State of California, Richards Boulevard Parking Structure

A new 7-story parking structure, along with two adjacent surface parking lots will serve state workers at the new Richards Boulevard Office Complex, a key catalyst in the revitalization of the River District.

On the exterior, the precast concrete structural system is expressed along all four sides, contextually appropriate to the surrounding industrial aesthetic. The use of exposed concrete and a repeating grid mimics the exterior design strategies used at the complex’s main office towers, tying the two sides of the campus together. Materials used reinforce the ideas of openness and clear visibility. A portion of the parking structure will be screened with the majority occurring on the north façade.

The parking structure was strategically placed on the site to serve as a landmark for the larger campus with clearly defined paths of travel for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. A large, distinct pedestrian pathway which connects the parking structure and surface lots to the office complex is designed to provide safe and easy wayfinding and an enhanced pedestrian experience.

The structure’s internal layout allows for an efficient and clear arrangement of stalls and ramps. The main entry and exit points are located away from the pedestrian-oriented street to separate major vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The structural system eliminates the need for shear walls allowing the interior to feel more open and transparent.