Springfield, IL

Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Center

Client: Sangamon County
Our Role: Master Planning and Architectural Design

Modern transportation center with a glass stair tower, open steel canopy, and a colorful mural depicting Springfield community and transportation history.

Sangamon County needed a bold solution to tackle Springfield’s growing transportation demands. Rail congestion in the downtown area disrupted traffic flow and affected both passenger and freight services. Strengthening connections between Springfield and major cities like Chicago and St. Louis was critical for boosting regional mobility and supporting economic growth.

While addressing transportation challenges, the county envisioned a centralized multimodal hub to enhance connectivity, unite neighborhoods divided by the 10th Street Rail Corridor, and foster a more efficient, user-friendly experience for Amtrak, Greyhound, and Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) travelers.

The Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Center, also known as “The Hub,” is designed to go beyond solving logistical issues. It’s a space aimed to foster connection, encourage development, and position Springfield as a leader in accessible, integrated transit solutions.

As a key design partner, Muller2, now part of GFT, brought an innovative approach to master planning and architectural design for The Hub. This phased, 344,000-square-foot project features a multimodal transportation center integrated with the city’s 10th Street rail consolidation project.

Upon completion in 2027, The Hub will combine functionality and accessibility with community-focused design. It will offer Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant facilities, state-of-the-art wayfinding, and cohesive signage systems tailored for users. The design prioritizes intuitive navigation, cultural inclusivity, and sustainable, future-ready amenities.

Key Features

Train Station: Includes two ADA-compliant boarding platforms, spacious waiting and seating areas, and direct access to the county square.
Parking Garage: A multilevel structure with 605 spaces for passengers, county employees, and visitors, featuring a new enclosed connection to the existing county building.
Bus Transfer Center: Accommodates up to 20 SMTD buses and offers modern passenger facilities, including administration offices, concessions, waiting rooms, and restrooms.
County Square: A vibrant public space west of the tracks offering cultural exhibits, performances, public art, and a café to enhance visitor experience.
Pedestrian Bridge: Spans the 10th Street rail corridor, connecting the train station, county square, and bus services, uniting previously divided communities.
Signage and Wayfinding: A cohesive system developed to enhance navigation and accessibility, including digital monitors will real-time updates, route information, and more.

Outcomes

Supports Sangamon County’s vision for a sustainable, future-ready, and ADA-compliant transit design solution.
Consolidates access to multiple transit systems into a centralized hub.
Reduces travel time and relieves rail congestion in downtown Springfield.
Promotes public transportation use and improves service for residents and visitors.
Bridges historically divided communities through enhanced connectivity and shared spaces.
Establishes a welcoming gateway to Springfield’s downtown district and beyond.
American Institute of Architects Illinois, 2023, Capitol Award.
American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter, 2023, Lerch Bates People’s Choice Award Finalist.
American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter, 2023, Design Excellence Finalist.