Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), AARP in St. Louis, St. Clair County Transit District, and Metro Transit – in partnership with Bywater Development Group and Employment Connection – unveiled the “Transit Stop Transformation Project” at the 5th & Missouri Transit Center.

Key representatives of the project and elected officials made formal remarks, cut the ribbon, and invited those in attendance to explore the new, revitalized space. 

The opening comes after a months-long process of getting input from transit riders, area residents, elected officials, and stakeholders through a series of design workshops, surveys, and community events – and completing construction.

“This is our fifth, and most extensive, project to date,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit, who helped spearhead the transformation. “Our goal was to take a place that residents simply pass through in route to their next destination and turn it into an active, engaging corridor that further connects individuals and neighborhoods. This has been accomplished, and we are excited the community can enjoy this space for years to come.” 

A large central shade structure, seating, a gathering space, and art – with a nod to influential East St. Louisans throughout history – were incorporated into the revitalized space.

“Transit Stop Transformation” Project Leaders

The “Transit Stop Transformation” Project at the 5th & Missouri Transit Center was led by Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis, St. Clair County Transit District, and Metro Transit. St. Louis-based architectural firm Trivers completed the planning and design, while Arbolope Studio did the landscape plan, and Added Dimension, LLC, oversaw community engagement.

The artwork was created by Design Lab 443. Other contractors and vendors involved in the project included Lake Contracting, Inc., Warning Lites of Southern Illinois, LLC, Anova Furnishings, Muralist Michael Killeen, United Ink, Weiss Monument Works, and Dintelmann’s Nursery. 

This project was funded by Citizens for Modern Transit’s Placemaking Pilot Funds Program, AARP in St. Louis, Bywater Development Group, and Employment Connections.

“Creating spaces which provide comfortability and the opportunity to connect with others, all while delivering a sense of pride for people of all ages locally and regionally, continues to be the foundation by while this and all the other transformations are built,” said Sheila Holm, community outreach director for AARP in St. Louis. “AARP is truly honored to partner with organizations like Citizens for Modern Transit to bring changes we are confident will enhance the transit experience for all.”

The 5th & Missouri Transit Center “Transit Stop Transformation Project” is the fifth of its kind in the St. Louis region.

Transformations have also been completed at the North Hanley Transit Center in unincorporated St. Louis County in October 2022; the Belleville Transit Center in Belleville, Ill., in June 2022; the Emerson Park Transit Center in East St. Louis, Ill., in August 2021; and at a MetroBus stop in Maplewood, Mo., in June 2020.