While it would be helpful to install a typical Capital Metro bus stop shelter at 1717 Pleasant Valley Road in Austin, Texas to provide shade and rain relief, this particular bust stop site is also ideally situated to address an even greater need in this historically under-served neighborhood: the lack of public spaces and the lack of symbols of neighborhood identity and cultural pride.  

Capital Metro and AIA Austin DesignVoice volunteers interviewed and surveyed 100 bus riders at bus stop 5779, the south-bound bus stop across the street, and customers in front of the adjacent H-E-B grocery store.  We learned that over 60% of the respondents live less than a mile away and almost 70% ride the bus every day as a means of transportation. Because of the many local conveniences, particularly the large H-E-B grocery store and weekend Mercado, this bus stop is unique as it serves as a beginning or ending point on many passengers' journeys. Nearly 100% of the respondents said they would appreciate seeing physical and functional improvements to bus stop 5779. 

The designers of the "Mi Jardin Transit Oriented Pedestrian Plaza" have honored the experience of bus riders by addressing the functional issues of shade, shelter, and seating.  Simultaneously, they have also created a successful "placemaking" structure which creates a thoughtful and beautiful symbol of neighborhood identity and pride.  Please join us in funding this important community initiative project by partnering with AIA DesignVoice, CapMetro, the designers, neighborhood residents, and bus riders to allow Mi Jardin to spring to life!