Getting theMostOut of BY DAVID MARSHALL I


N THIS TOUGH ECONOMY, PARKING garage owners and operators must be mind- ful of their bottom line. This is most crucial during the planning and design of a new garage. Here’s a look at some design consid-


erations and durability and maintenance options that can stretch your dollar.


Design Decisions During the initial planning and design,


many factors have an impact on the cost of the project. Owners should closely review each of these options to ensure that they are truly getting themost “bang for their buck.” Functional Design:An efficient garage layout is the most


important factor affecting the construction cost of a new parking structure. Efficiency, often measured in gross square feet per stall, represents howmuch structure an ownerwill build for a giv- en parking demand. Owners should look for a functional design layout that provides 300 to 340 gross square feet per stall, depending on the structural systemselected.


Efficiency of a parking garage is established during the func-


tional design phase of a project. Engaging an experienced park- ing design professional to performthiswill optimize the efficien- cy of the garage, and thusminimize its initial costs. Functional design tasks include: • Locating the garage on the site. • Developing garage geometry, including number of floors


and bays, column grid, vehicle ramp layout and floor-to-floor dimensions. • Developing parking stall layout. • Vehicle circulation, such as establishing drive lanes and


vehicular entrance/exit lanes. AestheticTreatments:While the appearance of a parking


structure is certainly important, many aesthetic treatments have limited impact on the overall function of the garage. These increase the cost of garage construction, sometimes dramatically so.Whenever possible, owners should closely reviewthe cost and need of such items as façade treatments, stair and railing materi- als, and other decorative elements.


A durable garage designed forMiami University in Oxford, OH. 26 MARCH 2009 • PARKING TODAY • www.parkingtoday.com


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