The Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) is the technology and research center for UNC Charlotte. The growth of this part of campus quickly led to the need for a large parking structure. Built in the collegial style of the nearby academic buildings, the parking structure provides 1,347 spaces on seven levels for students, visitors and faculty. The parking structure will also be used as VIP parking for the new football stadium under construction.

The parking structure was constructed on a site unsuitable for a building. The site was very rocky and tilted nearly 60 feet, creating a significant design challenge. Rather than severely cutting into the topography, WGI’s design shaped the parking structure to work with the natural grade, creating a nearly balanced site while allowing access to three different levels. Design features include AVI access controls, pay-on-foot machines, convenient angled parking with one-way aisles, energy-efficient induction lighting, white stained ceilings, and a bus canopy.

Project Highlights:

• Four-bay side-by-side single helix with one-way traffic flow and angled parking
• Advanced online access controls
• Precast cladding with thin-set brick
• Induction lighting with white stained ceilings