SILVER SPRING, Md. (Map, News) - Montgomery County’s Planning Board wants to retain stylistic elements of the Silver Spring Transit Center project — even if there are cost overruns — to keep the three-story structure from simply looking like “a large bus shelter,” the project manager told The Examiner.

But persuading county government to agree could be tough. State and federal funding for the transit station is set, said head county spokesman Patrick Lacefield.

“The county executive’s stance is that he might be willing to go to the Council to ask for extra funds, but we don’t want to commit to it, because there may be higher priorities in the county at that time,” Lacefield said.

Linda Komes, project manager, said the difference of opinions will have to be sorted out before the $75 million Silver Spring Metro station transformation can begin.

The Planning Board’s stance is that these components — largely architecture, such as glass escalator covers and canopies — must remain a priority. In the case of a funding shortfall, the board wants to be able to get a supplemental appropriation to pay for these elements.

“We think these features lend character to the project and make the station more than just a large bus shelter,” Komes said.

Calls to the county’s Public Works and Transportation project manager were unreturned Wednesday.

The project, years in the making, is designed to turn the Metro station into much more than just a stopping-off point. Once done, the structure will be three stories and include housing and retail components.

Level by level

» First level: 17 bus bays, bike racks and lockers, an urban park, retail shops

» Second level: 12 bus bays, MARC commuter rail station with waiting area

» Third level: Vehicle entrance to a hotel, Kiss and Ride drop-off

dlevitz@dcexaminer.com