| SPRINGFIELD The administrator for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Mary MacInnes, announced that she had accepted the recommendation of the selection committee and has chosen HDR Architecture, Inc., as the firm to produce the Union Station development plan. PVTA has 30 days to negotiate a fee and contract with HDR. If those efforts are unsuccessful, negotiations will begin with the second ranked firm. "I am very excited to be moving forward with such a capable and experienced firm. The right team members, Springfield Redevelopment Authority, Springfield Business Development Corporation and PVTA, are in place and we have good working relationships. In the Spring of 2008 I expect to receive a realistic plan that will lead to a successful Union Station Intermodal Center," said MacInnes. She continued, "I would also like to thank the members of the selection committee who represented Greyhound. Amtrak, the Springfield business community, and the Springfield Redevelopment Authority." HDR Architecture, Inc., founded in 1917, is a nation-wide, multi-disciplinary architecture, engineer and consulting company. HDR has been operating in Massachusetts since 1985. This team selected for Springfield's Union Station plan has successfully collaborated on New York City's Moynihan/"New" Penn Station project, Los Angeles Union Station, and is currently engaged in the planning process of a multimodal transportation center in Raleigh, North Carolina. "I have supported the redevelopment of Union Station for many years because of its enormous potential for the city of Springfield and the entire Pioneer Valley region. In my opinion, the successful revitalization of this historic downtown landmark will turn Union Station into a vibrant transportation gateway for western New England and beyond. It will also help completely transform the north blocks of downtown Springfield. The significance and importance of this project should not be minimized. Today's announcement by the PVTA is good news for those who want to see the rebirth of Union Station," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "The announcement by the PVTA is another example of how the Union Station project is now moving forward. This selection of HDR compliments the team of experienced professionals who are working together to develop Union Station into a state-of-the-art transportation facility and a dynamic public space. From an economic development and transportation perspective, this local, state and federal partnership and project is a winner for the city of Springfield," said Mayor Charles V. Ryan. The development plan will include a conceptual design and a preliminary project budget that will present design, engineering and construction costs for Union Station. The overall goal for Union Station is to create a sustainable transit-oriented redevelopment project in Springfield downtown that can maximize access to public transportation, boost transit ridership, stimulate economic revitalization and leverage capital investments on the part of the public and private sectors. Funding for the development plan is provided through a $350,000 grant given to the PVTA from the Executive Office of Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen and was presented in June by Lt. Governor Timothy Murray. The PVTA, the recipient of almost $40 million in federal and state funding earmarked for the proposed Union Station Intermodal Transportation Center (Union Station ITC), is working in conjunction with the SRA, the owner of the property. As grantee, the PVTA is responsible for project oversight. On behalf of the PVTA, the SRA is responsible for management of the project planning activities. In order to carry out its responsibilities, the SRA has engaged the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) as its agent. The SBDC's representative, Maureen Hayes, will oversee the day-to-day activities of HDR, operating under a contract between HDR and the PVTA. The plan is scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2008, At the project's conclusion the plan will be presented to the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) and Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) for their view and approval. Union Station consists of two vacant buildings, both on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings, constructed in 1926, are located on Frank B. Murray Street. The terminal building is 120,250 square feet, the second building is 92,618 square feet. The two properties, along with an abutting 34,000 square foot parcel on the corner of Frank B. Murray and Main Streets are owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority (SRA). You can find additional information on PVTA at their website at www.pvta.com and information about HDR Architecture, Inc. at www.hdrinc.com.. |
