Scaffolding is going up around Union Station, and will remain there until December, as workers renovate the exteriors of the train station and its adjacent parking garage.
The project will cost $2.3 million and will be completed by the spring of 2015, according to Park New Haven, the city’s newly renamed parking authority, which manages the train station and garage. The buildings are owned by the state. Park New Haven is paying for the repairs out of the proceeds from the parking garage, according to spokesman Greg Davis.
The plan includes “general repairs to the garage such as replacement of expansion joints, concrete and brick masonry restorations, waterproofing, installing a new fire standpipe system, and painting. The scope for building includes exterior repairs to the facade and roof, waterproofing at the Front Plaza, as well as concrete and masonry restoration, re-painting and re-caulking of windows, and sidewalk restorations,” according to a Park New Haven press release.
The garage and station will remain open and fully operational during the construction, according to the release.
“Union Station is an architecturally exquisite building and one of the gems of the New Haven Line. I am confident that these renovations will preserve the character of this historic station and will be anxious to see the finished product,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker in the release.
The project will be managed by Turner Construction. Frank Capasso & Sons, Inc. of Northford, will serve as the general contractors. Desman Associates of Rocky Hill is designing the project.
Crews have already begun erecting the scaffolding, which will be wrapped in blue safety mesh, according to the release.
“It is a goal of my administration to make Union Station the hub of a revitalized transportation and retail district — this exterior renovation project is consistent with and part of that plan,” said Mayor Toni Harp in the release. “A year or so from now, when this project is complete, one of New Haven’s architectural jewels will have been polished beautifully to attract, welcome, and please all those who spend time in and around Union Station.”
“We’re excited to get this renovation project underway,” added Park New Haven Acting Executive Director, David B. Panagore. “It is our duty to continue to keep this beautiful historic building, a true asset to our City, in excellent condition for years to come.”
