The design challenge was to maximize the density of parking on a prominent but very narrow urban site. Sandwiched between the glass and aluminum office building that it serves and a six-story historic brick neighbor, and directly across the street from the Renaissance Center, the new structure needed greater presence than typical parking structures across the country.

 

To accommodate 480 vehicles for the exclusive use of the office building staff, the design solution is an eight-story structure with a double helix ramp system.  This system requires less turns than other parking structure forms, thereby improving accessibility and the level of service.  To keep costs down, the structure is made of pre-cast concrete which allows for a clear span building with no columns intervening between cars. 

 

The curving front facade with punched windows expresses the internal vehicular circulation while providing an interesting counterpoint to neighboring high-rise office blocks. Large exposures of glass in stairwells provide natural light and enhance the perception of security.  A vertical shaft of elevators with exposed glass cabs provides a dynamic and kinetic level of detail not often found in such utilitarian buildings.