A few plants still need to go in, sidewalks power washed and new canopies on the plaza touched up, but Metro Transit has largely completed a monthslong makeover of the Brooklyn Center Transit Center.

Eleven contractors combined to refurbish the busy north metro bus hub on Bass Lake Road across from Shingle Creek Crossing, where a Walmart and other smaller shops stand on the former site of the Brookdale Shopping Center.

The most noticeable difference for passengers is two small seating areas previously located on opposite ends of the rectangular building have been combined into one centralized waiting area with benches, ticket machines and schedule boards. Wooden ceiling slats and better lighting were installed to create a more aesthetically welcoming environment, said project manager Alicia Vap.

"In its previous condition, that was a really tall ceiling, cold and industrial," she said.

Restrooms that looked pretty haggard, too, were refreshed with drinking fountains and new ceramic tile on the walls and floors. The former waiting areas were repurposed as an improved lounge for bus drivers to relax between runs and extra space for the Metro Transit Police Department.

Deteriorating concrete on the plaza that made pedestrian access to the station increasingly difficult was one of the driving forces behind the remake of the center, Vap said. Concrete sidewalks were replaced, new canopies and seating on the east and west ends of the building were added, new bike racks installed and all signage replaced.

The Brooklyn Center Transit Center is served by 12 bus lines and is a key connection point for northwest suburban bus riders. Before the pandemic, there were about 2,900 boardings and 850 bus trips to and from the station daily, making it one of the busiest in the Twin Cities.

The C-Line rapid bus route already runs from the transit center to downtown Minneapolis. When a second rapid bus line that will largely replace Route 5 starts running next year, it also will serve the Brooklyn Center Transit Center.

"That made this a good time to do this," Vap said of the remodeling project.

The outside of the building will get some splash this summer. Metro Transit partnered with Brooklyn Center to have artists create murals on the exterior walls. An unveiling is set for June 26.

Inside, a TV screen will show "programmable art work," Vap said.

"The remodel really turned out nicely," she said.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768