantially increasing ridership. The Armature Works Development on the east side of the tracks, at the request of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, has accommodated the connector accessible through a grand portal centered on N Street.