Located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, the Orange Transportation Center is serviced by Metrolink and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus routes which provide connectivity to downtown Orange businesses, Chapman University, and other nearby destinations and employment centers.

Project Overview

Working together with the City of Orange, OCTA led construction of the new, multi-level structure featuring over 600 parking spaces for Orange Transportation Center transit and rail users. In addition to providing ample and accessible parking for the growing number of OC Bus and Metrolink riders, OCTA included ground-level charging stations, rooftop solar panels and secure bicycle lockers.

Located within walking distance of the Orange Plaza, the structure also offers the added value of designated parking spaces for people doing business, shopping and dining in Old Towne Orange. In December 2019, the project, which more than tripled parking capacity and blended modern smart technologies while preserving Old Towne Orange’s historic architectural aesthetic, earned OCTA The Innovative Project Award from WTS.

Now open to the public, the structure is conveniently located at 130 N Lemon Street, Orange, CA 92866, right at the northwest corner of Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street.

Funding

OC Go (formerly Measure M), which was approved by over 70% of voters, fueled funding for $33.2 million project. OC Go is Orange County’s half-cent sales tax to fund transportation investments. OCTA also utilized and leveraged city, state and federal funding.

Design to Reflect the Past and Advance the Future

The new parking structure will blend into the historic architectural design of the area and incorporate modern features like solar panels and electric car charging ports to contribute to the building’s energy efficiency. Some key design elements include:

608 New Parking Spaces
This 5-story structure has 2 subterranean levels and a total of 608 parking spaces. The increase of parking spaces will improve accessibility for Metrolink riders and motorists visiting Old Towne Orange.

Electric Car Charging Ports
Several dedicated parking spaces feature electric car charging ports, allowing for eco-friendly vehicles to plug in and recharge.

Historic Design
The building and plaza areas reflects the historic character and scale of Old Towne Orange to blend into the architectural design of the historic district. The design was developed with extensive input from the community.

Solar Panels
Solar panels are placed on the facility’s roof, thereby providing reduced energy costs for lighting, mechanical and ventilation systems.

Bike Racks and Lockers
This newly added feature will encourage active transportation by providing commuters peace of mind knowing there is a secure place to store their bicycles.

Project Schedule

Environmental: December 2009 – May 2016
Design: November 2010 – April 2016
Construction: July 2017 – February 2019
Parking Structure Open to Public Use: February 15, 2019

Orange Transportation Center Transit Connections

Bike Locker Program

The new bike lockers will be managed through the existing City of Orange bike locker program. Public bike locker storage requires a $100 deposit and signing of an agreement which can be found on the City website. Reservations are not yet being accepted, however, for questions please contact Doug Keys of the City of Orange at (714) 744-5541.