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Commission approves schematic designs for Chester parking garage renovation
Summary
After a detailed BCT Design Group presentation, the commission approved schematic concepts for interior and exterior changes to the Chester parking garage — including painting schemes, wayfinding, canopies, murals and a lighting plan — and asked staff to pursue implementation steps and cost estimates.
The Birmingham City Commission on May 19 endorsed schematic design concepts from BCT Design Group for the Chester parking garage and signaled intent to apply the design approach to other city garages.
BCT presented a design package that emphasized a white base coat to brighten interiors, green 'wayfinding' accents coordinated with an existing Corbin signage package, wood canopies at vehicle and pedestrian entrances, targeted mural locations, and a lighting strategy built around continuous linear fixtures and concentrated mural uplighting. Brian (BCT) and architectural designer Ivan explained the paint and mural locations; lighting designer Darko outlined fixture types and estimated linear‑foot costs for specialized fixtures.
Commissioners focused on specifics: mural quantity and timing, maintenance and power‑washing needs, coordination with the ongoing structural repair contract (which already includes a scope of white painting), and how to procure the additional accent painting, mural work and lighting. Staff noted that the base white painting is included in the current construction contract; an additional price received for green accents, stairwell painting and railings totaled about $430,000, which could be executed as a change order to the ongoing contract or bid separately. Lighting fixtures suitable for wet, high‑maintenance environments were priced at roughly $170–$200 per linear foot in the presentation, and commissioners requested order‑of‑magnitude cost estimates before committing to implementation.
After discussion and directions to reconcile timing for murals and painting with the ongoing work, a motion to approve BCT’s schematic design phase (subject to commission feedback) carried. The commission directed staff to return with a schedule of proposed mural locations/sizes, alternate color treatments where murals are not feasible, and cost estimates for the accent painting and lighting.
