On MArch 18, 2008, the RTA Board of Trustees selected the firm of Bialosky + Partners to design the new Lee/Van Aken Rapid Transit Station on the Blue Line in Shaker Heights. It will be ADA-compliant when it opens in late 2010.

The firm also designed the Highland Square Station at West 117th Street, which opened last year. About 20 percent of the cost will be shared by five DBE firms along with Parsons Brinkerhoff.

The estimated cost is $3.5 million. The new station will reflect traditional architecture found elsewhere in Shaker, combined with a more contemporary style.

RTA partnered with the City of Shaker Heights to develop a master plan for the station area, under NOACA's Transit for Livable Communities Initiative. The planning process involved many stakeholder and community meetings to create the vision for the area. RTA received valuable insight on the amenities, look, style that the residents require in a new station. The plan was made part of RTA's Request for Proposals for architectural services. RTA General Manager Joe Calabrese attended the Shaker City Council meeting when the plan was approved.

The RTA station is located on the Blue Line, at the intersection of Lee Road and Van Aken Boulevard, just north of Chagrin Boulevard. It is in the heart of the municipal center of Shaker Heights, adjacent to City Hall, the Public Library, Community Building and Senior Center and the newly redeveloped Shaker Towne Center.

The Lee/Van Aken station has the second highest ridership on the Blue Line. At 30 feet below grade, it is the only Blue Line station below street level. The new station will include elevators, a larger pedestrian/bus interface point and enhanced safety and security systems.

"RTA has enjoyed a very strong relationship of collaboration with the City of Shaker Heights," says RTA's Maribeth Feke, Director of Programming and Planning. "This plan was done as a joint effort to enhance the transit environment of the station, while encouraging supportive development in the adjacent neighborhood. This project is the first to proceed into design after an independent planning study."