Each building is of similar construction: a four-story concrete structure consisting of four L-shaped wings joined by a central atrium and connecting floors, with a partial basement located under one of the wings.
These buildings have large elevated slab floor plates, and their use of access flooring for air distribution is one of the most extensive applications anywhere.
The five-story below-grade garage required the excavation of almost 1 million cubic yards of dirt, and with a capacity of 5,000 stalls, is among the largest parking structures in the nation.
A minimum soil depth of 3 feet above the garage lid promotes natural infiltration of stormwater through the soilsbefore entering the drainage system. This infiltration process reduces stormwater flow rates considerably when compared to runoff from a conventional garage.
To accommodate the project’s fast-track construction schedule, a phased approach to site design was used for the removal of several buildings, relocation of a city street, and design of site infrastructure in accordance with stringent city regulations.
Photography © Andrew Buchanan/SLP