COTA, McKinley Avenue Phase 3C Renovation + Expansion

The McKinley Avenue Maintenance Facility Phase 3C Renovation and Expansion is a transformative investment that advances the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s mission to move every life forward. As the largest capital improvement in COTA’s history and its first Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMR) project, it sets a new standard for modern, sustainable, and community-serving transit infrastructure.

The facility, now LEED Silver certified, spans 422,480 square feet and serves as COTA’s 24/7 maintenance and operations hub for nearly 200 buses. Marker Construction delivered the $62 million project through more than 40 precisely phased segments, allowing COTA to maintain uninterrupted transit service during the three-year renovation.

The modernization equips COTA to meet the future of mobility with confidence. Key features include 32 new bus bays, a state-of-the-art engine diagnostics suite, and a 4,000-amp electric vehicle charging system supporting the transition to zero-emission buses. These upgrades, combined with LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC, and upgraded fluid tracking systems, contribute to both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

Former COTA President and CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton said it best: “This renovation enhances efficiency, improves working conditions for our team, and prepares us for an electric fleet that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

This project is not just an incredible construction project; it is a reinvestment in the infrastructure that powers public mobility and supports the people and communities that rely on it every day.

Renovating the McKinley Avenue Maintenance Facility while maintaining full operations for COTA’s 24/7 transit system posed a significant logistical and technical challenge. This facility is critical to delivering daily service to thousands of riders across Central Ohio, and its continuous functionality was non-negotiable.

To ensure uninterrupted operations, Marker Construction executed the $62 million project in over 40 strategic phases. A key challenge occurred during the decommissioning of seven underground diesel tanks, when crews discovered a main electrical feed directly above. Marker safely rerouted the high-voltage line while keeping the building fully powered.

Outdated systems presented another layer of complexity. Many of the facility’s legacy electrical and fluid infrastructure elements were not up to code. These systems were redesigned and replaced in real time, with phased turnover coordinated across multiple COTA departments.

This was COTA’s first time using the Construction Manager-at-Risk delivery model. Marker provided early guidance during preconstruction and led the team through cost alignment, constructability reviews, and two Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) packages. These steps helped mitigate COVID-related supply chain disruptions and rising material costs.

Over the three-year timeline, Marker logged 220,000 work hours without a single lost-time safety incident. Despite over 190 design bulletins, the team maintained schedule, preserved service continuity, and exceeded Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals reaching 19.9% participation among certified minority-owned businesses.

The facility is now officially LEED Silver certified, reflecting its energy-efficient systems, sustainable design, and EV readiness. These achievements directly support COTA’s goal to reduce emissions and modernize its fleet.

Through meticulous planning and constant coordination with COTA staff, the team overcame every obstacle. The result is a fully modernized facility that enables COTA to continue delivering safe, reliable service while preparing for an electric, sustainable future.

Beyond construction, this project made a lasting impact on Central Ohio’s workforce. One of the most impactful elements of the McKinley Phase 3C project was the comprehensive Workforce Development (WFD) Plan. Together with COTA, Marker engaged 47 educational and workforce partners, including public schools, trade schools, universities, and reentry programs. The initiative reached thousands of students and community members through jobsite tours, mock interviews, classroom presentations, and hands-on training. The program prioritized opportunity youth, women, and BIPOC individuals, offering hands-on exposure to careers in construction. Over 200 individuals received direct on-site exposure. This broadened the initiative’s impact and set a new precedent for community engagement in public works.

The renovated facility strengthens COTA’s ability to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable transit across Central Ohio. As the core hub for maintaining nearly 200 buses, the facility plays a vital role in connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services. The modernization supports a growing electric fleet with new charging infrastructure, upgraded diagnostics, and expanded capacity, all contributing to improved service reliability and environmental sustainability. This project reinforces COTA’s mission to move every life forward and advances regional goals for mobility, equity, and economic opportunity.

2025 ABC Ohio Valley Excellence in Construction Award.