The 200,000-square-foot DDOT Coolidge Terminal replaces the original facility that operated from 1928 until a fire destroyed it in 2011. After years of delays, including Detroit’s bankruptcy, the city moved forward with a full rebuild and shifted west side operations from the aging Gilbert Terminal.

I got an early look at the facility during a hard-hat tour a few months ago while it was still under construction, and it was clear this is the kind of infrastructure upgrade needed to give DDOT employees what they need to succeed.

The new complex includes three buildings: a climate-controlled storage facility for up to 120 buses, a maintenance building for repairs, and an administration building with upgraded amenities for workers including a lounge, kitchen, workout room, lockers, and showers.

Funding came largely from the federal government at $102.5 million, along with $31.5 million from the city and $25.6 million from the state.

City officials say the investment should improve reliability and efficiency while giving drivers and mechanics a modern base of operations. The site is also designed with room to expand.

The east side Shoemaker Terminal will remain in operation.