S Fifth Ave Underground Parking Structure

On February 17, 2009, City Council approved the underground parking structure site plan and authorized phase one of construction. Phase one includes a total of 677 spaces to be built under the City-owned surface parking lot just north of the Downtown Library on S. Fifth Avenue. Plans include not only  parking spaces, but a number of infrastructure and streetscape improvements intended to make this section of downtown more walkable and attractive to future growth.

Throughout June 2009,  the project team will conduct a pre-qualification process for contractors interested in participating. In August qualified contractors will undergo interviews and the final contractor selection will be made in September 2009. With a total project budget of $56 million, construction is anticipated to take place from June 2009 through 2011

 Project Overview
Pedestrian Circulation
Safety & Security
Environmental Considerations
Accommodating Neighbors During Construction
Preparations for Future Development
Project Team
Contact Us

 

 Underground Parking Structure and Street Improvements

The project contains a number of well-thought out elements that directly correlate to the values set forward by the community in an expansive on-line survey, feedback from members of City Council, Planning Commission, and City staff, as well as comments provided by community members at an open house last spring and fall 2008. 

As a result of these activities, the design is environmentally friendly and  includes elements to enhance safety, pedestrian linkages, alternative transport, traffic flow and flexibility of the site.

 

 

                         

  

 

 Pedestrian Circulation

As part of the design process, the project team has put a great deal of effort into considering how pedestrians will use this space, including the pedestrian paths and access points illustrated below.

 
              
 
 

 

Safety & Security

Responding to community values and concerns, the design team continues to emphasize human activity, lighting, openness and security in the structure.

Human Activity

  • Human Activity is always positive
  • Connection to the library
  • Maintenance shop staffing
  • Cashiers vs. Automated PARC

Stair & Elevator

  • Maximize openness
  • Glass back elevators (facing to interior)
  • Open stairs & meet separation requirement

Lighting

  • Bright & Uniform Distribution
  • White light
  • Reflective surfaces
  • Painted ceilings & columns
  • Natural light (where possible)
 
Openness
  • Lines of sight
  • Generous ceiling height
  • Cast-in-place vs. precast system
  • Few columns

Active Security

  • CCTV Cameras
  • Intercoms
  • Security partols
  • Call for assistance phones

 

 

Environmental Considerations 

Due to a commitment to sustainability, the design team planned for a number of elements to include in the BID process.


Reuse of Mass Excavation Materials

Lighting (largest component)

  • Fluorscent/LED Fixtures
  • Non-peak dimming w/ motion sensors
  • Natural light

Natural Ventilation (where possible)

 Mechanical Systems

  • Geothermal Snow Melt
  • CO Monitors
  • Energy Efficient Equipment

Storm Water

  • Reduced parking footprint
  • Reuse for washdowns
  • Reuse for irrigation
  • Detention

AATA Considerations 

Encourage Fuel Efficient Vehicles

  • Premium parking
  • Charging facilities (future)

 

The project will utilize a variety of means to minimize its environmental impact. If there were a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System for parking structures, the project would receive points for the following elements:

LEED Points May Include:

  • Community connectivity
  • Access to public transportation
  • Bicycle storage
  • Encourage low-emission/fuel efficient vehicles
  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • Renewable energy/Solar power
  • Storm water management
  • Reduce heat island effect with covered parking
  • Reduce potable water consumption
  • Reduce light pollution
  • LED lighting
  • Use of materials with recycled content
  • Recycle construction material waste
  • Use regional materials
  • Use low emitting materials

 

 

Sustainable Benefits to the S. Fifth Avenue Underground Parking Structure Project Replacing the Existing Surface Parking Lot Include:

 

Current Surface Parking Lot Future Underground Parking Structure Project
Surface parking lot is an inactive use in an otherwise active downtown

Project will install the structural support & infrastructure to enable development of activity generators on the ground floor (e.g. restaurant or retail), high density residential in the center of the block and a public plaza along S. Fifth Avenue.


This will 1) encourage much more pedestrian traffic along S. Fifth Avenue, and 2) create new residential units with downtown residents who are more likely to walk/ride the bus and less likely to use their cars for errands
Stormwater runoff, washes into storm drains flowing directly to the Huron River

A stormwater detention system will manage all stormwater from the site, allowing filtration to occur.


The design team is reviewing the opportunity to use infiltration wells and to reuse some of this stormwater for landscape irrigation.
Inefficient light fixtures in use

The project will maximize the amount of natural light into the underground parking area.


The parking areas will be lit with LED fixtures and the light system will operate with light level reductions in off-peak hours using motion sensors.


The project will utilize solar-photovoltaic stair tower canopies.


All equipment will be selected for their energy efficiency.
No provisions for electric car parking and little provision for sustainable vehicle use

Electric charging facilities will be provided to encourage electric vehicle use.


Van/car pool parking spaces will be provided in the most convenient locations near the entrance to highlight the convenience of this transportation choice.


More than 4 dozen bicycle parking spaces will be installed

 

Accommodating Neighbors During Construction

The project team is very aware that construction of the structure is taking place near existing businesses and residents. As a result, construction is being planned to minimize the negative impact to our neighbors.

 

Library

  • Identify temporary parking
  • Maintain access at William St. entrance
  • Develop Education Demonstration
  • Coordinate/Develop temporary drop-off

Neighbors to the North

  • Coordinate temporary food service delivery
  • Coordinate temporary trash access
  • Identify temporary parking

Federal BLDG/Post Office

  • Employee parking access
  • Post office access/letter drop
    

AATA Blake Transit

  • Temporary bus loading & Passenger Waiting

 

Construction Controls

  • Respectful of the neighbors
  • Safe, secure site
  • Dust, fumes, & vibration controls
  • Adherence to noise limits
  • Traffic control/approved hauling routes

Adjacent Properties

 
     

 

Preparations for Future Development

The site has been designed with flexibility for future development in mind. When completed, the underground parking structure shall be designed to support above ground, in the short-term, surface public parking, and in the long-term, development which could include, but is not limited to, a residential, retail, and/or office building(s) and a public plaza.

Additionally, the site has been planned to accomodate lateral expansion as well, if neighboring properties wish to pursue additional underground parking.

 

Anticipated Schedule

Utility Relocation

  • June through August 2009
  • Periodic lane closure

Fifth Avenue Construction

  • Close: September 2009
  • Early Open: July 2010
  • Late Open: October 2010

Parking Structure Construction

  • Early Open: July 2011
  • Late Open: November 2011

 

Project Team

The project team includes the following members:

 

 Contact Us and Request Updates

To contact the project team please send us an email. We are happy to answer questions.

If you are interested in being added to the BID list please contact Adrian Iraola
Park Avenue Consultants
Project Manager
734-216-9830
adrian@parkavenueconsultant.com
 

 

 

 

Quote

“Streets and sidewalks, the main public places of a city, are its most vital organs. Think of a city and what comes to mind? Its streets. If a city’s streets look interesting, the city looks interesting; if they look dull, the city looks dull.”

Jane Jacobs