Mecklenburg County New Government District Parking Deck and Public Plaza

The need for an additional parking structure in the Government District was defined as a result of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government District Master Plan and the design work for the new Mecklenburg County Courthouse. The Parking Deck was constructed in multiple stages with the designed Phase I structure containing approximately 454,000 Sq. Ft. and space for 993 vehicles. The Phase II expansion was designed to add 324,300 Sq. Ft. and space for an additional 840 vehicles. The deck design is aesthetically compatible with the new Courthouse, other local government facilities, and future developments in the Government District.

The new seven-level parking facility with 993 spaces was constructed on the opposite corner of the new Mecklenburg County Courthouse to serve the needs of the new courthouse and surrounding county government buildings.  In addition, the parking structure also provides retail space and a landscaped plaza for social interaction and pedestrian friendly access to the deck.  Future expansion of this parking deck up to a total of 2,000 spaces was incorporated in the design as well.

The overall footprint of the site, the retail and plaza components, and consideration for future expansion were factors that significantly influenced the layout of this parking deck.  The entire structure was designed using precast structural members.  Precast spandrels clad each side of the structure.  To meet the local zoning requirements, the architectural features of the façade had to be broken down into three design components:  the base, the middle, and the cap.  On the highly visible west, south, and east facades, architectural steel members were used to create this effect of three design components.  On the lowest level, steel mesh was used to partially screen the openings in the deck. Aluminum louvers clad the majority of the deck’s façade.  The louvers were designed to enhance passive security by allowing natural light to enter into the deck and maintain openness around the façade.  Additional steel members clad the façade as well.  An architectural steel frame was used to break up the long façade length along 4th Street and to enhance the location of the entry/exit at 4th Street.