Grand River Avenue Parking Ramp wins Building America Award

The Grand River Avenue Parking Ramp is on the East Lansing campus of Michigan State University. The East Lansing campus features significant 19th century collegiate gothic architecture, which was established around the
time the university was founded in 1855. Thus the parking ramp had to accommo-date urgently needed parking without detracting from the surrounding historic build-
ings. A unique, chevron-shaped footprint as opposed to the more traditional long rectangle design was selected and a continuous mansard roof adds aesthetic detail and helps shield cars from view at the roof level. Both above-grade and below- grade parking was utilized to minimize overall height and building massing. Exterior facades feature field-laid brick with stone trim and accents that match the surround-ing buildings. The six-level 730-space parking ramp features two elevators and three stair towers. It is located on Grand River Avenue at Charles Street close to the MSU Museum and other north campus destinations as well as downtown East Lansing. The project team included Carl Walker (Structural Engineer/Parking Consultant), Granger Construction (Contractor) and Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber (Architects.)

About Carl Walker, Inc.

Offering creative and practical solutions in Parking Structure Planning and Design, Studies and Operations Consulting and
Restoration Engineering through ten offices nationwide, Carl Walker, Inc. is recognized as one of the most respected and experienced companies in the parking industry. The company has completed over 4,500 parking projects of every scope for universities, governments/municipalities, hospitals, airports, entertainment facilities, architects, developers, contractors
and parking operators.