CREJ

/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2016

Understanding the city’s needs was paramount, so we initiated the proj-

ect by carefully listening to the client and asking questions to understand

its goals for both the structure and how it fit into the vision for downtown

Westminster. Since sustainability was an important element for the city, the

garage will feature electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking that

exceeds LEED requirements, LED lighting with dimmers and occupancy sen-

sors, low-VOC coatings and recycled building products. Additionally, the ga-

rage has no access controls, so vehicles will not idle while waiting to enter or

leave, and the open style eliminates the need for ventilation.

Due to our holistic, client-centered model, Opus DB3, we were able to

quickly find solutions for several challenges that otherwise may have caused

delays. Significant grade issues had to be corrected for proper finished floor

elevations between the apartment wrap, garage and JCPenney store. We also

carefully designed the sky bridge connecting the garage to the second floor

of JCPenney, and navigated code issues while coordinating floor-to-floor

heights with the apartment wrap on the north and east sides of the garage.

“Opus brought in an exceptional team that has been forward thinking and

identifying issues before they arise,” said John Burke, PE, downtown West-

minster development and construction manager. “This design-build process

is really indicative of our overall vision for the new downtown – thoughtful

and deliberate, with our eye always on sustainability. They have truly taken

ownership of the project and are on track with budget and schedule to bring

this project to completion in July 2017.”

Downtown Westminster will be a true downtown that’s unique and gen-

uine – developed over time, one block at a time. It will offer residents and

visitors a vibrant and active street-level experience. Public spaces and ar-

chitecture will emphasize the area’s visual and physical attributes, and resi-

dents and visitors will enjoy an extensive network of parks, trails and other

green spaces.

PHOTOS:

The Opus Group

OPENING ART:

The interaction between the city of

Westminster’s parking garage and

the JCPenney store is highlighted in

this photo. As part of the project, a sky

bridge will be built from the garage

to the second floor of the store.

ABOVE:

Once completed, this six-level

parking garage will fit nearly 880

vehicles and qualify for Parksmart

certification by the U.S. Green

Building Council. It’s the first ground-

up construction project to break

ground for the city of Westminster’s

new downtown Westminster project.

/ Westminster’s Parking Garage will Meet Parksmart Standards /