California State University Northridge - Parking Garage
Northridge, California

The new parking structure is a five story structure accommodating 2063 vehicles on six levels totaling 683,215 sf including the roof deck. The main entry and exit is at the north end from Prairie Street. There is a second entry and exit at the west side from Darby Avenue and a third exit from the southeast corner to Etiwanda Avenue. Stair towers are located at each corner and near the midpoint of each side. The stair tower at the northeast corner is developed as an architectural feature circular in form to be compatible with the new Sierra Hall structure across the street. Two elevators are located on the east side lining up with a major crosswalk into the campus. The two elevators are solid state 2500 lb. capacity with glass walls facing Etiwanda Avenue. The garage accommodates 53 accessible parking spaces.

The two center bays are ramped as one plane for approximately 2/3 of the length of the structure. Lightwells, 9 ft. wide penetrate the structure allowing daylight and to relieve the starkness of the structure. They also simplify forming of the columns and ramps.

The structure is post tensioned concrete with shear walls in the north south direction and concrete frames in the east west direction. The exterior elevations have been developed with alternating bays of shear wall, railing and steel mesh. The stair towers are capped by canopies raised above the upper deck level. The variety of façade treatment and vertical accents add architectural interest to the large structure.