This thesis examines how architecture can make mass transit Current Link Station/

Proposed St. Cloud Station

more accessible and desirable to the public, while also taking the
Current Northstar Line
considerations of the public to mould the design into a more Proposed
Phase 2 - Proposed St. Cloud Line
Becker Station
Current Stations
improved form and function. Specifically, it examines how Proposed Stations
creating downtown areas accessible through public

Location of Thesis
Big Lake Station
transportation and creating an on-site living population would Elk River Station
enhance the lives of those that would be using the system.
Ramsey Station

A key focus was to create a community of these on-site mass

transit commuters that has ways of connecting amongst each
Anoka Station

Coon Rapids -
Riverdale Station

other, while also connecting with the urban and suburban
communities it connects to. This transportation hub and
multi-family living complex in the suburbs also looks to enhance

the image of public transportation to that of an advanced Fridley Station

transportation system that is both safe and reliable for the public.
Target Field
Station

Northstar Commuter Rail Route

 Riverdale Commercial Development
To Big Lake/St. Cloud

Suburban Park

Relaxing Lake Space

Large Dog Park

Small Dog Park

Large, Open Neighborhood

Activity Space Development
A defining factor of the site
is its distinct areas utilizing Parking Structure
the positives of both the Urban Plaza Space
tighter knit urban and the
free-flowing and open Platform Crossover Structure
suburban lifestyles. This
merging of spaces is what Pedestrian Access
brings about cohesion To Neighborhood
between the separate
stations downtown and the
one here in the suburbs. It is Transit Center
also a major factor that Neighborhood Development Multi-Family Units
would draw users to live
Urban Park
on-site, being able to draw
the best from both separate
lifestyles. Future Commercial
N
Development
Site Plan To Twin Cities Urban Skywalk and Parking Garage

Active Urban Sidewalk Between

Apartments and Transit Center

Sealant
Backer Rod
Weld Plate
Cast into Beam
Prestressed Tendons
Stirrups

Double Tees

Bearing Pads
on Corbels East Parking Garage Elevation
Reinforcing for
Concrete Column

Parking Garage Floor Plan Scale: 3/8 = 10-0 Pretopped Tee- Haunch Bearing Detail Scale: 5/8 = 1-0
 North Transit Center Elevation

Relaxing Urban Transit Center Plaza Open Concept Transit Center

Energy Efficient
Roof Overhang

Parking Structure and Apartment from Suburban Park Transit Center Transverse Section Perspective
 2 4

1 8
1 Urban Plaza
2 Large, Open Seating 2
6
3 Mechanical Room
4 Coffee Shop
5 Deli Shop 5
3
6 Restaurant Seating
9
7 Crossover Platform
8 Bus Pick-up/Drop-off
9 Ticket Kiosk

Transit Center Floor Plan

Scale: 1/2 = 10-0

Transit Center Skywalk to Platform

The most important feature of the transit center was that it needed to be functional for many different types of
users. Those that would be using the site as a park-and-ride service, or those living on-site both need to be
catered to. The space is open in both height and floor space to accommodate wide ranging uses for those that
would get to the station early and need to sprawl out somewhere. There is also a lower and more confined
space with the coffee shop and deli seating areas that lends itself to singular work and eating. There are even
multiple outdoor spaces for users to visit that are both large and public or small and more secluded.
Transit Center Structure Diagrams

Supply Ductwork
Return Ductwork
Plumbing Lines

Transit Center Longitudinal Section Perspective Transit Center HVAC and Plumbing Diagram
 Light Gauge Steel Decking

Packaged Te
Terminal
erminal Radiant Floor Steel K Joist - Angle Web
Air Conditioner Units Heating In Units
Hollow Structural Section

Structural Steel Column

4
Gypsum Wall Board
8
Metal Channel Studs
Apartment Fifth Floor Plan Thermal Insulation
5
Exterior Gypsum Sheathing

6
Water Resistant Barrier
Metal Lath
Type S Mortar Scratch Coat
Type S Mortar Setting Bed
1
Limestone Veneer
7
8 Stone Veneer on Metal Studs Detail

Supply Air Ducts

2
Return Air Ducts
1 Pet Daycare
Apartment Fourth Floor Plan 2
3
Child Daycare
Owner Office Space
4 Fitness Room
5 Indoor Pool
6 Outdoor Pool and Patio 3
7 Outdoor Firepit
8 Outdoor Grills and Bars

Apartment First Floor Plan with HVAC

Scale: 3/8 = 10-0

Club Room

Apartment Second Floor Plan

Open 2-Story Unit Looking Over Park
Basement Storage Units
Mechanical Rooms

These modern apartment units define open living plans and are designed to
Under Pool (no storage) attract young professionals looking to stay connected to their jobs downtown
at a moments notice, and their friends and night life downtown as well. The
courtyard and communal spaces are meant to foster a community
environment amongst the tenants. The style of the apartments reflect the
style of modern downtown living with the space and price only available from
living in a suburban area, giving these professionals more financial freedom.
All standard units are also equipped with PTAC units to give tenants better
ARCH 772 Design Thesis
control over their climate, as well as radiant floor heating for the most energy
Ryan M. Quast efficient heating and cooling of the units
Ganapathy Mahalingam
Revit, SketchUp 0 10 30 60

Modern Standard Unit Layout

Apartment Basement Floor Plan
Active and Social Interior Courtyard Open Coffee Shop Design

Quiet Suburban Park, Lake and Path

North Apartment Elevation Interior Courtyard and Apartments Section