Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Northern Bus Garage in Washington, D.C., was originally constructed in 1906 along the district’s 14th Street corridor. Once the largest streetcar barn in the nation, the facility is now undergoing a major transformation as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) decides to rebuild on its existing site after evaluating relocation options. As part of this initiative, STV leads all design components for the progressive design-build reconstruction, with Clark Construction serving as the contractor. STV provides design management; civil, structural, and industrial engineering; and leads systems integration for this modernized, future‑focused facility.
What challenges is STV addressing?
WMATA requires a fully modern, sustainable bus facility that both supports the agency’s growing zero‑emission fleet and preserves key historic elements of the original structure. The challenge lies in transforming a century‑old building – protected for its cultural and architectural significance –into a state‑of‑the‑art operations hub capable of serving battery‑electric buses while maintaining community compatibility along a dense urban corridor.
What solutions is STV delivering?
STV’s design reimagines the 589,700‑square‑foot facility to accommodate 150 buses, including battery‑electric vehicles, and provides maintenance, servicing, administrative, and support spaces. The team is targeting LEED Platinum certification and designing the structure to allow a full future conversion to battery‑electric buses. In alignment with historic preservation requirements, STV is protecting more than 500 feet of the original façade, two‑story brick administration building and an iconic tower, while incorporating approximately 26,000 square feet of new street-level retail.
How will this project benefit the region?
The reconstructed facility will support WMATA’s long-term sustainability goals, enhance operational efficiency and prepare the region for a zero-emission transit future. By blending historic preservation with modern infrastructure, the project strengthens neighborhood vitality, provides new community‑facing amenities and improves air quality across Washington, D.C.
Key stats and accolades
- 589,700 sf reconstructed bus division
- Houses 150 buses, including battery‑electric vehicles
- Targeting LEED Platinum certification
- Preserves 500+ feet of historic façade
- Includes 26,000 sf. of new retail storefronts
- Progressive design‑build delivery with WMATA and Clark Construction
