OWNER: Metropolitan Transportation Authority/New York City Transit, NYC
ARCHITECT: di Domenico + Partners, NYC
DESIGN ENGINEER: Vollmer Associates, NYC
MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING ENGINEER: Chu & Gassman, Middlesex, NJ
ARTIST COLLABORATOR: Accounci Studio, Brooklyn, NY
ARTIST DESIGN COLABORATOR: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit, NYC
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: M.A. Angeliades Inc., Long Island City, NY

The 161st Street/Yankee Stadium station in the Bronx is a destination point for thousands of Yankee fans every year. As such, it is one of the most heavily used stations in New York City transit system. And even when there is no Yankee game, the station averages daily traffic of 25,000 people.

The $46 million rehabilitation of the stadium, as called for by its owner, Metropolitan Transportation Authority/New York City Transit (MTA/NYCT), included circulation improvements, incorporation of five-ADA-complaint elevators, reconstruction of the escalator transfer building; an increase sense of light and air throughout and creation of a sense of station identity within the surrounding community.

To address project issues, the project team reshaped the site through the application of enclosures, manipulated light elements and incorporated art in an artist/architect collaboration.

To create a sense of identity within the surrounding community and preserve elements of its past, service areas were wrapped in buff iron spot brick used since inception of the transit system in 1904. In addition, public areas were glazed to the extent possible to provide views and natural light. Furthermore, a working relationship with the artist allowed for a complete integration of the Arts for Transit program. By focusing on the continuous integration of the complex's three planes, architectural elements of the above-ground station were designed to flow through to spaces below, while underground features rise up into visibility at street level. Reflections of natural light were used to fill the space during the day, while volumes are illuminated at night to provide a visible presence within the surrounding neighborhood.

Furthermore, a detailed phasing program that accommodated the extended Yankee baseball season in 1996 and 1998 through 2001 was developed in order to perform the work over a four-year period while the station remained operational.

Safety and security was also a concern for commuters. To address this issue, elevator towers were glazed to provide maximum light into the station complex. This heightened the perception of security while establishing a bright and shining landmark for he community. A new skylight and vent structure were also constructed to permit light and air into the below ground station mezzanine and visually unite the three design planes - elevated, underground and street level.

In addition, commuter flow within the transfer pavilion was framed with glass brick to further provide an open, welcoming environment.

In an effort not to disrupt the day-to-day activities of the station and the commuters, who use it, much of the work on the platforms was done during 54-hour weekend General Orders and at night under flagging supervision. To meet the project schedule, work was performed simultaneously in many locations, with daily crews often in excess of 70 workers. Furthermore, it was often necessary to have second and even third work shifts to maintain the progress and efficiency of the work.

Structural work included repair of about 50 percent of the steel columns and numerous steel beams; repair of spalled concrete, map cracks and water leaks throughout the interior and exterior of the station; removal and replacement of sidewalk sections to facilitate the underground work, including the construction of foundations for new structures and the installation of new property lien boxes, junction boxes, sewer and drainage manholes and for the planting of new trees.

Structural steel work also included new frames for five elevators, roof and floor framing for the IRT expansion area, framing for the canopy walkway between the elevator and the IRT platform, replacement of the IRT mezzanine hangers, valley beams for the new platform canopy roof, stair stingers throughout the station, extensive beam and column repairs and floor reinforcement for increased load capacities in various mechanical rooms.

In addition, tight site logistics required equipment storage in seven storage trailers located on the street.

The jury noted that "the project team overcame many difficult challenges, including building near an elevated highway and not being able to build during baseball season."