City of Leander Transit Facility
Leander, Texas
This transit facility offers six bus canopies and parking for approximately 638 cars. It also functions as the terminus for Capital Metro's new commuter rail line. Strong visual references define the site: illuminated pylons identify each bus canopy to ease transit connections, while a large clock tower, synced to official Capital Metro time, can be viewed from the parking lot and highway beyond, relieving departure time anxiety. Careful site planning segregates bus and auto traffic, minimizing conflict, and locates parking to minimize walking time. A terminal building adjacent to the public plaza houses Capital Metro offices as well as restroom and future concessions facilities for commuters. A canopy around the plaza provides a cool respite from the hot sun. McKinney York developed the requisite storm water pond as an amenity with an exercise trail and native plants for patrons and the surrounding community.2007 AIA Austin Citation of Honor Design Award
Sustainable initiatives include: public transit project type reduces the amount of cars on the road and the omissions that they create; exterior lighting with full cut-off to reduce light pollution; reduced energy and water consumption through use of energy-efficient fluorescent light fixtures, occupancy sensors for lighting, water-efficient restroom plumbing fixtures, and native drought tolerant landscaping; post industrial waste (fly ash) in architectural concrete to reduce usage of natural resources; building structure detailed and finished to a level that did not require additional materials to cover up imperfections such as exposed steel frame, bare concrete structure, and stained concrete slabs to reduce usage of natural resources; building masonry and pavers were manufactured locally to reduce omissions associated with transportation; man-made pond created to collect and clean water run-off and also serve as a public amenity; well water from pond is used for irrigation to reduce dependence on city utilities; and project developed and constructed to sustain for 50+ years.