We’ve been eagerly following the development of San Francisco’s new Transbay Transit Terminal, and now we’re excited to announce that the $4 billion project by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has just broken ground! In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony were a bevy of local dignitaries, including Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, Mayor Gavin Newsom, and former Mayor Willie Brown. The ambitious project will aim for a LEED Gold rating and will replace the existing Art Deco structure. Read on to learn about this landmark structure.
The new Transbay Terminal will feature rainwater and greywater catchement systems, wind turbines, geothermal power supply, and a massive rooftop park. The current CalTrain tracks will extend into the heart of downtown to meet it.
Although Los Angeles has had success revitalizing its classic Union Station, San Francisco is tearing down and rebuilding, to the dismay of some. However, as indicated by the power-gathering for its first step forward, the center aims to be a cultural force as well — a representative of the West. So while the grey deco columns of the current station will disappear, the hope is that in their place will rise a vibrant and sustainable point of connectivity.
+ San Francisco Transbay Terminal coverage on Inhabitat
How terribly ugly, can anyone actually say this has any kind of beauty of positive aesthetics? The “roof top garden” will become a new home for San Francisco’s homeless and panhandlers. They will have a very short commute from the garden to their panhandling at the new developments and stations. What a huge boondoggle and it will do little to improve transit over the just abandoned terminal. Even Caltrain and the future California HSR terminal is wholly not up to even current needs let alone future needs. Something is very wrong when something like this gets approved and built that so poorly will do the job which it is intended.
looks badass to me. this looks at home with other designs, say such as those seen in Dubai. i guess you think alot of those designs are terribly ugly too.
Port Authority II
[...] that will take a central role in redefining the city’s public transportation. More and more public buildings are designed to play multiple roles, and the new Central Train Station carries the trend forward [...]