“Blitch/Knevel not only solved the physical challenges, but did so in a way that accomplished the aesthetic and functional aspirations the community had for these facilities. More importantly, this unique riverfront development has become the heart of the community and the staging area for all sorts of community events and festivals.” – LIZ SOLBERG, PROJECT MANAGER, LAFAYETTE RAILROAD RELOCATION PROJECT
This Blitch/Knevel project included moving the ca. 1877 Big 4 Depot three blocks to a new public plaza. The Depot was renovated for use as an intermodal transportation facility and community hub. The depot, surrounding plaza, elevator towers (which recall “lost gems” of the city’s past), steel truss pedestrian/bike bridge, track-side platforms, and bus transfer islands have transformed the downtown Lafayette area. The project also included the integration of many complex design elements, such as a relocated historic depot, bridging a major railroad corridor, incorporating a hiking/biking trail, converting a former state highway bridge to a pedestrian bridge so that two cities are linked rather than separated by a river, and preserving public access to the river. The $37 million project is part of a $150 million federal city effort to eliminate 42 urban railroad crossings.