UNC Wilmington Central Parking Deck

Walker provided planning, functional design, access control consulting and structural engineering for the new Central Parking Deck on the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The 5-level precast concrete structure has nearly 1,000 parking spaces for staff and students commuters, residents of the adjacent dormitories, and event visitors.

Walker first conducted a feasibility study for the University and the State of North Carolina to analyze campus needs and provide a conceptual solution. To fast-track construction, the University used a Design-Build process and chose a team where Walker played a key role.

Brick, columns, arches, and gables provide a façade that fits with the Georgian style of the campus. Walker designed the structure with a separate area for visitor parking on the ground level. Dynamic signs let visitors know how many spaces are available on each level. The entire design is flexible to adapt to future changes in nearby land use. On-site stormwater management protects the forest preserve behind the structure.

Walker worked with the State and the University of North Carolina to design a structure that not only meets their needs today, but can continue to serve them well into the future.