Arlington Transit’s (ART) new operation and maintenance facility recently opened its doors to employees and a more sustainable transit future.
Designed by Stantec and built by Turner Construction Company, the facility provides ART with a centralized, modern headquarters that supports their growing operations and transition to a battery electric bus fleet.
Built to Last
Pursuing LEED Platinum, the facility reflects a modern industrial design with layouts that embrace a functional aesthetic. Intuitive entry points and wayfinding include biophilic accents, while the larger high-performance facades were designed with materials selected for longevity, resilience, and durability.
The three story structure meets ART’s needs and provides adaptability for the future. From fleet maintenance on the first floor to support for day-to-day operations on the second and third floors, the building also provides ample amenities to employees, including space for exercise, wellness, and even quiet.
“We are proud to have designed an aesthetic, highly functional, and sustainable building that helps instill civic pride,” said Greg Shipley, principal for Stantec’s Arlington Civic and Transit studio. “Arlington is committed to a resilient future and this new facility will support their transition to zero emission buses and the county’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Support Future Operations
Battery electric buses require significant charging infrastructure to provide power to buses. Stantec led power modeling efforts to determine the charging requirements for the fleet and inform ART of any modifications, limitations, or opportunities within their service routes across the country.
This not only aided ART in deciding on required utility upgrades and equipment but also in developing a long-term plan for incremental growth that aligns with anticipated vehicle replacement and procurement.
“When Arlington County committed to a future battery electric bus fleet midway through construction, we knew Stantec was the ideal partner to help us meet the county’s exciting goals for community transit,” said Patrick Gallagher, senior project manager with Turner Construction. “Bringing together integrated design and construction teams with Arlington’s forward-thinking approach, we elevated the sustainability focus and now anticipate LEED® Platinum certification for the facility.”