MTA Mother Clara Hale Bus Depot

Harlem, Manhattan

Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority

In early 2015 the Mother Clara Hale (MCH) Bus Depot opened for operations in New York’s Harlem neighborhood and was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for its innovative green design and positive impact on the surrounding community, which was solicited at the outset of the project, and consistently through to the depot’s completion.    The MCH Bus Depot includes several innovative practices that have not been widely used before by public transportation facilities. A Solar Heating Wall passive heating system is connected to the two of the rooftop air conditioning units and the depot has 30 roof top Heat Recovery Units (considered quite innovative in the industry). The MCH vegetated or green roof is the first large-size installation for MTA NYCT after a small pilot project. The depot also includes a 50,000-gallon tank to collect rainwater and use it for bus washing.  Important: Ticket holders must submit a photocopy of their passport or state-issued ID for a background check by 10/9 at 12 pm. Admission is not guaranteed.

In early 2015 the Mother Clara Hale (MCH) Bus Depot opened for operations in New York’s Harlem neighborhood and was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for its innovative green design and positive impact on the surrounding community, which was solicited at the outset of the project, and consistently through to the depot’s completion.

The MCH Bus Depot includes several innovative practices that have not been widely used before by public transportation facilities. A Solar Heating Wall passive heating system is connected to the two of the rooftop air conditioning units and the depot has 30 roof top Heat Recovery Units (considered quite innovative in the industry). The MCH vegetated or green roof is the first large-size installation for MTA NYCT after a small pilot project. The depot also includes a 50,000-gallon tank to collect rainwater and use it for bus washing.

Ticket holders must submit a photocopy of their passport or state-issued ID to [email protected] for a background check by Wednesday, 10/9 at 12 pm. Access to this tour is contingent upon a timely submission of IDs and passing a background check. Admission is not guaranteed. 

No photography allowed on site.

Stair-free access is available.

Looking for a place to grab a bite or a drink while you’re exploring? Check out The Infatuation’s top Harlem picks.

Architect and Engineer: STV; Design-Build General Contractor: Silverite; Construction Manager: CB&I

713 Lenox Avenue
Meet in front of main entrance at NW corner of Lenox Avenue and West 146 Street, New York, NY 10039