Charles Rose Architects, Inc.

John Olver Transit Center

John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden

John Olver Transit Center

Charles Rose Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Groundview, Llc

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Charles Rose

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Whitney Hudson

CIVIL ENGINEER
Nitsch Engineering

MANUFACTURERS
Sika, Duratherm Windows , Price Beams, Solar Wall, Zahner

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Richmond So Engineers

PHOTOGRAPHS
John Linden, Peter Vanderwalker

AREA
24000 M²

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Leicester, United States

CATEGORY
Government

The John W. Olver Transit Center, located in Greenfield, MA, is the first net-zero transit center in the United States. It was funded in part by the FTA and ARRA.

John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden

Since its completion, the 24,000 SF intermodal transit hub has introduced high-performance design to Franklin County, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and ethical design.

The project serves as a depot for regional and interstate bus lines, a station for AMTRAK’s Vermonter and Valley Flyer lines, and an office for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. T

John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden

he project received a 2023 AIA COTE Top 10 award.

From xeriscaping to sustainable technologies, this project brings a broad range of ecological and environmental values to the heart of the community.

John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© Peter Vanderwalker

The design process fostered a multidisciplinary effort that integrated engineering, building technology, architecture, and landscape architecture into a seamless, holistic design.

Thermal modeling of details was integrated throughout the design process to eliminate thermal bridging.

In addition to a high-performance envelope and reduced energy loads, passive design strategies include daylighting, thermal mass temperature regulation, interior and exterior shading, a solar wall for preheating make-up air in the winter, and natural ventilation.

John Olver Transit Center
© Peter Vanderwalker
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden

Active strategies included 22 geothermal wells, water-sourced heat pumps, chilled beams, energy recovery systems, and occupant engagement guided by an energy “dashboard.” On-site energy generation includes a 98kW photovoltaic array.

The project provides 24,000 sf of adaptable community space at the center of the city-- spaces with non-fixed furnishings throughout ensuring that the building can be easily reprogrammed as needed.

John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© Peter Vanderwalker

The space has an open layout and accommodates community meeting spaces, county government offices, and a regional transit center.

The project addresses economic inequality and financial vulnerability, by providing a community resource and access to public transportation.

John Olver Transit Center
© Peter Vanderwalker

John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden
John Olver Transit Center
© John Linden


John Olver Transit Center
Diagram


John Olver Transit Center
Floor plan
John Olver Transit Center
Floor plan


John Olver Transit Center
Diagram
John Olver Transit Center
Detail

John Olver Transit Center
Axo

Charles Rose Architects, Inc.
T +1 617 6285033
Charles Rose Architects, Inc.
115 Willow Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, United States