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    1. Bus

    VIA's Centro Plaza Celebrated in Dedication Ceremony

    Nov. 20, 2015
    Related To: VIA Metropolitan Transit
    Via
    Via Metropolitan Transit held a dedication event on Friday, November 20, to mark the completion of Centro Plaza at Via Villa, the agency’s newest transit hub.
    Via Metropolitan Transit held a dedication event on Friday, November 20, to mark the completion of Centro Plaza at Via Villa, the agency’s newest transit hub.

    VIA Metropolitan Transit held a dedication event on Friday, November 20, to mark the completion of Centro Plaza at VIA Villa, the agency’s newest transit hub. The ceremony included the recitation of an original poem by 2015 Texas State Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla, Ph.D.

    Centro Plaza, 909 W. Houston St., is the second phase of VIA Villa, a development that began with the renovation of The Grand, a historic rail depot across the street from the plaza. Centro Plaza is a state-of-the-art transportation development that will serve the Greater San Antonio Region. The modern plaza, coupled with the renovation of The Grand, returns the grounds to their original purpose as a transportation hub.

    Centro Plaza provides a comfortable area for transfers, free 4G LTE Wi-Fi, digital next-bus arrival signs, an air-conditioned waiting area, and a full customer service center. Bus service through Centro Plaza helps minimize transfers while maintaining access to downtown destinations.

    “Centro Plaza represents VIA's commitment to offering enhanced services and amenities to our customers and the community,” said VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt. “The enclosed waiting area, next bus arrival information and covered boarding locations provide new transportation choices for making quality of life connections. The striking design and iconic light tower create a landmark statement for VIA's vision of public transportation’s future in our fast-growing region.”

    The Plaza’s design includes a lighted tower sculpture, “Centro Chroma Tower,” a new VIA landmark. The tower, created by artist Bill FitzGibbons, stands 85 feet tall at the corner of Frio and Travis streets and glows with multi-colored LED lights.

    The general contractor for the project was Journeyman Construction Inc. Architectural firm Perkins Eastman Company partnered with Ford, Powell & Carson to preserve historic structures in the area, improve overall pedestrian access, and create an iconic public square for San Antonio residents to enjoy and access the city’s growing network of transit services.