Design team selected for new Camden Station

The space frame sheltering MARC and Light Rail riders who  want to by tickets after a game at Camden Yards or leave on the Camden commuter rail line after a day of work proved the old adage that nothing lasts longer than a temporary solution. Quickly conceived as a flexible structure which could weave together a modular ticket trailer, various vending machines, information signs and an electrical equipment pad and would be low-cost and not block the views of the historic Camden warehouse, the frame lasted for 25 years. MTA discovered it as an advertising carrier eliminating the desire to be light, ephemeral and not to obstruct views. 

the current temporary structure adorned with garish adverstisement
banners

The end of the temporary solution is in sight because MTA obtained a $6 million federal grant, matched by $1.2 million State funds. The project, located so close to the Stadium Authority's masterpiece, was handed to MSA to be administered. MSA issued first a request for information folowed by a request for proposals earlier this year. The procurement mill churned through letters of interest, a shortlist and selection of finalist. AECOM was recently announced as the winning design team that will charged with devising a new and permanent station that serves MTA's transit functions and fits into the surroundings of Oriole Park.

It is anticipated that the construction will consist of an approximately 1,000 square foot building which houses MARC train operations. Selected architect will be given a rendering of an approved concept and will be asked to develop a full design.
A/E will be expected to work closely with MSA and MTA throughout the design process to design a building that falls within the budget and fulfills all MTA programming needs. A/E will provide full design services as well as Construction Administration throughout the entire duration of construction. (From the MSA Bid Solicitation of 6/22/17)

MTA non binding concept sketch issued before the RFP (MTA/MSA)

Nothing is known yet about how AECOM's architects will approach the actual new design. The electric equipment currently surrounded by the space frame will likely remain in place and force the new building to accommodate it as well.

MTA had developed a non-binding concept sketch that had been provided as an exhibit to the RFP and showed where MTA and MSA think the journey should go: A retro design, half market shed, half old-fashioned train platform shelter. The rendering also showed a tower which incongruously stands on the side, too close to the tracks, not big enough to compete with the cupola on top of the historic train station and not small enough to really blend in.

Retro feel at Camden Yards (MTA/MSA)

It is unlikely that AECOM will follow this lead, at least not judging from the clean modern design the design team had proposed for Baltimore's Red Line stations. On the other hand, it is the retro design of Camden Yards that made it so successful and it is tempting to extend this language into the transit facility as well.

MSA pursues an aggressive schedule and one can assume that AECOM's design concepts will be made public early next year with groundbreaking anticipated for fall 2018.

MARC trains leaving from Camden Station head for Washington Union Station via Jessup and Laurel sharing a freight track with CSX. The tracks for the Howard Street tunnel run under the Camden Station area just to the side of I-395. Light Rail trains leave the station for the Hamburg Street Station which serves Sharp Leadenhall and the Ravens Stadium and continues across the Middle Branch towards Westport, Linthicum, BWI or Cromwell Station. Both the Camden and the Hamburg Street station have relatively low weekday boardings but enormous "crush-loads" at game times. The anticipated development of Port Covington has brought renewed interest in the LRT line and a possible spur serving the development.

Historic Camden Station after restoration 

Camden Station once was one of Baltimore's prominent passenger rail stations. Oriole Park and the egress for the parking lots required that the current train operations were relocated south of Conway Street allowing cars to cross the tracks without being blocked by waiting trains.  This move made it impossible to have transit or train functions accommodated in the historic Station since it is now too removed. The MSA  has been struggling to find an appropriate use for the historic building.

Klaus Philipsen, FAIA

The writer designed the original temporary structure when with Cho, Wilks and Benn Architects and was an adviser for a shortlisted team that was not selected.

Due to the holidays and subsequent travel Community Architect articles will be less regular during the next four weeks.

MSA qualifications Bid 
BBJ

Related articles on this blog:

Camden Station should be a train station again! (2016) 

Pop Up Instead of Permanence (2012)