North Barstow Parking Structure

City of Eau Claire

As part of the City of Eau Claire’s comprehensive plan for revival, the new North Barstow parking structure meets the demand for increased parking and maximizes the use of available space. The ramp functions as the core of the North Barstow area’s redevelopment, respecting the existing surrounding architecture while anticipating and supporting future development.

The ramp is at the heart of multiple existing and planned mixed-use and housing developments in a highly visible area. Located along two office towers to the west — with space reserved to the east for a third development to serve as a new face for the structure — the design was originally planned for three levels. An alternate design option that included a fourth level was approved during the early stages of construction. The design also anticipates a major new development to the north.

The ramp uses a post-tensioned structural system, and serves the office building tenants as well as neighboring markets, restaurants, a performing art center, and a park that hosts a farmers market and summer concerts. To support the diverse and high volume of users, design cues emphasize easy wayfinding elements and an entry and egress plan that reduces bottlenecks during peak times. The urban plaza creates a buffer through a mix of hardscape and landscape, including bio-swales to treat rainwater and stormwater management strategies to reduce the flow rate.