RAW fulfilled the role of “Executive Architect” for the Union Station Gateway Center, located at the historic Union Station. Working closely with Ehrenkrantz, Eckstut Architects, RAW provided architectural and construction administration services for the development of this intermodal transit facility, which currently serves as the hub of pedestrian and transit activity for the Metro Rail, Metro Link, Amtrak, and RTD bus system. Three major elements of this project include the 100,000 square feet Bus Plaza, the 40,000 square feet East Portal, and the 22,500 square feet Parking Structure with 4-levels below grade for 2,000 cars.

The master plan and design for the Gateway Center has created the nation’s largest intermodal transportation hub – the “Grand Central Station of the West” – combining new transit infrastructure with a new railway terminal, a lush three-acre public plaza, a multi-site office park, and an underground park-and-ride facility. Majestic palms, native planting and flowers, patterned brick and stone, exuberant fountains shaded cloisters, verandas, and pedestrian bridges provide a high-quality public environment aimed at luring drivers out of their cars and establishing a prime real estate address – thereby contributing significant added value to what began as a narrowly defined transportation project. Gateway Center is just the first phase of the master plan for the Alameda District, a 75-acre downtown site that includes El Pueblo – the original settlement of Los Angeles – as well as historic Union Station and the landmark Terminal Annex building. By striking such a creative balance between old and new, between pedestrian and automobile, and between architecture and landscape, the Alameda District Plan has established a new standard for urban environments in Southern California.

RAW produced construction documents for the East Portal, a transportation center that features a 50-foot radius domed sunscreen, and a grand concourse that connects passengers to their chosen mode of transportation. Additionally, RAW directed all construction administration activities for the parking structure and bus plaza.

As an adjunct to these activities, RAW concurrently coordinated the work of the artist’s team for the project. Scope of work includes providing construction details for custom bus shelters; coordinating engineering drawings for aquarium installation; providing architectural direction for artist’s theme development of concourse area.

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