The Belleville Transit Center has a new look, thanks to a new effort called the Transit Stop Transformation Project.
The months-long project has transformed the Transit Center into a colorful, cooler, more inviting spot to wait on your ride or just hang out. Instead of gray walls, now there's lots of color, shade structures and benches, new bike racks, and planters. And there's a theme to it all: "Art Grows in Belleville." Kim Cella from Citizens for Modern Transit said they wanted to showcase community artists.
"The idea was to give a nod to the art community in Belleville, while at the same time creating a space that's really welcoming for riders and residents alike."
They also have art from Belleville residents like Genevieve Esson, who created elevated window artwork at the station. Cella said involving community members was an essential part of the project.
"It really can be a part of the fabric of the community, and when you engage the community on a project, find out what their wants are, it's one way to create ownership of these stations," she said.
The Emerson Park station in East St. Louis and the Maplewood station have gotten makeovers, too. The next stop will be the North Hanley transit center in St. Louis County.