site plan photos
Arcadia Station
The Arcadia Station is part of the Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa, completed on time and on budget on September 23, 2015. The 11.5-mile, six-station extension was then turned over to Metro. Passenger service began on March 5, 2016.
The Arcadia station is located on the northwest corner of North First Avenue and East Santa Clara Street, a short block away from the city’s main commercial area on Huntington Drive and adjacent to the city’s transit plaza.
The station is a center platform, with the tracks on either side. Access to the station is from the southeast end of the platforms via the corner of North First Avenue and East Santa Clara Street. The station’s 300-car parking structure is located directly west of the station and city’s transit plaza. Bicycle parking and lockers are also available.
About Arcadia
The City of Arcadia is known for beautiful neighborhoods, warm character and a “community of homes” atmosphere. The City places great emphasis on preserving “green space” and its commitment to the environment is evidenced by the large population of healthy trees you will find around town.
Arcadians take pride in their well-established traditions and high standards. The Arcadia Unified School District is one of the most highly thought of in the state; high quality medical services are available locally; and an excellent assortment of recreation and leisure activities are offered for all ages (including the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden).
Arcadia has a broad commercial base with businesses ranging from the very small to the very large, including its regional mall Westfield Santa Anita and Santa Anita Park Racetrack.
Arcadia Links:
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce – www.arcadiacachamber.org/
Arcadia’s Best: www.arcadiasbest.com
City of Arcadia – www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/home/index.asp
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – www.arboretum.org/
Methodist Hospital of Southern California – www.methodisthospital.org/Pages/Home.aspx
Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum – www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=815
Santa Anita Park Race Track – www.santaanita.com/
Westfield Santa Anita Mall – www.westfield.com/santaanita/news/index.html
Arcadia Patch – http://arcadia.patch.com/
VIDEO: Arcadia Gold Line Station Art – Fabrication and Installation
VIDEO: Gold Line Station Artist Spotlight: Michael Davis
About the Artist
Michael Davis was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He currently lives and works in the coastal city of San Pedro. Michael received an M.F.A. in Fine Art at California State University, Fullerton. He is a practicing studio and public artist and has exhibited nationally.
Michael has public art commissions installed throughout the United States and in Japan. He is currently working on several public artworks and the design for a bridge and ocean front promenade in Ventura, CA. His public art transit projects are featured in stations in Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas, San Jose and San Diego. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Artforum, Art News, Art in America, Public Art Review, and recently in L.A.Rising, SoCal Artists before 1980.
For more information on Michael Davis and his current and previous work, visit http://www.mad-art.com
Below right, conceptual artist rendering of future Arcadia station weather vane
Title for Station Artwork
Arcadian Zephyr
Statement for Station Artwork
The City of Arcadia provided betterment funding for the upgrade of the Arcadia station environment. This allowed Davis to look for ways to bring about an enhanced design scheme to standard station elements. Although historic references are often the genesis of Davis’ public art concepts, his mastery of contemporary materials and insight into architectural forms is one of the strongest qualities he brings to the table when collaborating with clients and other design professionals.
Davis states that his desire for the project “is to develop a comprehensive art and design plan that creates an exciting experience for the transit user.” Artwork created for the site includes the upgrade of functional aspects of the station amenities, along with the placement of a 22-foot-tall weathervane sculpture on the platform.
Stone and metal benches appear in the plaza area adjacent to and on the platform of the station. The etched design motif on the stone is related to the local historic Santa Anita Race Track. Santa Anita is a primary destination in the city and within walking distance from the Gold Line station. The visual reference to this iconic landmark of Arcadia is also the inspiration for the perforated stainless steel panels which flank the station entry ramp. The graphic outline of a horse race is articulated in the form of a “club” suit pattern. To honor the city bird, Davis has created a large colorful design inspired by the “eye” of the peacock feather. The glass canopy becomes a radiant beacon at night. No less important to the City of Arcadia as a destination is the L.A. County Arboretum. Davis references its importance by creating a 22-foot-tall weathervane sculpture that addresses natural phenomenon (light and wind), weaving together history and the story of place.