Architect named for new Dinky station, Wawa

As plans for an arts and transit neighborhood south of McCarter Theatre move forward, Tucson, Ariz.-based architect Rick Joy has been selected to design a new Dinky station, renovate the existing train station buildings for use as a restaurant and café, and design a new Wawa food market. 

The planned arts complex — which would house the Lewis Center for the Arts and provide teaching, rehearsal, performance, and administrative spaces — has been shifted slightly to the south and repositioned, to meet zoning requirements and to respond to community suggestions that the site be “open and accessible,” according to Robert Durkee ’69, University vice president and ­secretary.

The arts buildings, designed by Steven Holl Architects, would be part of the project’s first phase, as would the Dinky station work. The initial phase is expected to take five years and cost more than $300 million. A performing arts hall and additional academic space are envisioned in future phases. 

The University expects to submit its construction plans to the planning board sometime this spring.