Sioux Area Metro Transit Station Renovation

Award-winning rehab improved accessibility and aesthetics while lowering maintenance costs

Walker Consultants was the project manager and engineer for the restoration of “The Depot,” Sioux Falls’ central bus transit hub.

The City of Sioux Falls initially turned to Walker to perform a condition assessment to identify repairs necessary to return the structure to a serviceable condition. After further consideration of all the needs of the station, the City instead chose to renovate the entire structure and site. Walker assembled a team for the project that included Michael Huber Architects and GA Johnson Construction, Inc.

Renovation of Sioux Falls’ transit hub (before, left) improved both the structure’s appearance and its accessibility (after, right).

The rehab included complete renovation of the south entry and facade, addition of two large skylights at the canopy, architectural paving replacement, addition of accessible curbs and ramps, upgrade to LED lighting, signage modernization, and addition of an overhang around the building structure. The materials used in the renovation are not only more attractive, they are easier to maintain, which lowers the City’s annual costs.

New curb cuts, pedestrian ramps, and features designed for people with visual impairments make the station accessible to everyone. New bike racks make it easy to catch a bus after riding on the adjacent river trail.

The end result is a much-improved transit experience that will serve the Sioux Falls metro area for decades to come.

The project was recognized with an Institute for Parking & Mobility Award of Excellence for Best Parking/Transportation Facility Rehabilitation or Restoration.

Key Features

• Transit station with thirteen bus loading spaces
• Concrete masonry terminal with structural steel canopy

Solutions Provided

• Sioux Falls gained tremendous accessibility, aesthetic, and performance improvements at minimal capital cost
• Short construction time-frame and a very small urban site
• A temporary bus stop was created to enable continuous transit service for the duration of construction
• New accessible curb cuts, pedestrian ramps, and improvements to visual impaired facilities

Benefits

• Modernized signage and an enlarged canopy to protect the terminal entrance
• Comprehensive LED lighting with integrated controls, reducing both long-term maintenance and energy costs
• Accessible to people with mobility and vision impairments