As more people turn to mass transit in the wake of record high gas prices, a new structure in downtown Terre Haute will soon make riding the bus more attractive.
Representatives from the city and Indiana State University formally dedicated the Cherry Street Multi-Modal Transportation Facility Friday (May 16). Completion of the $13.4 million building is viewed as an economic development tool for the community and a catalyst for additional projects that will bring students and citizens downtown and stimulate new development. The facility is tentatively scheduled to open May 27.
“After many years of hard work and the efforts of a variety of entities, I am excited to see this multi-purpose transportation facility opening. This is a great looking structure in a wonderful location and I believe that it will greatly enhance Downtown Terre Haute. My thanks to all those over the years who have contributed to making this facility a reality,†said Mayor Duke Bennett.
First proposed in the late 1990s, the 216,000 square foot structure will serve as headquarters for the Terre Haute Transit Utility and as a covered transfer station for city and inter-city buses. It will also provide more than 600 parking spaces on five levels.
Located at Seventh and Cherry Streets, the facility stands between Hulman Center and the Federal Building, which is slated to become the new home of Indiana State’s college of Business. It is also across the street from the recently opened Hilton Garden Inn-Terre Haute House.
"This structure is an important component of Indiana State University's efforts to partner with the city, federal government and others to drive economic development and the renovation of the downtown Terre Haute community. We are exceedingly grateful to all of the individuals and entities that have helped make this facility a reality,†said ISU President Lloyd W. Benjamin III.
The Cherry Street Facility project is a partnership of the City of Terre Haute, Indiana State University and the local business community. It will be maintained and operated by the city transportation department.
Sen. Evan Bayh, a Terre Haute native, helped secure $8.9 million in federal funding for the project along with Sen. Dick Lugar and former Rep. John Hostettler. The remaining $4.9 million cost of construction was financed via city bonds.
“This new transit center is a significant step forward for Terre Haute and reinforces our commitment to moving the community and our country away from oil dependence," Sen. Bayh said. "Not only will it increase the affordable transportation options available to area residents, but it also adds another anchor in downtown Terre Haute to help spur development and growth.â€Â
Rates for parking at the Cherry Street Facility will be $1 per hour, with a $6 per day maximum. Monthly parking passes will be available at a cost of $45. Half of the building’s 636 parking spaces are reserved for Indiana State University faculty and staff. Beginning in August, university employees may park in the building at a reduced rate of $30 per month.
Constructed of Indiana limestone and brick to complement existing campus and downtown architecture, the building was designed by Terre Haute architect Dan Sanders. Rich and Associates of Southfield, Mich. served as architectural consultants. General contractor for the facility was Hannig Construction Inc. of Terre Haute.
Constructed on Indiana State University-owned property leased to the city for 40 years, the Cherry Street Multi-Modal Transportation Facility will be maintained and operated by the City of Terre Haute Transit Utility. The ISU Department of Public Safety will be responsible for security and police protection for the building.
Photo:
Wieke van der Weijden Benjamin, wife of Indiana State University President Lloyd W. Benjamin III, shakes hands with Terre Haute Redevelopment Director Cliff Lambert as she steps out of the city Transit Utility's trolley bus during dedication ceremonies for the Cherry Street Transportation Facility. ISU/Kara Berchem
Photo gallery
Contact: Brad Miller, director, Terre Haute Transit Utility, 812-235-0109 or brad.miller@terrehaute.in.gov;
Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu