As part of the City of Palo Alto’s 2014 Council Infrastructure Program for the California Avenue Business District, this project provides the city with 627 stalls, 30+ electric vehicle (EV) charging spots, 50+ bicycle spaces, and a parking guidance system.  The project included provisions for an additional 120+ EV charging spots and future photovoltaic system on the roof deck that is designed to support the upcoming Palo Alto Public Safety Building being built by Swinerton.

The 32,700-square-foot parking structure sits two levels below grade and four levels above grade and utilized a water-exclusionary shoring system (cut off wall) which prevented groundwater interference during excavation and minimized the need for dewatering.  The parking structure creates an aesthetic outcome consistent with the neighborhood’s public realm through a cascading exterior staircase, a perimeter façade made up of ceramic tile, cementitious panels, terracotta baguettes and plaster system, and pedestrian seating areas.

Swinerton successfully self-performed formwork, concrete, drywall, and doors/frames/hardware.
To mitigate the loss of the existing parking area, the project also included the reconfiguration of the adjacent parking lot. This consisted of tree removal, clearing and grubbing, partial parking demolition, light fixture relocation, slurry seal, striping, and signage. The adjacent parking lot modifications provided additional parking and was completed prior to groundbreaking of the new Palo Alto Parking Garage.