First Avenue Garage

As the architects for the project, IKM’s challenge was to design a facility that maximizes parking in an intermodal facility, minimizes circulation within the footprint of the site, and provides functional access and egress.

The solution developed is a flat plate, single ramped parking scheme that parks all vehicles on level surfaces and has the capacity for 1,248 cars. The creativity of this building lies in a design that celebrates movement.

Building materials were selected to solve the challenges of winter construction, as well as to provide a cost effective solution. A grid of vertical steel tubes and horizontal louvers contrasts precast concrete on the façade. Bright colors in the interior garage spaces act as a branding element that mimics the Parking Authority’s logo colors.

Lighting is used as a design element to illuminate the movement of people, elevators, and cars, and provides an added sense of security. Exterior lighting draws attention to and emphasizes the building among the structures of the skyline. Corner stair towers use an inverted angle to give the roof-scape a more interesting look.