RAILS TO TRAILS CENTER

City of Columbus, GA

An integral part of the reclamation of abandoned railway, the Rails to Trails project in Columbus included two rest area buildings that contain retail and public facilities. Both buildings are sited along the tracks in strategic locations to ensure visibility and provide an opportunity for citizens to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

The overall design aesthetic intent was to acknowledge the industrial history of Columbus, yet provide a statement that looked toward the future. Exposed steel columns and sunshading combined with a long gable roof embody the tectonic language of the railcars that once utilized the tracks. These design elements are complemented with brick and large windows that overlook outdoor gathering space for retail users and trail users as they meet prior to riding