Norman Transit Center
Transit Center Construction in Norman OK
The Norman Transit Center was Stronghold Construction’s first completed project and first publicly awarded contract. Located in the heart of Norman, Oklahoma, the project transformed an aging mid-century bank building into a modern public transit hub serving local and regional transportation needs.
Delivered through a design-build delivery method for the City of Norman Transportation Department, the project required adaptive reuse, structural problem-solving, and disciplined execution under public procurement constraints. While awarded as a low-bid public project, Stronghold applied the same planning rigor and execution standards that continue to define the company’s work today.
Project Overview
Public Facility Adaptive Reuse
Originally constructed in the 1960s as a bank branch, the existing structure was no longer suited for modern transit operations. The City of Norman required a permanent, centralized facility that could support EMBARK routes, improve pedestrian access, and provide operators with functional, dignified workspaces.
Stronghold Construction served as the General Contractor under a design-build delivery model, working closely with the City and the design team to repurpose the existing structure and redevelop the surrounding site into a dedicated off-street transit hub. The completed facility now supports daily operations for EMBARK routes throughout Norman while connecting to the broader Oklahoma City transit system.
Project Details
Design-Build Adaptive Reuse
Client: City of Norman Transportation Department
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Delivery Method: Design-Build
Project Type: Public Transit Facility / Adaptive Reuse
Building Size: Just over 1,000 square feet
Site Area: Approximately 2 acres
Structure: Existing mid-century bank building
Project Goals
Adaptive Reuse Construction
The project was driven by several critical objectives:
01. Replace temporary and inadequate operator facilities with permanent infrastructure
02. Establish a centralized transit hub for Norman’s public transportation system
03. Improve pedestrian safety, circulation, and weather protection
04. Deliver a durable public facility within a constrained public budget and schedule
Key Challenges
Structural Clearance Conflicts
Existing steel framing supporting the awning system was too low to safely accommodate transit buses. Resolving the issue required major modifications to the superstructure while maintaining design intent and site functionality.
Subsurface Conditions
Legacy underground tunnels from former drive-through ATM lanes created 6–7-foot voids beneath paved areas. These voids required remediation to ensure long-term pavement performance and structural stability across the site.
Hazardous Materials Discovery
Previously unidentified asbestos was discovered during demolition, triggering a full abatement process and temporary work stoppage while maintaining compliance with public safety and regulatory requirements.
Collaboration x Coordination
Successful delivery required close collaboration between the City, design team, and construction partners.
Stronghold coordinated work across 32 subcontractors and collaborated closely with McKinney Partnership, the project architect based in Norman. Continuous communication with the City of Norman Transportation Department allowed the team to navigate unforeseen conditions without compromising schedule or performance.
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