Project Description

The Center Street Parking Garage serves downtown Berkeley and the adjacent theater district, replacing a parking structure originally constructed in the late 1950s. Located within a highly walkable, transit-oriented environment, the 250,000-square-foot, eight-level facility accommodates 720 vehicles and 350 bicycles while supporting a variety of transportation modes, including pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and nearby public transit. Designed to promote sustainability, the garage incorporates a rooftop photovoltaic array, electric vehicle charging stations, a rainwater collection cistern, and vegetated stormwater treatment systems. The project achieved Parksmart Gold certification, recognizing its commitment to sustainable parking design and operations. Public amenities include an art exhibition space, café, public restrooms, bicycle valet, a bike-share hub, and a BART Bike Station with a repair shop and 55 secure bicycle parking spaces.

The architectural expression is defined by folded perforated metal panels that create a wave-like façade along Center and Addison Streets. A cantilevered pedestrian walkway is clad in accent-colored perforated metal that extends upward to form a sculptural stair tower, while programmable architectural lighting animates the façade after dark. A parking guidance system and integrated security features further support an intuitive, efficient, and welcoming parking experience.

Our Role: Architect of Record
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build
Awards: 2019 Berkeley Design Advocates Design Award, Parking Today 2019 Best New Parking Structure, The Plan 2019 Honorable Mention, 2019 IES Illumination Award of Merit, 2019 New Building $20-50M CMAA NorCal, 2019 Metal Architecture Design Award – Sustainable, 2019 American Architecture Award, 2019 Light & Architecture Design Award, NPA Innovative Facility of the Year, NPA Innovative Sustainability Project, 2019 WAN Award Bronze – Facade category, 2019 Leaf Award Best Facade Design & Engineering Project, 2020 Acterra Sustainable Built Environment

Credits
Owner: City of Berkeley | General Contractor: Overaa | Design Architect: Wong Logan Architects