The green mentality starts with the construction itself. That includes using concrete that’s the least energy intensive, as well as modern construction vehicles that aren’t the historically “dirty diesel industrial equipment,” he says. Additionally, the heating and cooling of the massive midtown structure will be designed to minimize greenhouse gasses and carbon emissions. “You really have to identify every aspect of the construction and the operation of the building,” Cotton says.
When construction is complete, the remaining area of the new deck for the Storing and Staging Facility will provide 3.5 acres of park space, a potential boon for the dense urban neighborhood.
A community gathering place
While old reputations take time to heal, Cotton says he now often hears about travelers wanting to go to arrive extra early to New York’s LaGuardia Airport since it started rolling out its recent renovations in 2020—and that’s his hope for the Midtown Bus Terminal as well.
“The terminal as it currently exists was built almost like a fortress, with the outward facing walls having virtually no concessions,” Cotton says. “The structure wasn’t built to be really a major positive influence on the community and we’re committed to changing that.” That includes outward-facing cafes, shops, and other outlets that truly merge with NYC’s western midtown offerings.
Beyond that, he always says that one of the most commented upon aspects of LaGuardia is its public art, which the Midtown Bus Terminal will also emulate.
“Historically, in many of New York’s transportation hubs, it’s been an experience which is been intensely negative,” Cotton says. “These civic structures are part of the fabric of the city—that’s what we aspire to be.”
Renovation timeline
The proposed redesign is currently in a 45-day public comment period following the release of the environmental impact statement draft earlier this month. After a review of the comments, a final environmental impact statement will be issued and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will decide the project’s final approval. Cotton is confident that the approvals will come later this year.
After ground-breaking, the project will roll out in two phases over eight years. The first four-year stage is to build the new ramps as well as the Storage and Staging Facility, followed by the second period, which will require tearing down the existing terminal and building the new one from the ground up.
Compared to other major infrastructure projects in the New York City area, like the current Hudson Tunnel Project, this one will have a tremendous effect on residents and commuters during construction.
“It’s going to be tough on the community,” Cotton admits. “It’s going to be inconvenient with $10 billion worth of construction in the middle of the westside of Manhattan.” However, he believes that the long-term benefits of the area’s revitalization will make the challenges in the short term well worth it.
“The building itself will be a pleasant experience,” he says. “We hope people will forward to enjoying it and not feeling as if it’s something to be endured. Our goal is to have it not just be the busiest bus terminal, but have it be the best.”
