The Glendale Train Station is a civic landmark as well as a key building in Glendale’s history. In the 1920s, it provided a bridgehead for the city’s initial development, and it continues to serve today as a transit hub for Metrolink regional rail, intercity Greyhound buses, the Amtrak Surfliner, LA’s Metro bus network, and Glendale’s Beeline bus system. As a public space that supports accessible alternatives to Southern California’s emphasis on driving and car ownership, it points toward a more sustainable shared future.

The project is a strategic restoration of a heavily-used civic amenity, achieved within the city’s budget and with minimal disruption to transit uses. It demonstrates how reasonable public investment can simultaneously support historical preservation and municipal services – in this case, mass transit.

Our team gave particular attention to ensuring the new synthetic roof assemblies did not detract from the building’s historical appearance: flashings, copings, and similar details are carefully managed to blend into existing fabric. We also worked with the contractor to stabilize cast-stone ornament with discreet anchorages and sensitive infill.

Project scope included stabilizing cast-stone ornament, patching stucco, treating damaged wood, reroofing and new flashing, and repainting; replacing glass doors at Security Office with new wood doors to match original; refurbishing pergolas along approach to station entry with new wood trellises; restoring main doors at entrance and track sides, including custom-forged ornamental metal bosses to match original; replacing non-historic fountain with planted parking circle; and new facade lighting.

This is a strongly public-facing project that serves a broad range of constituencies, especially people who depend on or prefer mass transit. As such, it enhances the experience of all travelers and reinforces Glendale’s commitment to inclusive public space and public mobility.