If you’ve waited at the R Line stop by Moore Square Bus Station, you’ve probably noticed what the architect, Roberta Fox is addressing in her preliminary studies for revamping the area. Hired by the city to spur a master redevelopment plan in the 1st quarter of 2011, Roberta has built a model of the station and surrounding area. Using the model, which includes interlocking pieces that can be moved around, Roberta showed me some of her ideas that would improve capacity for handling more bus traffic and parking within the facility.
My query started with David Eatman, City of Raleigh Transit Administrator. David explained that the Moore Square Station did indeed present some challenges for the city. CAT buses idle on Wilmington and Blount Streets, queuing there because there aren’t enough parking spaces within the facility. Looking out ten years, David says that 40-80 more buses will be required to handle the projected increase in population. Even with the plans for Union Station, Moore Square would become a secondary hub for routing bus traffic.
What are the solutions?.
I asked about what can be done so people walking through or waiting at the station can feel more safe and comfortable.
David responded that more “feet on the street” were needed to enforce the existing loitering ordinance, and noted that security was enhanced this past August with the addition of two full-time officers (with arresting authority) dedicated to the station area.
Roberta explained that security can be also be improved through the facility design based on the following concepts.
- Create an environment that is friendly to pedestrians walking through the area.
- Fill the space with people who are there for a purpose.
- Open up the opportunity for neighboring business to encroach upon the space.
Roberta says you need to “activate the empty spaces and take away the eddies or nooks and crannies where people can hang out without being seen. Adding people with a purpose allows for self-policing”.
The first example of a business taking advantage of the station’s adjoining area could come in the form of a rumored coffee shop that may offer outside seating overlooking the inner courtyard Transit Mall off Wilmington Street.
David Eatman and Roberta MK FoxIt’s expected that the city will organize a public participation event, similar to the ongoing Moore Square redesign process, but without the contest. David says that the public input is very important and that the city will be open to creative ideas on how to best use the space.
The construction that you see along Blount Street today is a small project (to be completed next month) to remove the fountains and add better lighting, as well as an additional walkway and seating.
But there is a lot more coming . . . so stay tuned. Think about what you’d like to add to this important project for re-envisioning our city. I’m thinking about a mix of retail floors within the parking deck. Tell us your ideas.
Thanks for the post. I catch the R Line and the TTA at Moore Sq. I definitely understand the challenges. I'm looking forward to viewing the changes in the area on Blount St. Looking forward to more improvements in our public transportation system.