City of Rome – Centro Bus Shelter

Rome, NY

Plan/Report/Study

Elevating the Everyday Transit Experience
In downtown Rome, even small improvements can play a big role in how people experience the city. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the opportunity emerged to replace outdated bus stops with a space that better serves riders while contributing to the character and energy of the surrounding area.
Our team partnered with the City and state agencies to help secure funding and guide the project from concept through final design. The result is a new climate-controlled CENTRO bus shelter located near City Hall, designed to provide comfort, safety, and a more welcoming experience for transit users throughout the year.
Designing for Comfort, Function, and Place
The 370-square-foot shelter replaces existing open-air structures with a permanent facility that accommodates up to twenty riders. Thoughtful material choices, including stone veneer, wood rain-screen cladding, and expansive glazing, create a space that feels connected to the surrounding civic architecture while introducing modern design elements.
Site improvements extend the impact beyond the structure itself. A heated snowmelt system improves accessibility during winter months, while new landscaping and street furniture enhance the public realm. The addition of a dedicated bus lane supports safer, more efficient operations, improving both rider experience and transit performance.
Together, these improvements create a transit space that is not only more functional, but also more reflective of the community it serves, supporting Rome’s broader vision for a revitalized and connected downtown.