Project Overview
The Santa Fe Parking Garage, located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, has been an essential part of the area’s infrastructure since its completion in 1972. Serving as a key parking facility for prominent buildings such as the Skirvin Hilton, BancFirst Tower, Continental Resources Tower, and the general downtown area, this garage plays a critical role in supporting the daily flow of activity in one of Oklahoma City's busiest districts.
Built with a tight budget and an aggressive construction schedule, the Santa Fe Parking Garage stands as a testament to the careful planning and execution required for such a complex project. Despite these constraints, the garage was designed to not only meet the functional demands of downtown OKC but also to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape, providing long-term performance that has endured for over five decades.
While most parking garages are often seen as purely utilitarian, the Santa Fe Garage stands out due to its architectural features that elevate the structure beyond its basic function. Notable design elements include vertical screen wall panels, which provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, offering shade and a visually interesting texture that softens the harshness typically associated with parking structures; and prominent columns, designed to spread out at the top, support a wide "eyebrow" overhang that adds an elegant finishing touch to the garage's exterior. This design not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers protection from the elements for pedestrians passing by the structure.
Over the years, the Santa Fe Parking Garage has proven itself as a long-term performing project, fulfilling its role as a central hub for parking in downtown Oklahoma City. The thoughtful architectural details and strong engineering have allowed the garage to withstand the test of time, maintaining its relevance and functionality for decades. |