Springfield, MA: Union Station Deal Set

The Springfield Redevelopment Authority and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) have formally agreed to make the $65.2-million redevelopment of Union Station a joint project.

Built in 1926, the Springfield Union Station served as a transportation hub until it was closed in 1973. Plans for redeveloping the 200,000-square-foot building have been proposed since the 1980s, but were abandoned because they were too ambitious and expensive.

Current plans call for the restoration of the terminal building with about 33,000 square feet of space for the PVTA, Amtrak, commuter rail and intercity bus operations, 55,000 square feet of transit-related office space, including a day care, and 35,000 square feet of commercial space.

There are plans to demolish the baggage building to the west side of the building. to be replaced with a new bus terminal and a two-level, 400-space parking deck above it. Plans also call for reopening a pedestrian tunnel, and upgrading the rail platforms so they will comply with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There is both federal and state money available for this project. The design was slated to begin this fall with completion anticipated by 2012.