Julia M. Carson Transit Center (Indianapolis, Indiana)

 bus rapid transit (BRT) station, bus station, public transport terminus, public washroom, local government, 2016_construction

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After years of planning, public officials held a groundbreaking for IndyGo's downtown transit center in September 2014. The site, a surface parking lot bounded by East Washington, East Pearl, South Delaware, and South Alabama streets in downtown Indianapolis, would become the public transportation corporation's first unified transit center. The project was paid for with a $13.5 million federal grant and $6.5 million from the agency's capital improvement budget.

In May 2015, construction halted after excavators unearthed archeological finds dating to the 1800s, including building foundations. The discoveries delayed the project seven months and increased costs by $5 million, with work commencing in October 2015.

In April 2016, Indianapolis City-County Council passed a special resolution formally naming the transit center for Julia Carson, former U.S. Representative for Indiana's 7th congressional district (1997–2007). During her tenure in Congress, Carson helped secure federal funding for the $26.5 million transit center.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 21, 2016, with formal bus service beginning on June 26, 2016. Upon completion, the Customer Service Retail Center moved from 34 North Delaware Street to the 14,000 square feet (1,300.64 m2) center. Additionally, the center includes free Wi-Fi, public restrooms, a conference room, administrative offices, bus operator lounge, seating, real-time arrival and departure information, 19 bus bays, and 700 square feet (65.03 m2) of retail space. Of IndyGo's 31 routes, 26 routes offer transfers at the station.

Since its completion, the Julia M. Carson Transit Center has received accolades for its contemporary design and environmental-sustainability components. The Indy Chamber recognized the project at its 40th Monumental Awards on October 19, 2017. IndyGo's design team, including AECOM, Axis Architecture + Interiors, Guidon Design, Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA), and Loftus Engineering, Inc., received the Honor in Architecture, Achievement in Engineering, and Honor in Landscape Architecture awards. The transit center will be applying for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.