Restoring and Transforming an Historic Train Station

Located in a blighted section of downtown Springfield, the once majestic 1920s-era train station had been dormant and forgotten for more than 40 years. The Springfield Redevelopment Authority (the client) and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority saw its potential to serve as the catalyst for urban renewal in the area. HDR was tasked to create a 21st century transit-oriented facility that maximizes the intermodal transportation attributes of the station; and to adaptively reuse and revitalize a historic structure; to ensure that improvements are feasible and sustainable; and to spur long-term development. The goal of the plan centered around converting the station into an Intermodal Center serving the city and the entire region, connecting together onsite Amtrak passenger service with nearby inter- and inner-city bus service and an anticipated commuter rail, as well as, taxi and airport shuttle service. 

HDR collaborated with a team of specialists, including preservation architect John Milner Architects to develop planning studies, a comprehensive redevelopment plan and a thoughtful design to preserve the character of the building’s past grandeur, while creating a new, modern transportation and retail hub — with the end objective of producing a practical, self sustaining, restored Union Station.

Restoring & Transforming an Historic Train Station:

• Restores an unused terminal building to accommodate transit functions (approximately 120,000 SF)
• Creates a safe, accessible and environmentally-friendly facility
• Incorporates 27 bus berths in an open-air environment
• Includes a 377-space parking garage (approximately 136,000 SF)
• Provides state-of-the-art high-level Amtrak boarding platform with improved accessibility
• Provides planned amenity spaces for restaurants, retail outlets and offices on the upper floors  
• Incorporates original artifacts and new wall murals which offer a historic perspective on rail travel in Springfield
• Renovation and reactivation of the Amtrak passenger tunnel linking the terminal building to train platforms and the adjacent downtown area