Project Overview
The Assembly Innovation Park Garage is a nine-level, 1,247-space parking structure built on a site that once served as a car manufacturing plant. The structure plays a vital role in the support of a rapidly expanding mixed-use district that includes both residential and commercial developments.
Originally designed as a structural steel frame with a cast-in-place concrete deck, the project was converted to precast concrete due to its cost savings, durability, and schedule advantages. Given the logistical constraints of the site which included the simultaneous construction of an adjacent high-rise lab/office building the precast construction approach allowed for faster installation, reduced on-site congestion, and improved quality control compared to the original design.
City permits dictated that the parking structure include an envelope designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding urban fabric by disguising its function as a garage. The design team responded by developing a cladding system that consisted of two-story, folded and perforated aluminum panels, installed in a vertically staggered pattern to complement the adjacent high-rise building. Incorporated into the envelope on the western elevation is a monumental public art installation screen, fabricated from perforated and folded metal panels that creates a striking visual landmark for those traveling along the adjacent highway.
Precast Solution
Complexity of the project was increased by the simultaneous build-out of a 12-story high-rise adjacent to the garage, and an integrated municipal fire station within the footprint of the ground floor of the garage. To maintain schedule efficiency and abide by vastly different occupancy regulations, the fire station was designed as a structurally independent component, and the precast concrete elements were installed around it, seamlessly tying the spaces together while remaining separate structures. A hybrid elevator tower, combining precast concrete and structural steel was installed by the same crew - further streamlining labor and equipment use.
A successful conversion to precast concrete proved pivotal in overcoming the project's logistical and structural challenges. Dailey Precast, LLC manufactured a total of 1,180 precast concrete elements for the new parking structure, including columns, double tees, flat slabs, shear walls, and more, which provided the speed and flexibility required to meet both structural and functional needs. This allowed the parking structure to be erected quickly, addressing the need for efficient construction while accommodating the fire station and electrical areas at the lower levels.
Utilizing precast concrete supported the project's tight timeline and spatial constraints. Erection was completed in just 83 days, a feat made possible through precise scheduling, streamlined logistics, and a highly coordinated sequencing plan.
In addition to the structural challenges, the garage had to meet open-air ventilation requirements to ensure air circulation within the parking levels. The combination of perforated aluminum cladding and precast concrete solved this issue by allowing for the necessary airflow while maintaining the architectural vision of the building. This adaptability was key to satisfying zoning requirements.
Precast concrete's advantages for this project extend beyond speed. Its modular design reduced laydown space requirements - critical for a congested urban site with simultaneous construction just feet away - and enabled parallel off-site fabrication and on-site foundation work. Additionally, the durability of precast concrete ensures long-term structural performance with minimal maintenance, addressing the district's need for resilient structures.
By leveraging precast concrete, The Assembly Innovation Park Garage was delivered on time, within budget, and with a distinct aesthetic - reinforcing the project team's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and design excellence.
Recipient of the 2025 PCINE Showcase Award
The Assembly Park Innovation Garage earned the PCINE Showcase Award for Best in Precast - Parking Structure for its innovative use of precast concrete to overcome complex construction challenges. A testament to the exceptional performance and innovation of Dailey Precast in utilizing precast concrete to deliver a structurally efficient, visually compelling solution, the team accelerated the schedule, improved site logistics, and enhanced the structure's long-term durability.
The new parking garage's seamless integration into a mixed-use district demonstrates precast concrete's versatility in both form and function. With tight coordination, strict quality assurance, and efficient execution, the project exemplifies precast design and construction excellence. |