Magazines

Restoration | Structured Parking Facility City Park Garage Expansion at Symphony Park Awarded to: McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Owner: City of Las Vegas Prime Consultants: Construction Manager, General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Architect: Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Structural Engineering, Parking Consultant: Walker Consultants Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Low Voltage/Technology Engineering: IMEG Total Cost: $29,700,000 Judge’s Comments “The façade truly connected the garage with the Symphony district, seamlessly blending I can only imagine the challenges that the team faced coordinating the project with Union Pacific Railroad, and completing the project ahead of schedule and returning savings to the owner should also be recognized. The pedestrian bridge is a great design, and delivering this key expansion component so efficiently clearly took a high degree of planning, communication, and coordination.” APEX AWARD S ymphony Park is a 61-acre mixed-use development in downtown Las Vegas, spearheaded by the city. In 2019, two new parking garages opened, providing more than 1,300 spaces to support the site’s future growth as well as existing destinations such as The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. As development at Symphony Park progressed, the demand for additional parking grew, prompting the city to pursue a three-level vertical expansion of City Parkway Garage. This project added 156,000 square feet and 474 new spaces to the existing 570-space facility. A key component of the expansion was the construction of a 154-foot-long, two-lane vehicle bridge spanning the Union Pacific railroad tracks, connecting City Parkway Garage to City Hall Garage. The bridge, which also features a dedicated pedestrian pathway, enhances traffic flow, alleviates congestion, and improves overall accessibility. The scope of work extended beyond parking capacity, incorporating stair and elevator extensions, mechanical upgrades, and façade treatments to maintain architectural continuity. To further improve accessibility, three new elevators were installed, and one existing elevator was extended. Building material mock-ups ensured seamless integration with the existing structure. McCarthy collaborated closely with the city and key stakeholders to develop a strategic project management approach that prioritized safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This collaborative effort enabled the project to be completed two months ahead of schedule and under budget. A phased construction plan, emphasizing careful scheduling and operational adjustments, allowed the garage to remain open throughout construction, minimizing disruptions and preserving parking revenue. Efficiency was further enhanced through meticulous planning and pre-assembly of bridge sections, reducing downtime. The decision to use a single crane for both bridge construction and precast elements significantly lowered costs by eliminating the need for multiple crane mobilizations. Additional cost-saving measures included maximizing the use of existing infrastructure and adhering to strict environmental protocols for soil contamination management, preventing delays. Structural reinforcement of the existing facility was a critical aspect of the expansion. Fiber-reinforced polymer wraps were installed around several columns on Level 1, requiring excavation down to the column footings. Some ramp columns also needed reinforcement, necessitating the partial disassembly of the concrete masonry unit retaining wall and ramp. These measures preserved the structural integrity and safety of the expanded garage. The City Parkway Garage expansion represents a strategic investment in the future of Symphony Park’s infrastructure. The project’s total construction cost was $29.7 million, equating to $37,211 per parking stall. These costs reflect the complexities of integrating new levels and constructing the vehicle bridge, underscoring the scale and engineering challenges of this vital urban development. Restoration | Structured Parking Facility Broadway Garage Awarded to: THP Limited Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts Owner: Harvard University Prime Consultants: Architecture, Engineering, Restoration Consulting: THP Limited Parking Consultant: Walker Consultants Construction: Contracting Specialists Incorporated (CSI) Signage Design: Takeform Software: T2 Systems & ZipBy USA LLC Total Cost: $2,350,000 Honorable Mention L ocated two blocks from Harvard Yard, the 444-space, seven-level Broadway Garage is essential to the university’s operations and provides convenient parking for local events and community amenities. Because it was built prior to the incorporation of durability provisions in garage structures and had been subjected to harsh New England winters since 1972, structural fortification and façade restoration were required. Following completion of the structural project, Harvard Transportation Services was ready to tackle architectural restoration of the building’s façade to correct issues related to atmospheric staining, open concrete spalls, railing embedment corrosion, security fencing, and overall appearance. Exterior lighting, signage and wayfinding, and access controls were also addressed. When the project was completed in 2023, the garage looked brand-new. Previously, students had to pick up their bus passes in person every semester. The new system introduced online ordering and reusable tap-fare cards, allowing students to keep their pass throughout their enrollment. This change improved inventory management, streamlined fulfillment, simplified pass replacement, and reduced waste—aligning with the university’s sustainability goals. Transportation Services’ primary challenge was making over 50,000 students aware of the new ordering process, program features, and pickup locations, so they could maintain uninterrupted bus access. Collaboration with campus partners and direct outreach through multi-channel social media played a key role, along with shareable print and digital materials, compelling graphics, QR codes, and support from Bucky Badger, UW’s photogenic mascot. Launched in summer 2024, the campaign proved highly effective—by September, 65% of students had active passes, a 7% increase over the previous year. Remarkably, the effort cost only $50 above standard staffing and labor expenses, successfully distilling complex program changes into a clear, actionable message that encouraged students to order their pass. Restoration | Structured Parking Facility OPW 53585: Interstate 480 Parking Lot Modification Project Awarded to: City of Omaha Owner: City of Omaha Prime Consultants: Site Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Landscape Architecture: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Geotechnical Engineering: Olsson Contractor: NL&L Concrete, Inc. Total Cost: $3,368,429 Judge’s Comments “This project was able to rehabilitate existing parking lots and bring them up to environmental and ADA compliance standards while also increasing overall parking capacity and safety. The fact that one lot is fully leased and the other two have monthly waitlists underscores the project’s value and its timing. Overall costs were very reasonable, and sourcing materials locally contributed to both cost savings and

We’re Driving Forward with LPR! Awarded to: Virginia Commonwealth University Parking and Transportation Owner: Virginia Commonwealth University Parking and Transportation Prime Consultants: Software: ComSonics Hardware: T2 Systems Total Cost: $7,879 Judge’s Comments “This marketing campaign was thorough, creative, and seemingly successful in helping the organization transition to a new method of operations. The team at VCU clearly put a lot of time and effort into it, which undoubtedly made the operational transition smoother for the system’s users and the university itself.” APEX AWARD Marketing & Communications V CU Parking and Transportation launched the “We’re Driving Forward with LPR” marketing campaign in 2024 to promote transitioning to a virtual permit parking system using license plate recognition (LPR). This initiative marked the first significant change to the university’s parking system since 2015, when the move from attendee-managed booths to more automated systems occurred. By replacing outdated RFID hangtags with LPR, the new system has streamlined parking for over 20,000 subscribers across VCU’s 50 facilities, including 13 decks and multiple surface lots. This multi-phase and multi-channel marketing campaign was designed to educate the VCU community and foster seamless adoption of the new system by addressing subscriber hesitancy and operational concerns. Targeted communication began with building subscriber awareness before LPR activation, followed by continued education as launch dates approached. Through email, social media, text messaging, signage, video tutorials, ads on RamRide shuttles, and in-person events where staff and leadership wore LPR-branded shirts, VCU Parking and Transportation engaged and informed users at every transition stage. The campaign played a decisive role in operational success by emphasizing the ease and convenience of the new LPR system. Targeted messages explained how virtual permits would replace physical hangtags, allowing users to manage vehicle information online. Automated email reminders and step-by-step instructions prompted subscribers to update their information promptly, which streamlined the transition and reduced administrative burdens. Clear messaging across all platforms minimized confusion, especially during peak times, while proactive support—both virtual and onsite during launch days—addressed additional concerns. Managing the LPR launch and campaign required coordination, creativity, and flexibility to surmount various challenges such as optimizing placement of the LPR cameras, subscriber hesitancy, vehicle-sharing concerns, and the need for further education. Campaign success was confirmed and documented through multiple metrics. Since its launch in February 2024, it generated over 18,000 webpage views, with approximately 293 users registering for one of ten virtual learning sessions. QR codes on signage were scanned more than 1,300 times, indicating strong user engagement. Additionally, 40+ campaign-related emails were sent, achieving an outstanding average open rate of 78.29%. The marketing campaign was carried out on a modest budget, making it cost-effective and impactful. The total project cost was $7,879, with most expenses allocated to printed materials and mail distribution. Several campaign components, including elevator flyers, virtual learning sessions, and YouTube videos, offered engaging educational resources at no additional cost to the department. Even better, there are no anticipated ongoing costs to sustain the program. By focusing on customer support and transparency, VCU’s Parking and Transportation team expertly managed the complexities of the LPR system launch across campus. Their comprehensive, multi-channel approach prepared subscribers for the transition and facilitated an efficient system launch that enhanced the parking experience at VCU. Park YYC Awarded to: YYC Calgary Airport (formerly called The Calgary Airport Authority) Owner: The Calgary Airport Authority Prime Consultants: Public Relations/Media Consultant: True Media Total Cost: $307,000 Judge’s Comments “The Calgary Airport Authority clearly spent significant time and resources on its marketing campaign and achieved enviable results. Their multi-faceted approach to attracting and retaining their various customers groups is commendable, as well as being necessary in the competitive world of airport parking.” APEX AWARD Marketing & Communications In late 2023, The Calgary Airport Authority launched an extensive marketing program to enhance the parking experience at YYC Calgary International Airport. Aimed at frequent travelers, business professionals, and families, the multi-channel campaign leveraged email, social media, radio, sweepstakes and contests, and out-of-home advertising to promote customer convenience, drive revenue growth, optimize operational efficiency, and build brand awareness. Tactics such as weather-dependent ads and partnerships with airlines and community organizations were instrumental in achieving these objectives. The project was led by YYC’s in-house creative team, which managed content creation and social media strategy. External partnerships with a media agency and radio talent resulted in strategic ad placements and high-quality audio content. The total media buy of $307,000 was strategically allocated across digital and traditional channels, supported by in-house creative production and a 10% agency fee. The multi-channel approach resulted in over 12 million impressions and a 500% increase in email subscribers as of October 2024, significantly boosting brand visibility and engagement. The campaign’s focus on driving online bookings enabled the parking team to better forecast demand and manage lot capacity, reducing congestion and optimizing space usage. This improved resource allocation and operational efficiency led to cost savings and smoother day-to-day management of parking facilities. Travelers benefited from more available parking spaces, especially during peak times, thereby reducing the stress of finding a spot upon arrival. Traveler engagement was heightened by the campaign’s most creative features. These included using weather-dependent advertising on The Weather Network app and exterior billboards, with real-time promotion of covered parking during Calgary’s unpredictable weather conditions, and incorporation of user-generated content to showcase real customer experiences with YYC’s parking services. By highlighting stories of satisfied travelers who used the pre-booking option, the campaign established credibility and trust and encouraged organic content sharing. Sweepstakes and contests were also highly effective in boosting engagement. Program creativity extended to forming key partnerships, such as collaborating with a local NHL team (The Calgary Flames), a key airline partner (WestJet), and other organizations to amplify the reach and build trust with key audiences. These purposeful alliances created unique touchpoints that aligned YYC with well-known and respected brands, raising customer awareness and loyalty. The multi-channel marketing strategy established Park YYC as a recognizable and trusted choice for travelers. Increased competition from off-site parking operators required differentiating Park YYC as the most time-efficient and practical choice

Innovation in a Mobility, Transportation, or Parking Program | Mobility Programs & Services Gopher Bikes Awarded to: University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services Owner: University of Minnesota Twin Cities Total Cost: $40,000 Judge’s Comments “The mark of a great program is that the assets used are at full capacity and that there is a waiting list filled with interested students. Repurposing discontinued bikes that would have been scrapped is not only a sustainably viable solution, but also a financially responsible one. Having a balanced program that focuses on all modes of travel is extremely important, particularly at a university. What a great project!” APEX AWARD Mobility Programs & Services I t is both ironic and fortuitous that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (U of M) became the beneficiary of another bike share program’s failure. Nice Ride Minnesota was a seasonally operated nonprofit bicycle sharing system in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It launched in 2010 and ceased in 2022 when funding from its primary sponsor was not renewed.  Because the university served as a key location for Nice Ride bike stations and trip destinations, the news initially appeared to hinder its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. Adversity often drives innovation, and U of M’s Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) department recognized a unique opportunity to further its goals of enhancing mobility, achieving carbon neutrality, and supporting students with financial challenges. In response, the Gopher Bikes program was conceived and launched in September 2023. Its primary objective is to provide students free access to long-term bike loans and daily rentals, fostering sustainable, active mobility while offering a cost-free transportation solution. As a longtime Nice Ride partner, the university requested and received 280 bikes, saving them from the scrapyard and giving them new life. The Twin Cities campus retained 180 bikes, keeping 150 in active rental and 30 in reserve. The rest went to the Morris and Duluth campuses. Registration is open to all students on a first-come, first-served basis. The rental period begins on the first day of instruction for the semester and ends on the last day. The biggest challenge PTS has faced is meeting the overwhelming demand. In its first year, the program checked out all 150 bikes and accumulated a 20% waitlist. The spring 2025 semester bike rental program opened on March 7 and was fully reserved 12 days later. Navigating the complexities of launching a new service at the university required a collaborative and flexible project management approach. One of the primary challenges was securing stakeholder buy-in across multiple departments, including PTS, Housing & Residential Life, and Risk Management. Addressing initial concerns, particularly regarding liability and safety, involved careful negotiation with Risk Management to develop a plan that mitigated risks while assuring student accessibility. International and out-of-state students, in particular, struggle to bring bikes to campus or afford commercial bike rental options. Through partnerships with International Student and Scholar Services and Housing & Residential Life, Gopher Bikes has integrated student outreach and residence hall access, making bikes more readily available where students live. The most significant financial advantage of the program was the $0 startup cost for the bike fleet, thanks to Nice Ride’s donation. The program’s first-year budget of $40,000 was primarily allocated to labor costs for a dedicated bike mechanic and support staff. Housing & Residential Life’s existing equipment loan program absorbed infrastructure needs, such as storage and check-out systems. By turning a challenge into an opportunity, the Gopher Bikes program revived a critical mobility resource for students and reinforced U of M’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility. With overwhelming demand in its first year and strong campus-wide support, the program exemplifies adaptive innovation and proves that transformative solutions can emerge from unexpected circumstances. Innovation in a Mobility, Transportation, or Parking Program | Innovation & Technology Lot Spotters Awarded to: University of Houston Parking and Transportation Services Owner: University of Houston Parking and Transportation Services Total Cost: $2,748 Judge’s Comments “The program’s low cost underscores the practical solution provided by UH with a creative name. Lot Spotters eases the surveillance burden on staff by empowering parking customers to document and upload issues into the system, instantly alerting staff. The fact that all problems encountered during the first seven months were addressed and resolved speaks volumes about the program’s viability.” APEX AWARD Innovation & Technology M otivated by the need to address issues that arise in parking facilities quickly, but constrained by decreased funds and staff post-COVID, the University of Houston’s (UH) Parking and Transportation Services department introduced the high-impact Lot Spotters program in March 2024 on a shoestring budget. The program ingeniously harnesses the power of real-time feedback from campus parking garage and lot customers who can use their phones to scan unique QR codes on signage at each facility. The process is simple. The scanned code opens a short submission form that pinpoints the location of the issue via a map for lots and elevator banks for garages. The submitter—who can choose anonymity or enter their contact information—then describes the issue in their own words and can upload a photo. Once the form is submitted, eight parking team members immediately receive an email detailing the issue. Within hours of the program’s rollout after Phase 1 signage had been installed, Parking and Transportation Services began to see results. The first involved a professor who scanned the QR code to let them know about trash in the lot she uses, and a broken-down car with flat tires that had not moved in weeks. By the end of that same day, the department had cleared the trash, reached out to the car owner to move it, and updated the professor. The program’s success in its first seven months was measured by the number of reports submitted, which amounted to 352 individual submissions identifying problems, all of which were addressed. Many of those submissions were from different people reporting the same issue—more than 50 were received about a malfunctioning elevator in the Stadium Parking Garage—which helped the department prioritize their responses. Developed over several weeks with input from everyone

Architectural Design & Facility Design | Stand Alone South State Street Garage Awarded to: Walker Consultants Owner: The Connecticut Department of Transportation Prime Consultants: Engineer/Parking Consultant: Walker Consultants Architecture: KSS Architects Design-Build Contractor: Yonkers Contracting Company MEP/FP Engineering:  Kohler Ronan Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture: VHB Architectural Lighting:  Bliss Fasman Inc. Owner’s Representative:  STV Total Cost: $100,000,000 Judge’s Comments “An impressive aspect is how the project handles complex urban challenges, like routing South State Street through the garage to keep traffic flowing. Adding bike racks, e-bike charging stations, and a parking guidance system shows a clear commitment to making transportation easier and more eco-friendly. This project stands out because it balances innovative design, user convenience, and environmental responsibility. It’s a great example of how a parking facility can also be a welcoming gateway that reflects and enhances the community it serves.” APEXAWARD Architectural Design APEXAWARD Facility Design T he South State Street Garage checked all the boxes in the judging criteria for the dual categories in which it was entered, earning an Apex Award in each. The 350,000-square-foot facility accommodates 927 vehicles on seven of its eight levels and is a key element in an urban multi-modal transportation center. Blending stunning architectural design with functional efficiency, the new $100 million parking garage represents the continued evolution of the Stamford Transportation Center (STC), which is the busiest passenger rail station in Connecticut. Owned and operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), it serves Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor trains. The multi-modal hub also accommodates CT transit, I-Bus Express, private bus lines, corporate shuttles, taxis, and transportation network companies. Conceived as a replacement for the original garage structure built in 1987, CTDOT envisioned the South State Street Garage as a low-maintenance facility with a long (75-year) lifespan that would meet the demand for commuter parking spaces associated with the STC. Because it was constructed on a nearby state-owned parcel, the original garage continued to serve commuters until the new one opened. The 2.6-acre project site was traversed by busy South State Street (SR 790) and was partially occupied by a surface lot. Its boundaries are a Metro-North Railroad right-of-way (south), Washington Boulevard (east), the Rippowam River (west), and I-95 (north). The site’s high visibility from I-95, its orientation to the STC, and the presence of South State Street inspired a comprehensive design solution that achieved multiple owner goals of convenience, functionality, accessibility, safety, sustainability, and maintenance. Rather than reroute South State Street, the garage was designed with a 14’6” clearance at the grade level, and the street runs through it with enough clearance for tractor-trailers. The garage has two vehicular entrances, one on South State Street (eastbound) and the other at Washington Boulevard (southbound). Combining a single-threaded helix circulation system and a parking guidance system makes it easy for commuters to find the first available space. Handicapped parking is located on Levels 2 and 4 and pay-on-foot kiosks are on each parking level. Pedestrian vertical circulation is provided by a bank of three elevators located at the south corner, with stair towers at the other three corners. An elevator stop and stairs from Level 2 provide direct access to rail service at Track 5. The garage connects to the STC’s concourse level via a 320-foot-long, glass-walled pedestrian bridge on Level 4 at the building’s south side. Soaring 45 feet above the street, it is a prominent gateway to the city, boldly displaying “Welcome to Stamford” across its span in 8-foot-high letters. The garage is constructed of more than 800 precast concrete panels. Its mass is intentionally camouflaged by the façade treatment, which features photovoltaic panels and +/- 900 variably sized, curvilinear perforated aluminum panels installed at varying angles to create a dynamic, undulating pattern. Integrated with the panels are more than 4,500 color-changing LED luminaires that transform the facility at night into a glowing beacon. Other key features include 92 vehicle charging stations, 120 bicycle parking spaces, and 50 e-bike charging stations. To protect bicyclists from cross-traffic, the bike racks and charging stations are located on the grade level near the office. A grand opening ceremony, attended by local and state officials and the public, was held on February 26, 2024. During this ceremony, the South State Street Garage was recognized as a laudable civic achievement accomplished through the joint efforts of numerous stakeholders and the project team. Facility Design | Stand Alone Dublin Transit Center Parking Garage Awarded to: McCarthy Building Companies Owner: Alameda County General Services Agency Prime Consultants: Design Director/Construction: McCarthy Building Companies Architecture:  International Parking Design, Inc. Construction Manager: Consor Engineers Structural Engineering: Culp & Tanner, Inc. Mechanical and Plumbing Engineering: Air Systems Service and Construction Electrical Engineering: The Engineering Enterprise Civil Engineering: CaliChi Design Group Landscape Architecture: Integra Planning + Landscape Architecture Artist, Public Art Component: Phillip Hua Art Program Manager: Alameda County Arts Commission Mobil Parking Software: Flowbird Total Cost: $28,800,000 Judge’s Comments “This project exemplifies how parking can support both alternative modes of transportation and community development. The facility was intentionally designed with the future in mind, while providing the necessary amenities to effectively serve today’s users.” APEX AWARD Facility Design | Stand Alone W hen the Dublin Transit Center Parking Garage opened in June 2024, it fulfilled the need for additional parking spaces at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. Located on half of a four-acre site next to another BART garage, the five-level, $28.8 million facility was Alameda County’s first design-build project since 2017. The McCarthy/International Parking Design team was charged with producing a facility that would blend with nearby residential and commercial buildings and be responsive to future affordable housing development on the remaining site. Alameda County praised the new garage as “…more than just a parking facility; it’s a blueprint for future urban development, combining sustainability, convenience, and community engagement.” Developed through a collaboration between county government, the County Arts Commission, the City of Dublin, and the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, the project leveraged civic partnerships to showcase a shared commitment to creating more sustainable, accessible, vibrant urban spaces. Beyond its

23 projects recognized for creativity and innovation in the 2025 IPMI Awards of Excellence program.

Brett Munkel, PTMP, is the Vice President of Healthcare & Higher Education for SP+, a Metropolis Company. Find out why he earned his PTMP and how it’s impacted his career.

Celebrating PDC in Parking & Mobility

The Inevitable Professional Cycle

The Role of Smart Technology

If You See Something, Say Something!

“Right-Sizing” Parking Infrastructure

Reflections for the Parking & Mobility Industry