Menominee Regional Public Transit

When the Menominee Tribe’s Transportation Department decided to expand services far beyond the capabilities of its 9,000-square foot transit facility, they called on Somerville. In addition to collaborating on a new facility design, Somerville assisted tribal leaders in meeting regulatory requirements associated with securing grants from the Federal Transit Administration and other government entities. The result is a modern 32,000-square foot facility with an additional 30,000-square feet available for future expansion. The center features indoor bay space for 28 transit buses, a maintenance garage, a vehicle wash including automatic washing equipment and administrative office space. An additional canopy offers shelter for 14 school buses along with an 1,800 square foot storage facility. To promote sustainability and lower maintenance costs, the building boasts a geothermal heating and cooling system, a solar thermal hot water heating and a photovoltaic solar electric system. The two-level building is also thoughtfully situated on a slope, with the upper floor intended for public access and bus pick-up and drop-off, while the lower level provides garage access for buses largely out of the public view.