LTU Receives Award for StarTran Multi-modal Transportation Center

LTU Receives Award for StarTran Multi-modal Transportation Center

Published on December 18, 2025

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) today announced the StarTran Multi-modal Transportation Center received a 2025 Excellence in Unbuilt Architecture Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Nebraska. The project was recognized as part of the 2025 AIA Nebraska Excellence in Design Awards program.

Designed by HDR for LTU, the StarTran Multi-modal Transportation Center is planned for a downtown Lincoln site that will connect to the south end of the County-City Building, 555 South 10th St. The project will replace an existing surface parking lot with an 18-bay bus transit facility and will include amenities for bicycle commuters and pedestrians.

"Our goal is to create a transportation hub that works for everyone, including buses, bicycles, and pedestrians, while supporting sustainable, forward-thinking design," said Liz Elliott, LTU Director. "This project reflects years of planning and collaboration and will provide a safe, efficient, and welcoming space for transit users. We are proud it has been recognized for combining accessibility, functionality, and community-focused planning, and we look forward to how it will enhance downtown Lincoln for years to come."

AIA Nebraska's jury praised the project's concept and presentation, noting its potential to rethink transit infrastructure as a park-like, community-focused amenity. The design responds to its urban context through a simple, monochromatic building enclosure that complements nearby City and Lancaster County facilities. The site and bus bay areas transform a surface parking lot into structured outdoor space for transit users.

"The StarTran Multi-modal Transportation Center will be a landmark facility for the City of Lincoln, LTU, and the StarTran system once constructed," said Cole Wycoff, HDR Design Principal. "We are so proud that our collaboration with the City has been recognized by the distinguished jury assembled for this year's AIA Nebraska Excellence in Design awards program. We look forward to seeing this project built and hope that it will become equally appreciated by Lincoln community members."

The project incorporates planned geothermal heat exchange to reduce energy use and photovoltaic panels to support on-site energy generation. The facility is on track to achieve net-zero energy performance.

The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $33 million. The facility is funded by a $23.6 million federal RAISE grant, general funds, StarTran funds, and Capital Improvement Program funds.

The StarTran Multi-modal Transportation Center is part of LTU's ongoing efforts to continue elevating multimodal transportation infrastructure in Lincoln.

The 2025 Excellence in Design Awards are presented by AIA Nebraska, recognizing outstanding architectural design across the state and promoting excellence in the built environment through professional collaboration and public engagement.

For more information on StarTran services, visit transit.lincoln.ne.gov or call 402-476-1234.