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New Rochelle unveils plans for transit centre redesign
Redesign is a cornerstone of the City’s transformative downtown redevelopment strategy, positioning it as a model for equitable and sustainable urban growth.
The City of New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York, has released details of a new design concept and vision for a reimagined New Rochelle Transit Centre to align with the city’s wider downtown redevelopment strategy.
Led by FXCollaborative, an NYC-based architecture firm committed to building a better world through equitable and sustainable design, the concept seeks to reposition the historic centre into a modern, pedestrian-oriented, and well-connected facility, to serve as a bustling hub for daily commuters and visitors alike.
Downtown redevelopment strategy
The redesign of the New Rochelle Transit Centre is a cornerstone of the City’s transformative downtown redevelopment strategy, positioning New Rochelle as a model for equitable and sustainable urban growth.
The City reports its zoning initiative has paved the way for up to 12 million square feet of new development, including 6,370 housing units, one million square feet of retail, 2.4 million square feet of office space, and 1,200 hotel rooms. At the heart of this growth is the creation of a vibrant, mixed-use district anchored by the Transit Centre.
The unveiled design reimagines the Transit Centre as a modern, well-connected hub, featuring latest technology and equitable design principles to better serve residents and commuters. A unified public realm establishes a distinct identity for the downtown neighbourhood, with a multi-purpose plaza and green public spaces – enhancing both the station’s functionality and its role in placemaking.
“The redesign will serve as a model for cities across the region, demonstrating how smart, sustainable infrastructure can enhance both daily life and long-term economic vitality"
According to the City, as the region’s gateway, the Transit Centre will be a catalyst for New Rochelle’s continued evolution, blending urban convenience with a high quality of life.
“Today’s design unveiling marks a transformative moment for New Rochelle, as we move one step closer in turning our historic transit centre into a modern, dynamic hub that will drive the city’s growth for generations to come,” said Yadira Ramos-Herbert, mayor of New Rochelle.
“It’s not just about revitalising the station; it’s about creating a vibrant, accessible space that connects our diverse communities, fosters activity, and sets the stage for future development. The redesign will serve as a model for cities across the region, demonstrating how smart, sustainable infrastructure can enhance both daily life and long-term economic vitality."
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Created in consultation with Amtrak, Metro North Railroad and Westchester County, FXCollaborative claims its master plan for New Rochelle provides the City with a comprehensive framework to transform the Transit Centre into an “optimised, world-class transit hub and community centre”.
The plan enhances connectivity between downtown, the west end, and east end while introducing a variety of different uses, including a podcast studio. It prioritises pedestrian safety, accessibility, and creates a welcoming sense of arrival with improved wayfinding, a multi-use plaza, and green spaces, and incorporates sustainable design features.
“Through thoughtful design, we’re creating a space that seamlessly connects the dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods of New Rochelle, while positioning it as a forward-thinking catalyst for growth and downtown revitalisation”
“Our vision for the New Rochelle Transit Centre is to preserve its historic character while transforming it into a modern, pedestrian-friendly hub that reflects the vibrant spirit of the city,” said John Schuyler, partner, FXCollaborative.
“By integrating sustainable elements like the reuse of existing structures, targeting LEED Gold certification, and exploring the potential for a net-zero, all-electric train station, we aim to minimise the carbon footprint while maximising the station’s functionality.
Schuyler continued: “Through thoughtful design, we’re creating a space that seamlessly connects the dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods of New Rochelle, while positioning it as a forward-thinking catalyst for growth and downtown revitalisation.”
Using the concept of equitable transportation as a guiding principle, the redesign’s ultimate goal is to restore vital connections to New Rochelle’s surrounding communities and growing residential development downtown.
By 2027, New Rochelle will be the first city in Westchester County with direct Metro-North commuter rail access to both Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, as the completion of the MTA Penn Station Access project is expected to dramatically increase daily ridership to more than 15,000. This crucial Transit Centre redesign will rightfully position the station to address an influx of passengers, while improving regional access, job creation, and supporting ongoing revitalisation efforts, the City reports.
Unified public realm establishes a distinct identity for downtown neighbourhood with a plaza and green spaces. Rendering credit: FXCollaborative
The development reuses existing structures, targeting LEED Gold certification, and explores the potential for a net-zero, all-electric train station. Rendering credit: FXCollaborative
City of New RochelleCommercial buildingsCultural spaceeconomic developmentGovernance and CitizeninclusivitymobilityParks and green spacePedestrianisationPlanningRecreational spaceretailersTransport hubs
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