Metro Red Line Pershing Square Canopy Addition & Escalator Replacement, Los Angeles, CA

AVA’s Role: Anil Verma Associates, Inc. (AVA) served as Designer-of-Record for the replacement of five escalators and was responsible for the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural design. AVA also reviewed contractor submittals and provided design services throughout construction.

Description: This design-build contract replaced five outdoor escalators serving two entrances at Pershing Square Station. At the time of AVA’s assignment, portions of the system were operational, and the project was scheduled for completion in March 2017. The project addressed the poor performance, limited availability, and high maintenance requirements of the existing escalators. The replacement units were designed as APTA-compliant transit escalators with three flat steps at both the upper and lower landings.

Clark Construction Group served as the prime contractor, and Otis supplied the escalators. A primary design challenge was fitting the replacement units within the existing escalator well ways. Because the additional flat steps increased the horizontal footprint of each escalator, AVA redesigned the existing pits and structural supports to accommodate the longer units. At Metro’s direction, AVA relocated the escalator controls from the lower pits to provide sufficient space for the extended escalators and improve maintenance access. New freestanding control cabinets were installed within the station entrance areas. AVA upgraded the escalator pits; structural attachments at the top, center, and bottom; conduit runs; electrical circuits; lighting; plumbing and drainage systems; escalator cladding; and architectural finishes. The replacement escalators incorporated variable-frequency drives with regenerative braking. AVA also designed interfaces with the existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and upgraded the station’s analog closed-circuit television system to digital technology. The work included the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical upgrades required for installation, together with design services during construction. Sustainability was a key component of the retrofit and was incorporated into the construction specifications.