This urban site is an existing station that is closed and could be transformed to another use. The site is in a central location in Buffalo which has a population of 276,000. Local bus lines cross at this intersection. The site is on the edge of two neighborhoods and available to serve a wider community. Bikeways also cross the city on the adjacent streets. The existing gas station and garage had 4 gas pumps, a convenience store and 3 garage bays before it closed.

Design goals:

• Adapt the existing station to create a flexible space for a resilience hub.

• Provide EV charging stations with a portable charging system that can be relocated for emergencies. 

• Design for regeneration with solar power added to the existing roofs and canopy.

• Plan for rainwater detention in detention tanks that replace the gasoline storage tanks.

• Add landscaping and provide permeable paving.

• Provide location for a portable container office that is used for emergency events.

• Improve the bus stop enclosures. 

The design is an adaptive reuse of the closed station into a resilience hub that serves the adjacent neighborhoods. A resilience hub is a community facility to support residents, coordinate communication and distribute resources. The hub could help respond to winter storms, extreme heat, food insecurity, power outages and enhance the quality of life. The space could also function as a part time clinic for the community.