Parking for 2,300 vehicles ... a structure that compliments the historic character of an adjacent cathedral and blends comfortably with the neighboring brownstones. That was the challenge that had to be met in the construction of Albany, New York's Empire State East Plaza Parking Garage. A high profile project on a tight timeline and budget. With the garage built into Capitol Hill, it was essential that it be compatible with the historic Cathedral, the park across the way and the 40-story Erastus Corning Tower it was to serve. Available parking was a critical issue for this urban area and it was essential that the aggressive construction schedule be kept. Despite outside factors delaying the project start, Unistress was able to maintain the schedule by accelerating production and erection.
The front elevation features precast concrete coping, sills and band course, simulating the finish of the brownstones. The modern townhouse appearance has a low profile look that was designed not to overwhelm its surroundings. Column details were chosen to compliment the adjacent cathedral. Simulated wrought iron was used for window trim and walkway fencing to reflect similar fencing of the park, which faces the garage.
With the garage nestled into the hill, the resulting effect is a low profile building which blends handsomely into the historic neighborhood and is a welcome addition to Albany's contemporary Empire Plaza cityscape.
The project won ACI's award for "Excellence in Conception, Originality and Applicability of Concrete."
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