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Design consultant BCT advances concept work for five garages; lighting and placemaking emphasized
Summary
BCT presented its predesign findings to the city commission and the Advisory Parking Committee heard an update: consultants emphasized lighting uniformity, stairwell activation and potential façade or placemaking work; the commission approved BCT to proceed to concept design.
Advisory Parking Committee members heard an update on BCT’s parking‑garage design work after the city commission authorized the consultant to advance from predesign to concept design.
Why it matters: BCT’s work will guide near‑term repairs and aesthetic changes across five city garages and influence the timing and scope of capital spending already reflected as placeholders in the parking fund forecast.
Scope and schedule Aaron, the parking department staff presenter, said BCT described a four‑stage process: predesign (completed), concept design (the requested next step), schematic design and preconstruction. The commission approved BCT to move to concept design; the consultant plans to return several times during the design process for commission review.
Lighting and placemaking Presenters emphasized lighting uniformity across bays and stairwells: the lighting consultant hired by BCT measured foot‑candle levels and recommended fixtures and layouts that avoid very bright spots directly under fixtures while improving illumination in dim areas. Committee members and staff discussed accent lighting for stairwell atriums and exterior treatments to reduce the perception of dim, unsafe spaces.
Facade and public arts BCT presented concept images and renderings but did not offer final fixture or façade selections at this stage. Staff said the commission requested BCT be introduced to the public arts board for potential placemaking or façade work; committee members flagged North Old Woodward and other visible garages as candidates for targeted aesthetic improvements.
Construction coordination and priorities BCT and staff said they will prioritize work that can be coordinated with ongoing repairs — Chester Garage was cited as a place where some lighting and paint work could be pulled forward while construction is active. Staff emphasized that much of the work remains conceptual until BCT completes scope and cost estimates.
Ending: Committee members asked to have BCT present concept materials to the committee when timing permits, and staff said they will seek additional public presentation opportunities as designs mature.
