The City of Champions celebrates the opening of the Emerson Park Transit Center, a strategic investment brought to life by FGMA’s design team.
Thursday, July 11 marked the official opening of the new Transit and Public Safety Center located at the Emerson Park Metro station in East St. Louis, Illinois with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tours. The Metro in St. Louis provides essential transportation services, connecting residents and visitors alike to key destinations across the city, enhancing mobility and fostering community interaction. The new 16,000 square-foot public safety center houses the St. Clair County CENCOM West 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, includes office space and holding cells for the St. Clair County Metrolink deputies and will be the future home to the Metro Transit Operational Center. The facility also offers safe amenities for riders such as restrooms and a water fountain.
“[This facility] makes good on our commitment to public safety and reliability across the transit system, because Illinois riders deserve nothing less," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to this facility, thousands will commute to work and to school. They will travel to see their families, will visit elsewhere in our state and other states with greater ease. This is the sort of strategic investment that elevates Illinois as a national leader in transportation.”
FGMA is honored to have designed a facility that transforms the local landscape, enhances safety for the 55,000 plus daily Metro riders and provides working and decompression spaces for the county’s 911 dispatchers. Purposeful design is present throughout the entire facility, including a quiet room and outdoor patio to provide space for first responders to relax or de-stress after challenging calls.
“FGMA couldn’t be prouder of how this facility turned out. Our Architects and Designers put their heart and soul into designing facilities like this one that serve to connect our communities and bring resources to those who need it most.” – Kevin Meyer, FGMA Managing Director
In addition to funding from the St. Clair County Transit District and Bi-State Development, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker allocated a nearly $10 million grant for the project. As part of the Rebuild Illinois six-year capital plan, the hope is that this Center will connect local residents to the rest of the St. Louis metro east area while also serving as an administrative hub for agency coordination and public safety for the County. The Center positions Illinois as a national leader in transportation.
“The facility, its amenities and the operations within will enable St. Clair County to better serve riders not only here but across the entire Metro Link alignment, while helping to bolster communications and security collaboration.” – Mark Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman
The Center is unique in its intentional, multipurpose design. By bringing multiple departments under one roof – by including public safety alongside public transit operations – citizens gain confidence to use the transit system more often. Increased use of public transit reduces pollution, congestion and energy use while simultaneously increasing local economy and employment opportunities. Improving access to resources strengthens the vibrancy of a community by reaching people where they are and supporting their goals at the individual level.
(Left to right) FGMA’s Paul Luzecky, Danny Matchett, Lori Everett, Katie Corey, Matthew Rutledge, Kevin Meyer and Joshua N. Mandell celebrated the completed facility at the ribbon cutting.
FGMA’s Municipal and Public Safety Expertise
Municipal design is unique in its power to define a community. FGMA believes municipal architecture should command a presence and project a compelling image in your community. We understand that working with local government involves balancing the interests of elected officials with the needs of municipal staff and the demands of a community that may question the need to spend tax dollars on a capital project. However, a municipal structure can not only reduce operational costs through functional efficiencies, it can also anchor a community, provide a unique gathering space and help attract the best and the brightest talent. FGMA helps our clients communicate to all stakeholders the long-term benefits of a well-executed capital project.
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