Along the Cross Bronx Expressway in the Parkchester neighborhood there are gas stations that could take on new roles in the transition to electric vehicles. The neighborhood was split by this expressway, (part of I-95) that was conceived by Robert Moses, and was built from 1948 to 1972. The air pollution created by this expressway and increased traffic levels has produced higher rates of asthma as well as other respiratory ailments. 

The station selected is a short walk to the Parkchester stop on the 6 subway train with bus stops also nearby. The existing gas station and garage is currently in operation, with 6 gas pumps, a convenience store and 6 garage bays. The expressway is adjacent, but buried below grade in this area limiting visibility for potential gasoline customers. The site is ideal for consideration as a freight hub.

Design goals:

• Adapt the existing station as a freight hub.

• Plan for the use of cargo bikes and electric vans for deliveries to limit air pollution.

• Design for solar panels on the existing building roof and above the new canopy over the driveway.

• Replace the existing underground fuel tanks with rainwater detention tanks to reduce the impact of extreme rain events.

• Add indoor and outdoor lounge spaces for rest between deliveries.

• Provide landscaping along the street and adjacent to the lounge.

• Include parcel lockers that allow local customers to pick up packages if home delivery isn’t practical.

The design is a prototype project for a small urban distribution hub that would mitigate the negative impacts of increased freight traffic which has been detrimental to air quality, congestion and safety. NYC is developing this approach to create a series of micro-distribution centers (micro-hubs) around the city. The American Institute of Architects recently completed a detailed study for improving freight delivery in the city showing how these micro-hubs would benefit the community. The design includes public package lockers to minimize package thefts and reduce delivery truck trips following the city’s pilot program.

The garage bays and covered outdoor spaces make it practical for sorting packages and packing vehicles. A new canopy provides solar panels to charge cargo bikes and electric vans as well as provide shade for outdoor sorting. Permeable paving and rainwater collection reduce the impact and the existing below grade gasoline storage tank is replaced with a rainwater detention tank to collect run off during extreme rain events. Between deliveries a landscaped lounge allows drivers a place to rest.