Upgrades to Los Angeles' Historic Union Station to Create a Dynamic Transit Hub

As Los Angeles ambitiously builds public transit infrastructure, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is working on plans to update Union Station so that it will better serve the Los Angeles of the future.

1 minute read

July 2, 2014, 11:00 AM PDT

By Molly M. Strauss @mmstrauss


In 2011, Metro purchased the 40-acre site in Downtown Los Angeles that includes a historic passenger terminal built in 1939 to serve western railroads. An intensive master planning process has been in progress for the property since 2012. With the undertaking nearing completion, Metro's Deputy Executive Officer of Countywide Planning Jenna Hornstock elaborates on recent refinements to the preferred approach--with final plans expected to go before Metro's Board of Directors in September.

Hornstock shares the proposed changes to Union Station as they currently stand, highlighting key transit improvements that include a new multimodal concourse and future integration with high-speed rail. The team has prioritized connectivity and place-making across the site, intending these goals to yield both improved transit functionality and a greater sense of continuity with the surrounding neighborhoods.

Development on the site was viewed through that same lens. Hornstock explains, "We focused on the transit improvements as our building blocks, and from there we identified places for new commercial development that enhances access to transit and connectivity across the site. Whether it’s overbuilding on the relocated bus facility, or thoughtfully integrating development into the site, we looked at creating a place that is connected through plazas, terraces and bridges... With all of this study, we came up with a development program showing 3.25 million square feet of commercial development."

Monday, June 30, 2014 in The Planning Report

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today