University of California, Davis Medical Center and design-build contractor McCarthy Building Cos., with architect and engineer Watry Design Inc., broke ground on a sevem-level, 1,200-stall parking structure.

Cost of the design and construction of the project is $20.7 million and work is expected to be completed by September 2011.

�Watry and McCarthy have successful track records working on campus projects throughout the U.C. system and we are thrilled to have their combined skill and talent on the new and much needed U.C. Davis Medical Center�s parking structure,� says Doug Austin, project manager of the U.C. Davis Health System.

The 417,000-sq-ft parking structure will serve the main hospital building and will solve the long-standing parking shortage in the hospital zone of the campus. The site is strategically located adjacent to the hospital and new Pavilion to provide optimal access for patients and visitors. The project includes access and revenue control systems, space counting and license plate recognition, and also provides Parking Services staff with an office and locker room.

�We are excited to partner with Watry Design to build a high quality parking structure at the U.C. Davis Medical Center,� says Aaron Alhady, vice president of McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. in Sacramento. �The new structure will include several sustainable features and is designed to be patient friendly with easy access to the main hospital. Our combined experience working in the U.C. system will ensure a seamless and collaborative effort as we aim to deliver this project on time and within budget.�

The parking structure is designed to continue the existing campus architectural style. It is constructed of white pre-cast concrete panels and pre-finished extruded aluminum shade louvers on the fa�ade. The main stair and glass-backed elevator tower is located closest to the patient drop-off for easy pedestrian access to the main hospital. A courtyard plaza infused with public art sculptures and a variety of colorful trees is the gateway from the parking structure to the hospital. The perimeter of the structure is lined with palm trees to match the existing campus theme.

The project fulfills the University of California Policy on Sustainable Practices and incorporates energy efficiency and sustainability. Environmental elements include a photovoltaic power system and 14 electric vehicle charging stations. The PV system provides 145 kilowatts of power to the main hospital.