SCCTD approves final design concept for Transit Stop Transformation Project at Belleville Transit Center
The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) approved the final design concept for the Transit Stop Transformation Project at the Belleville Transit Center after receiving input from transit riders, area residents, elected officials and stakeholders through a series of in-person and virtual opportunities.
The project – being completed in conjunction with Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis and St. Louis Metro Transit and through a partnership with the city of Belleville – will transform the concrete area between the bus bays and MetroLink entrance into an interactive, playful and engaging space.
The finalized design – developed by St. Louis-based transportation engineering and planning firm CBB – boasts a vibrant-colored “Art Grows in Belleville” theme. It features musical, custom bike racks, shade structures, a Belleville city logo sign, benches, planters and elevated window artwork created by award-winning painter and mixed media artist Genevieve Esson, whose work is also featured as part of the Transit Stop Transformation Project at the Maplewood MetroBus Stop in Maplewood, Mo.
Construction will commence in the coming weeks and be completed in June 2022.
“The planning process for this project was fueled by the input of the local community and the final design fits the feel of Belleville, as it will serve as an extension of the fabric of the community,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director, SCCTD. “We are excited to see this concept come to life and transform this space into an engaging corridor that residents of all ages can enjoy.”
The Transit Stop Transformation Project at the Belleville Transit Center is the third transformation of its kind in the St. Louis region. Transformations were also completed at the Emerson Park Transit Center in East St. Louis in August 2021 and at a MetroBus stop in Maplewood in June 2020. Each project showcases a deep understanding of and commitment to equitable development around transit, the possibility of play, the ability for creative interventions to produce long-term impact for residents of all ages and the need for collaboration to succeed.
The partners work with stakeholders to build consensus and policies to move permanent development forward – and ultimately establish lasting developments at transit stops that are helping to improve safety and security, build ridership and increase activity around transit. Each project also reinforces the element of fun that comes with activating space and will be maintained via partner commitments to ensure sustainability for years to come.
