Loveland Foundry Parking Structure

 

By John W. Hammerschlag

Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies just north of Denver, Loveland, Colorado, has been a destination for artists since the 1970s. Known as the “Gateway to the Rockies,” Loveland shows off its artistic heritage with over 200 sculpture installations throughout town, two sculpture parks, and several major annual art shows. Loveland also boasts two of the continent’s largest foundries.

The Loveland Foundry Parking Structure is a five-level parking structure with 461 stalls, including four ChargePoint EV charging stalls. Parking consulting, structural engineering, and design services were provided by WGI.

The garage – free to the public – serves a mixed-use development that includes residential, retail, restaurants, a hotel, and a five-screen luxury theater. And with Loveland’s affinity for the arts, it’s no wonder a glorious mural graces the exterior of the facility.

The City of Loveland commissioned international muralist DAAS to create the mural entitled “My Favorite Things.” The vibrant mural covers two of the garage’s exterior walls and pays homage to the region’s majestic topography and the 30 heart sculptures scattered about the city.

This addition to the Loveland cityscape has transformed an ordinary space into a public art masterpiece that matches the cultural identity of the city and is another example of the positive impact public art can have on structured parking facilities.

John Hammerschlag is President of Hammerschlag & Co., Inc. and is a member of IPMI’s Planning, Design, and Construction Committee. He can be reached at john@hammerschlagparking.com.