Commission approves schematic-design phase for parking-garage refresh; staff told to start with Chester Garage concepts

The city authorized architectural and design consultant BCT Design Group to move from pre-design into the schematic-design phase for interior and exterior improvements at Birmingham’s five downtown parking garages.

Why it matters: Commissioners directed the consultant to prioritize the Chester Garage for schematic design and to return with estimated costs and options for lighting, facade screening and low‑cost interior upgrades such as wayfinding, painted accents, improved stair/elevator lobbies and targeted landscaping. The commission emphasized the need to balance visual impact, durability and maintenance.

What the consultant proposed BCT presented concept ideas for two broad garage types: low-deck, compressed ceiling garages (where ceiling height limits what lighting or architectural work can be done) and higher-deck garages (where ambient lighting and vertical treatments are more feasible). Concepts included creating stronger horizontal lighting to visually “open” low ceilings, accenting vertical circulation towers with paint or lighting, improving pedestrian elevator and stair lobbies, and exploring screened facade panels or climbing-plant trellises on exterior faces.

Commission direction and cost focus Commissioners praised the proposals but asked for practical cost information before the design phase continues. Requested follow-up items included: (1) schematic drawings for Chester Garage as the immediate focus, (2) a contractor-level order-of-magnitude estimate for lighting and paint changes already bid for Chester, (3) options that limit ongoing maintenance (several commissioners expressed caution about climbing ivy or treatments that may fail or date quickly), and (4) examples of how a phased budget could achieve higher-impact features in later stages.

Public and staff notes Staff noted the city’s existing capital and operating budgets for parking and said Chester’s current construction documents include some elements that will need coordination with any new design. Commissioners asked that the schematic package include the likely electrical and fixture work required for the linear lighting concepts so staff can evaluate feasibility and estimate costs for bond or operating funds.

Ending: schedule and follow-up The commission approved schematic design phase work by BCT and asked staff to return with Chester-focused schematic drawings and order-of-magnitude cost estimates for a prioritized set of interventions before any construction vote.

Speakers (selected) - Brian Hearn, BCT Design Group (consultant presentation) - City Manager Joe Ecker - Commissioners Tom Baller, Katie Schafer, Theresa Long and others

Authorities []

Actions [{ "kind":"other", "motion":"Approve BCT Design Group to proceed with schematic design phase for interior and exterior parking garage design services project", "mover":"Commissioner (unnamed in transcript)", "second":"Commissioner (unnamed in transcript)", "vote_record":[{"member":"Commissioner Schaffer","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Anthony Long","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Host","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Mayor Pro Tem Ballard","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Emeryin","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Mayor Theresa Long","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Hague","vote":"yes"}], "tally":{"yes":7,"no":0,"abstain":0}, "outcome":"approved", "notes":"Commission asked the consultant to prioritize Chester Garage and return with schematic drawings and cost estimates."}]

provenance":{"transcript_segments":[{"block_id":"17024.535","local_start":0,"local_end":220,"evidence_excerpt":"So, when we were or when I was here last, we were here, have to have BCT present to you to move from phase 1...today BCT and their team is back today to present to you their concept designs and...seek the commission's approval to move forward to the schematic design phase.","tc_start":"04:44:24","reason_code":"topicintro"},{"block_id":"19721.57","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"I'd like to make the motion approving the BCT Design Group to proceed with schematic design phase of the interior and exterior...We have a motion and a second. Roll call vote...Yes.","tc_start":"06:13:41","reason_code":"topicfinish"}] }