The Centerville district of Fremont lacked a central civic gathering space. FTS’ design for Bill Ball Plaza features a reproduction of a historic Southern Pacific train shelter as the centerpiece of a wisteria-clad arbor fronting along the tracks. Multi-use paved areas and seating around raised grass planters provide informal seating and relaxation areas.

Before

The project site prior to construction was a vacant lot and the original site of the historic Centerville train station.

• The site was a vacant lot used for temporary parking, bounded by train tracks, Fremont Boulevard, the side of a historic bank building, and a train station overflow parking lot.

Assignment

• Create a civic plaza design for the half-acre site that complements the restored historic Centerville train station and creates a community gathering space for the Centerville district.

Outcomes

• Project was initiated in 1999 and constructed in 2002, on time and on budget.
• The plaza is used for community events and gatherings as well as for everyday waiting for the train and informal relaxation.  It is configured to support a future eastbound ACE train platform.

In collaboration with:

Moran Engineering, Rempel Architects, Sierra Engineering Group, MTH Engineers, Inc., ISC Group, Singer/Fukushima, Kleinfelder