Cedar-University Rapid Station, formerly known as the University Circle Rapid Station, is a part of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) and was first opened to the public on March 15, 1955.

The station is one of the most heavily used transfer points in the GCRTA network, with traffic from the adjacent Case Western Reserve University accounting for much of the business that the station receives. Commuters utilize it to take a bus to Cedar Hill, Cleveland Heights, Hopkins International Airport or downtown. However, after nearly 60 years in service, the station began to fall into disrepair.

To meet the higher standards of the modern era, the transit authority secured $10.5 million to rebuild the facility. Contractors broke ground for reconstruction on September 19, 2012, and needed to finish the construction quickly due to the location of the station and its high volume of traffic from visitors.

The station’s steady flow of traffic called for an expansion in square footage of the entire facility. Not only was space for the large volume of visitors a concern for the architectural firm, but the architectural integrity and aesthetic aspects were considerations as well. AECOM wanted to design the station with the convergence of different modes of transportation meeting in one location in mind.

In order to overhaul the dated look of the station, CENTRIA’s Formawall Dimension Series horizontal panels were implemented to give the station a contemporary aesthetic. Panels were installed to rise from the ground on a curve and provide flowing sight lines and a seamless shelter for those awaiting bus transportation. Stainless steel column covers Series 3000 were used to accentuate the Formawall Dimension Series panels and add to the modern aesthetic.

Architects also envisioned that the station would speak the same urban language as its other transit station counterparts and accentuate the neighboring scenery and locales. Thus, AECOM made sure that the ground-rising Formawall Dimension Series panel roof acted as an extension to adjacent surroundings. For example, the dark green finish of the panels flawlessly matched the color scheme of the neighboring Ambler Park.

Transportation runs non-stop, regardless of the weather. Cleveland is known for its brutal winters, so architects specified Duragard Plus coating for all Formawall Dimension Series panels to ensure that material remains strong fade-resistant from rain and snow. The panels are pressure equalized along the length of the horizontal joinery, providing superior weather resistance. Additionally, its factory foamed-in place core and a thermal break between the face and liner equates to minimum insulation gaps. The smooth finish, thermal efficiency and moisture control systems of Formawall Dimension Series panels ensures longevity with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.