Commission approves BCT Design Group for concept design of five parking garages

The city commission voted to authorize BCT Design Group to proceed to the concept-design phase for interior and exterior upgrades to five downtown parking garages, including Chester, Pierce, Peabody, Park Street and North Old Woodward.

Aaron Ford, parking systems manager, described the four-phase scope (pre‑design, concept design, schematic design and preconstruction) and presented a schedule of public touchpoints including four in‑person review meetings. Brian Hearn, architect and project manager for BCT, outlined three broad project goals: safety (improved, more uniform lighting and pedestrian safety), access/wayfinding, and placemaking (architectural accents, art and gathering points). Lighting designer Darko Bantik presented measured light readings from each garage and recommended improving uniformity (industry target ~10:1), moving toward neutral-warm LED fixtures and adding accent layers to highlight entries, stairs and wayfinding.

Commissioners praised the analysis and asked BCT to coordinate closely with Corbin’s wayfinding package and with the structural repair scope already under way for the Chester Street garage. Commissioners also urged the design team to work with the public arts board on possible art integrations and to consider energy-efficient lighting controls. The motion to proceed to the concept-design phase passed by roll call.