The City of New Rochelle has unveiled a new design concept for a reimagined New Rochelle Transit Center. The current historic center will be transformed into a modern, pedestrian-oriented, and well-connected facility catered to daily commuters and visitors alike. The project will be led by a leading NYC architecture firm, FXCollaborative, which is committed to building a better world through equitable and sustainable design.
The redesign is part of the city’s larger efforts to transform the downtown, making New Rochelle a model for equitable and sustainable urban growth. In total, the groundbreaking zoning initiative has garnered 12 million square feet of new development. This includes 6,370 housing units, one million square feet of retail space, 2.4 million square feet of office space, and 1,200 hotel rooms. While the New Rochelle Transit Center is located in the heart of New Rochelle, it plays a crucial role in the revitalization plans to bring the city together.
“The design unveiling marks a transformative moment for New Rochelle, as we move one step closer in turning our historic transit center into a modern, dynamic hub that will drive the city’s growth for generations to come,” says New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert. “It’s not just about revitalizing the station; it’s about creating a vibrant, accessible space that connects our diverse communities, fosters activity, and sets the stage for future development. The redesign will serve as a model for cities across the region, demonstrating how smart, sustainable infrastructure can enhance both daily life and long-term economic vitality.”
The bustling center sees approximately 6,000 outbound riders each weekday and is the only Amtrak stop in southern Westchester. By 2027, New Rochelle will be the first city in Westchester County with direct Metro-North commuter rail access to both Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station. It is estimating to dramatically increase daily ridership to over 15,000 riders. The redesign is being created in partnership with Amtrak, Metro-North Railroad, and Westchester County.
In terms of design, the modern hub will feature state-of-the-art technology and design elements that will better serve city residents and commuters with a multi-purpose plaza and green public spaces. Additionally, to cater to the public, the city plans on raising and adding crosswalks to reorganize vehicle flow, adding strategic landscaping, refreshing the bus terminal and adding new stairs, installing solar panels on the parking garage roof, and more.
“By integrating sustainable elements like the reuse of existing structures, targeting LEED Gold certification, and exploring the potential for a net-zero, all-electric train station, we aim to minimize the carbon footprint while maximizing the station’s functionality. Through thoughtful design, we’re creating a space that seamlessly connects the dynamic and diverse neighborhoods of New Rochelle, while positioning it as a forward-thinking catalyst for growth and downtown revitalization,” says John Schuyler, a partner at FXCollaborative.
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