This award will enhance the safety and energy efficiency of lynx central station (LCS) through the replacement of outdated windows with hurricane-resistant code-compliant window systems

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Lynx) $5.8 million under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on September 18, 2025, to enhance the safety and energy efficiency of Lynx Central Station through comprehensive window replacement. The project will replace 862 windows at the main building and passenger terminal with hurricane-resistant, code-compliant window systems designed to meet current Florida Building Code standards requiring resistance to 150–160 mph winds. The funding supports design, engineering, procurement, and construction services, with work scheduled for completion by March 30, 2033.

The deliverables address multiple critical infrastructure objectives: upgrading structural integrity to withstand hurricanes and severe weather events, improving energy efficiency through modern window assemblies, eliminating water intrusion issues, and ensuring code compliance to mitigate safety risks. A pre-design phase will include energy modeling analysis to identify optimal window assembly types for both the main building and passenger terminal, prioritizing long-term performance and operational continuity for this critical regional transit facility serving approximately 2.3 million residents across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.

Activities

Lynx will use protect grant funding for the design engineering procurement and construction services required to replace 862 windows at the lynx central station (LCS) main building and passenger terminal. This project aims to significantly improve the buildings to natural hazards particularly hurricanes in alignment with the latest florida building code (FBC) requirements for wind resistance while also enhancing energy efficiency thermal comfort and performance.activities to be undertaken include: * pre-design assessment and energy modeling: lynx will conduct a detailed pre-design assessment including energy modeling of the entire building. This will guide the selection of appropriate window assemblies that align with modern energy performance standards and support long-term goals. * engineering and design development: the design phase will incorporate the latest technologies and window types as recommended by the U.S. Department of energy (DOE) including: ~ impact-resistant glass (laminated or tempered) to protect against flying debris and severe wind conditions. ~ multi-layered glazing systems with interlayers like PVB or EVA for enhanced impact absorption. ~ reinforced window frames using materials like steel or aluminum with robust anchoring systems to ensure structural integrity during extreme weather. ~ sealed window systems with modern sealants weather-stripping and waterproof membranes to eliminate water leaks and protect the building envelope. ~ thermal stress mitigation features including thermally resistant coatings and shading devices to reduce breakage risks from extreme temperature fluctuations. ~ solar window films (spectrally selective and low emissivity) to reduce heat gain/loss and improve occupant comfort. * procurement of materials and services: lynx will procure high-performance code-compliant window systems and all necessary framing subcomponents coatings and solar films. This also includes the selection of contractors for construction and installation. * window system replacement: the full window system glass frames and associated structural elements will be replaced throughout the LCS main building and passenger terminal. Installation will be phased to minimize service disruptions. * construction oversight and quality assurance: oversight will be conducted to ensure that all installation work complies with FBC standards and the projects objectives. * post-construction inspection and maintenance planning: after completion inspections will be performed to verify code compliance and enhancements. A maintenance and inspection plan will be developed to support long-term durability and performance.through these activities lynx will transform LCS into a more efficient facility with modern infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme wind loads as required by current FBC standards.

Expected outcomes

To prevent service interruptions caused by extreme weather this project focuses on significantly improving the buildings ability to withstand hazardous conditions. Using protect grant funding lynx will replace non-hurricane-rated windows with modern high-performance systems that meet or exceed the current florida building codes wind resistance requirements of 150 to 160MPH. This essential upgrade will safeguard one of central floridas most critical transportation hubs against hurricanes tropical storms and other threats.by modernizing the buildings windows the project will dramatically reduce the risk of damage to LCS during severe weather avoiding costly infrastructure losses. With hurricanes and wind-related events accounting for over $1.5 trillion in damages in the U.S. Since 1980 and nearly $92 billion in damages in a single year this investment is a strategic preventative measure. IT protects public infrastructure that supports thousands of daily riders and the administrative operations that make regional transit possible. In doing so the project reduces the likelihood of multimillion-dollar repair costs and extended service interruptions that could result from future disaster events.beyond physical protection a major expected outcome of the project is the continued delivery of uninterrupted transportation services. LCS is not only the main operational headquarters of lynx but also the central passenger terminal serving orange osceola and seminole counties. IT provides critical access for many populations. By ensuring the building can remain operational during extreme weather lynx can maintain essential mobility options for riders needing access to healthcare employment education and emergency resources particularly during disasters when transportation is most vital.energy efficiency and environmental performance are also core outcomes. Through the installation of impact-resistant multi-layered and thermally optimized glazing systems including technologies such as solar control window film lynx expects to lower energy consumption and improve indoor comfort. The project also supports regional economic activity. Continuous investment in public infrastructure especially in transportation has been shown to create substantial economic benefits. Based on national estimates infrastructure investments of this scale can generate up to 41000 jobs per billion dollars spent supporting both direct construction employment and indirect economic activity. By ensuring the long-term functionality of LCS lynx not only protects a vital asset but helps the broader economic vitality of central florida.ultimately this project delivers a future-ready transit facility that protects critical infrastructure saves taxpayer dollars through damage prevention ensures uninterrupted service to the community and supports economic growth. IT reflects lynxs commitment to proactive public safety and access to reliable transportation before during and after severe weather events.

Intended beneficiaries

This project will benefit a broad range of individuals and institutions who depend on lynx central station (LCS) as a critical transit and operational hub. As the primary regional transfer point and headquarters for lynx LCS supports over 3.2 million passenger boardings annually across 32 routes that serve orange osceola and seminole counties including 22 cities and multiple unincorporated areas. Strengthening this facility will ensure uninterrupted service for commuters transit-dependent residents students families with children veterans seniors and individuals with disabilities many of whom rely solely on public transportation to access jobs healthcare education and other essential services. The project also directly benefits lynx employees who work from this facility and support system-wide operations. By improving the buildings integrity against extreme weather staff safety will be enhanced and the agencys ability to maintain services during emergencies will be preserved. LCS also plays a vital role in regional emergency response; during hurricanes IAN and nicole lynx evacuated nearly 1900 residents. Hardening this infrastructure ensures lynx can continue providing critical mobility during and after disasters.additionally major employers and institutions such as walt disney world orlando health UCF and many others indirectly benefit by maintaining transit access for their workforce and customers. The project helps protect the economic engine of downtown orlando maintaining access to opportunity while supporting job creation and disaster cost reduction

Subrecipient activities

This project will be carried out without the involvement of any subrecipient agencies.