Motorists heading down Interstate 8 at the east end of Mission Valley can’t help but notice this elevated trolley station. It’s the Grantville Station, of the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line.
The architecture of the Grantville Station is truly eye-catching and unique. Small signs posted in various places explain:
The central courtyard is a river-like gathering spot surrounded by pillars and beneath the station. Free form cast stone veneer walls, water washed flagstone caps, native riparian trees, shrubbery, and river rock mulch become a visual link to the nearby San Diego River.
Leather ferns and bamboo reeds planted near the stairwells grow from the plaza towards the elevated station 40 feet above.
The soaring station is a tribute to the aviation and nautical industries. The Trolley platform bows out in the middle, inspired by ship and plane architecture. The design repeats in the granite benches and bus shelters.
At night, spectacular streams of light beam upwards illuminating the pillars, stairways and octagonal tops of the twin elevator shafts.
On the platform, enjoy the unparalleled views to the north and south before boarding a Trolley to your next destination.
San Diego’s rich history includes important ships, shipyards, major aviation milestones and airplane construction.
The station’s architect was Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. and the station first opened in July, 2005.
Last month I disembarked at the Grantville Station and walked around with my camera…
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