The existing parking structure was built in 1980 and encompasses one half of a city block in downtown Billings, Montana. The garage consists of 6 parking levels, five supported, and one slab-on-grade level and provides 506 parking stalls. The structural system for the garage consists of post-tensioned concrete slabs and beams supported by mildly reinforced columns. 

WGI provided restoration of the existing Billings Park II parking structure, including upgrades to satisfy the current building codes. It was determined that an expansion of the existing garage was the most feasible and cost-effective method to provide additional parking stalls to accommodate the demand for additional parking in the downtown area. The challenge was to integrate the new horizontal expansion into the existing parking structure while maintaining the current traffic flow. Compounding this challenge was the criterion that the horizontal expansion had to span an existing alley to remain open for banking deliveries. 

Before the expansion, WGI prepared Construction Documents to restore all four public garages for the Billings Parking Commission. Billings Park II was a complete waterproofing and deteriorated concrete restoration program plus upgrades to comply with current building codes. The interior barrier strands were removed and replaced. The cabs in the two existing elevator towers were replaced, and the three stair towers were restored and re-painted. 

Project Highlight: 

• 2008 International Parking Association Award of Merit