The Streetscapes Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Ardmore Depot Park & Streetscape is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

The Richard Moya Eastside Bus Plaza, once a nondescript road median, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into a thriving sanctuary for both commuters and wildlife. Named after Richard Moya, the first Mexican American elected to public office in Austin, this plaza now stands as a vibrant testament to ecological restoration and community engagement, providing daily comfort to over 600 riders.

Centrally anchored by a circular passenger station, the plaza unfolds into a network of pedestrian-friendly spaces designed to prioritize both functionality and aesthetics. Travelers can now wait for their buses in a sunken courtyard surrounded by lush, layered plantings, seamlessly integrated into a comprehensive stormwater management system that not only detains and directs water but also shields from the hustle and bustle of frequent bus traffic.

 
The vision for this transit hub was threefold: to ensure comfort for travelers, to infuse ecological vitality into the site, and to become an integral part of the neighborhood community. This commitment is underscored by the project's attainment of SITES Silver certification, with the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) 3-Star Rating currently in progress. Educational signage strategically positioned throughout the site highlights the sustainable processes and accomplishments, fostering awareness and understanding. Beyond the functional aspects of the passenger station, the site features diverse seating areas and open spaces that encourage intimate connections and community gatherings, with plans for future programming, including a farmers market and other community events.

To reshape this 1.8-acre site according to the stringent standards of SITES and AEGB, the design team engaged in close collaboration, seeking feedback from users and stakeholders to create a dynamic, sustainable system. Key components included managing stormwater runoff, increasing biodiversity, and fostering economic and social benefits for the community.

The primary objective was to craft a functional and comfortable outdoor space with minimal impervious cover while effectively managing on-site stormwater runoff. Utilizing EPA-defined Best Management Practices (BMPs) like rain gardens, vegetated swales, detention ponds, and a permeable paving system, the project gained control over stormwater, slowing, filtering, and retaining water even during a 100th percentile precipitation event. Excavation for stormwater detention features, including basins for rain gardens and swales, provided greater control over total retention volume. These features, visually and physically accessible, double as amenities, engaging users with native plantings that stimulate the senses and contribute to water conservation.

The second goal focused on increasing biodiversity and establishing crucial natural habitat. Native plantings were carefully selected to promote seasonal variety and year-round interest. Bunch grasses, such as Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switchgrass, and Sideoats Grama, all characteristic of the Blackland Prairie, were blended with native perennial and blooming species. The result is a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing landscape designed to provide refuge, habitat, and diversity. Previously devoid of vegetation, the site now boasts 80 trees, over 3,600 shrubs, perennials, and grasses, along with 8,087 square feet of wildflower and Blackland Prairie. Large trees strategically placed across paved areas provide shade, offering respite from the intense Central Texas heat.

Despite being planted amidst the challenges of the winter storm of 2021 and the summer heat wave of 2022, the project's native plant material thrived, attesting to the resilience of native plants. Soil restoration, a crucial aspect of the project, involved removing compacted and degraded topsoil, replacing it with locally sourced planting soil tailored to support native plant species. Post-construction tests verified the success of these efforts, measuring organic matter, infiltration, and soil biological function. The commitment to sustainable landscape maintenance ensures ongoing success as the site evolves over time.

The third goal aimed to provide economic and social benefits to the Eastside Bus Plaza's immediate neighbors and the broader Austin community. The site features vegetated seating areas for solitude and expansive central spaces for group gatherings. Public amenities, strategically scattered across the plaza, enhance accessibility and enjoyment, while shaded nooks within planting beds create retreats for relaxation. These intimate spaces promote a connection to the surroundings and showcase the naturalized stormwater detention features on site. The terminal building, situated at the center, provides views and access to lush plantings and water features, contributing to the mental health and well-being of users.

The Richard Moya Eastside Bus Plaza stands as a compelling case study in transformative urban design, seamlessly integrating ecological resilience, community engagement, and sustainable practices. From stormwater management to biodiversity enhancement and social connectivity, each element reflects a thoughtful approach to creating a harmonious intersection of functionality, ecology, and community well-being.

To see more Streetscape projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-streetscapes-issue#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php