The New Jersey Turnpike is home to many aging rest stops. While these are planned to be renovated in the coming years, Hurricane Sandy forced many building projects in the northern part of the state to accelerate construction time lines.  The previous building took significant structural damage from the flooding and winds produced by the hurricane.  After a review, it was decided the rest stop was completely unusable and needed to be rebuilt.  Along with the new construction came new ideas about what community transit architecture could be.

Grover Cleveland Travel Plaza was designed to provide a dynamic building that reflects the surroundings and evokes the character present in New Jersey’s transit system.  The iconic industrial New Jersey elements like steel members, masonry and wood have been exposed and celebrated.  A fully glazed façade reveals a vibrant interior that invites in all commuters and allows the brands inside to shine.  The design is meant to be revealing and expressive during the day and a light beacon for safety by night. The building takes full advantage of daylight with use of shading controls provided by a dot pattern graphic and exposed wood panels.  These two elements not only reduce solar gain but also provide a softer, friendlier atmosphere throughout the day.  The modern interior design provides a great getaway from a daunting drive.   

Gone are most of the fast food franchises of the past, replaced with the client’s own Refresh and Co. brand, offering freshly made salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizza. Starbucks and Popeye’s Kitchen round out the offerings.  The new architecture is paired with a re-education of what a dining experience while in transit can be.