East Plaza and Promenade, Union City, CA
The East Plaza is envisioned as the hub and cross-roads of the emerging Station District in Union City. It sits within a strong east/west pedestrian and bicycle spine that connects across existing rail lines to a mix of residential and commercial uses in the Station District. ROMA designed the half-acre plaza which is the centerpiece of a series of public spaces which the firm also designed, including promenades, playgrounds, streets and public ways that will connect future job centers to the Intermodal/BART station, and link both existing and new neighborhoods to commercial centers. The East Plaza features a major fountain with public art created by the renowned French sculptor, Louis Derbre. Environmental quality and comfort is integrated within the design of the public space, which includes large canopied trees for shade, air quality and carbon sequestration, and falling water with a cooling, refreshing effect on the surrounding area that mitigates the noise of nearby rail cars and street traffic. The improvements will enhance sociability, heighten a sense of security, significantly contribute to the quality of the transit ridership experience, create a strong gateway and become an attractive focus for existing and future development.
