Contact: Lisa Porter
For Immediate Release
(949) 216-9970
Sep 9, 2006
R.D. Olson Construction Completes Union Station Complex
  IRVINE, Calif.— R.D. Olson Construction has completed a high-profile Class A apartment complex and connection bridge on both sides of Union Station in Los Angeles--one of the busiest transportation hubs in the country.
The depot, where the Metrorail, Amtrak, MTA, DASH and Metrolink converge at 800 N. Alameda, remained in full operation during construction of Union Station Village.

The complex is owned by Lincoln Property Company, which purchased the lots from Union Station owner, Catellaus Group.
The new addition skirting the 65-year-old Union Station consists of two five-story buildings, one sitting partially atop the Metrolink tunnel. Olson also built a 72-foot bridge over Union Station’s service entry that connects the apartment buildings at the third floor level. This added convenience allows residents to travel from one structure to the other without having to traverse the busy street-level crosswalk.

Building the complex was tricky. Olson had to ensure construction did not interrupt transportation services, which meant working unusual hours, relocating lots used for taxi and bus passenger pick up and drop off, and arranging for temporary travel routes.
“This was a highly complex project that entailed extensive staging plans so Union Station could keep transportation on schedule,” said Robert Olson, CEO of Irvine-based R. D. Olson Construction. “The Catellaus Group, City officials and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority were exceptionally helpful in working together to ensure the operation went smoothly.”

Catellus Group authorized site infrastructure improvements surrounding Union Station, which included reworking parking lots, roads, utilities and landscaping. The company restructured the bus station to adapt to the design of these new buildings.

The 273,000-square-foot Union Station Village was designed to bode well with the look and feel of the historic transportation depot, all the while, having all the amenities of the day. It is home to 272 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment units (six are double-sized) and 150,000 square feet of subterranean parking.

A rooftop pool sits upon one of the apartment buildings, giving bathers a distinct view of the city. A recreation room on the fifth floor and a full gym with sauna and locker rooms also was built for Union Station Village residents. Two elevated open air courtyards lavishly landscaped with trellises and tiled water features with falls add a natural sense of beauty to the heart-of-the-city placed complex. Each of the buildings has a radius entry with 10,000 square feet dedicated to administrative offices and a recreation area. Ground level also houses the Internet Café--a private area where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee and while hopping online. Construction costs totaled $35 million.

GMP Architects of Santa Monica designed the complex, which supports the City’s long-term improvement plans to the west of Union Station Village. Plans include renovating specified areas on and around the legendary Olvera St. such as the installation of new stairs and seating at the central plaza.

“This is a great addition to an area so rich with California history,” said Olson. “Union Station Village represents true city living.”

Robert Olson founded R.D. Olson Construction in 1979. It has since grown into one of the largest general contracting companies in California. The company has built establishments for such clients as Marriott, Hilton and Benihana to name a few. Current projects under construction in California include Renaissance ClubSport, Aliso Viejo; Burbank Residence Inn, Burbank; and Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert. Out of state Olson is working on completing the Benihana, Coral Gables, FL and two Morton’s the Steakhouses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona.