The city of Winchester, VA, is constructing a parking structure that will incorporate some unique design and precast technology. The project began at the end of May 2008 and is on target to be completed by mid-April 2009. The $7.68-million project plans to use approximately 25 million pounds of concrete. Upon completion, this new parking structure will have some 540 parking spaces spanning five levels.rn
rn
Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. is the general contractor and its sister company, The Shockey Precast Group, is responsible for the engineering, manufacturing and erection of the precast on the project.rnrnThe design and construction of the Winchester parking garage is preserving the integrity of the historic area on Winchester’s Kent Street corridor by following a design that will meld into the intended architectural look. Yet beneath its aesthetics it will employ modern construction techniques using state-of-the-art precast construction with an embedded façade. This has been an architectural challenge in the revitalized historic district in Winchester. It challenged architects to integrate infill projects that complement each other, while incorporating a style that reflects both old and new. This has been part of a careful shaping that ensures that new buildings will be a contextual fit architecturally and also will meet local design review standards.rnrn”The exterior appearance and architectural aesthetic of the structure will greatly enhance the Kent Street corridor