TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

July/August 1999: TLC

Mulitmodal Transit Station, Sunnyvale

Illustrated Project Descriptions

Three public entities have come together to breathe new life into the area surrounding the Caltrain station in downtown Sunnyvale, at the heart of booming Silicon Valley. The city of Sunnyvale envisions the area as the centerpiece of its downtown redevelopment plans, while the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has adopted a strategic plan calling for upgrading the transit center at the same location to support a major expansion of bus service. Add in plans by the joint powers board overseeing Caltrain to upgrade parking and add other amenities at the Sunnyvale station, and you have the ingredients for a critical transit hub and a lively public space.

MTC's TLC program provided the project with $50,000 in planning funds, and now is financing capital costs to the tune of $861,000. To be matched with $112,000 from the city of Sunnyvale, the second installment of TLC money will go for Phase 2 of the project, which involves creating a public plaza at the Caltrain station and improving pedestrian access to the downtown area. Overall project costs, including a parking structure, a new station building, improved bus facilities and track upgrades, could top $18 million.

The TLC capital grant will go largely toward creating an inviting station plaza that will have a "kiss-and-ride" drop-off point and a staging area for shuttles. Set to begin construction by mid-2000, the improvements will incorporate urban design elements to link the station with the downtown area, including special concrete paving, lighting, landscaping and signage. (Click images to enlarge)

"The TLC-funded components are essential to making the city's vision for this area work," said VTA Planner Lisa Ives.

-- Brenda Kahn

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