Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit

Project Overview

The Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project is part of the current $15 billion capital improvement program for a reimagined Los Angeles International Airport (LAX.)

Since 2017, the airport’s terminals have undergone extensive renovations, and a new 15-gate facility opened in 2021. Now underway is the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), which includes a people mover train system, consolidated car rental facility, roadway improvements, and intermodal transportation facilities. A new economy parking facility opened in October 2021. A new terminal, airfield modernization, and safety improvements are on the horizon as the City of Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world to the 2028 Olympic Games.

This ambitious project also includes ways to improve access to LAX — one of the world’s busiest airports—including new connections to regional transportation. Here is where our contribution comes in.

The Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project is an 8.5-mile light rail route that serves the Crenshaw District, Inglewood, Westchester, and the surrounding area. When completed, the K-Line will extend from E-Line (Expo) at Expo/Crenshaw Station and merge with C Line (Green) at Aviation/LAX Station, connecting the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood, and El Segundo. The new line will provide a transfer to the planned new people mover train system to LAX.

Giroux Glass furnished and installed an integrated glass panel windscreen glazing system with artwork at each new stop. The heart of our project, including installation of artwork titled “Inside Out – Outside In – Inside Out,” by Erwin Redl at the Expo/Crenshaw Station,  “Leimert Park Landscape,” by Mara Lonner at the Martin Luther King Jr. Station, and “Talking Drums” by Ingrid Calame at the Leimert Park Station, was to bring beauty to these stations–a beauty that reflects the vibrant history and culture of the neighborhoods.

Giroux Glass furnished and installed 9/16″ clear laminated glass with printed artwork on the interlayer and interior glass panels. GlasPro fabricated all of the multi-color laminated glass for the project. We used stainless steel fittings (supplied by Sadev) to attach the glass to the steel structures. The glass has anti-graffiti film (applied by Tint Matters) on the exterior sides.

Challenges & Solutions

Our primary challenge was to transfer the artist’s vision for their work from paper to glass. We met with the artists to determine the correct use of color and images. Then, our field team had to ensure each panel lined up and flowed to the next.
We worked with the following local artists and their artwork for this project:

• Erwin Redl’s “Inside Out” brings changing splashes of color to the neighborhood stop as the sun moves through the sky.
• Long-time area resident Mara Lonner was inspired by her community to create her collage of stained-glass windows that reflect the rich history of Leimert Park.
• Ingrid Calame involved her community in creating artwork that subtly imbues value on physical objects that we often take for granted (such as furniture, instruments, and architectural elements).
• Another challenge was performing this exacting work — which included transporting, lifting, and manipulating glass lites – in a bustling urban environment.

Giroux Glass carefully selected materials that would best fit this environment. For example, we applied coatings wherever possible to minimize graffiti removal challenges. Our approach was to ensure a total quality-control perspective, every step of the way.

We were honored to be part of this artistic endeavor and are thrilled to know that the beautiful results will greet and inspire Metro riders for many years to come.

Photos by Brian Peregrina, Giroux Glass, Inc.