Santa Monica Begins Debate on Station Design for Train Station Near 3rd Street Promenade and Pier

City officials in Santa Monica are trying to decide how the downtown Expo Line station should be developed, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. Ideas being floated around include ground floor retail and residences above for a mixed use development or a vision to keep the station in a more park-like environment featuring open space.

The end-of-the-line station at 4th and Colorado (map) is across the street from the mall and near the 3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier. "I wouldn't want the station to overshadow its surroundings," said Councilmember Richard Bloom.

The popular beachside destination is one reason why the Expo line between Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles is expected to see high ridership at 64,000 boardings a day. It will take approximately 46 minutes between the two end points. Phase 1 between downtown Los Angeles and Culver City is currently under construction and could begin operation in 2011. Phase II could break ground by the end of this year and be in operation in 2015.