The L.A. Metro Board of Directors officially approved the Los Angeles Union Station Master Plan in downtown L.A. to advance from planning to implementation. For the past two years, Metro has worked with a consultant team led by Grimshaw Architects and Gruen Associates to expand the iconic station, which is registered as a national historical landmark. Since Union Station opened in 1939, ridership continues to approach 110,000 trips per day and is expected to increase up to nearly 197,000 per day by 2040. L.A. Metro purchased the station in 2011.

The master plan development program consists of 3.25 million sq. feet of the Union Station property. The plan includes the preservation of the historic station, renovations to the station's perimeter, and adding new commercial developments like retail, hotel, and housing.

With today's approval, Metro can begin its initial implementation strategy for near-term projects, which includes a programmatic environmental review of the recommended transit improvements and the commercial development program. Metro will also be able to form partnerships with city, county, and real estate in searching for funding opportunities to improve the station's perimeter.

Read on for more detailed info about the plan:

"Planned upgrades to Union Station’s perimeter include a series of streetscape, open space and transit stop renovations, strengthening connections to and from the station’s entrances, improvements for pedestrian and cyclists, and creating a more welcoming environment to transit passengers and visitors."

"Foremost among these improvements is the planned removal of the surface parking lot on the northern side of the forecourt and the creation of a public plaza.  This and other improvements will directly link with the El Pueblo Historic Monument, where approximately $1 million in local open space funds has been identified to support the design and implementation of these improvements."

"Metro was recently awarded other grant opportunities to improve four bus stops along Cesar Chavez between Alameda and Vignes, which includes creating shelters, additional seating and information, and bike facilities.  Metro has also received a grant from the Congestion Reduction ExpressLanes Net Toll Revenue Project and is providing matching funds to create a Metro Bike Hub on the west side of Union Station that will offer parking for about 300 bicycles, 24-7 secure access control, a space for bike retail and repair services, and a meeting/training space to conduct bike safety training workshops. This bike hub is expected to open in 2017.

Long-term plans, subject to the availability of future funding, call for a new expanded, multi-modal passenger concourse and the relocation of Patsaouras Bus Plaza to the west side of the property. Both of these concepts are intended to improve the efficiency of transit operations and enhance the passenger experience at the station."

"Building upon the ongoing restoration and renovations of the Union Station structure itself, the master plan includes new signage, restoration of the historic furnishings, woodwork, metalwork, chandeliers, and repainting. Additional planned upgrades include renovating the 75-year-old roof and a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Work will be completed under the Historic Architectural Consultant firm ARG and the Los Angeles Conservancy."

See previous related posts here.