Contradiction in Terms Dept: Sustainable Parking Structure
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 03.30.07
Only in California could one find such a deliciously silly story. Santa Monica has just opened "the nation’s first sustainable solar-powered parking structure. The six-story, 882-space structure at the Civic Center features photovoltaic roof panels, a storm drain water treatment system, recycled construction materials and energy efficient mechanical systems."
Evidently the cars are well treated: “From the Santa Monica Mountains to Catalina Island, these parking spaces have the best view in town.” And they are going for LEED certification, which should be a challenge for an above grade parking garage, even if it was made from site-grown bamboo and ventilated by flapping butterfly wings.
After all, the City is spending $180 million plan to add 1,712 parking spaces over the next ten years- just what every city needs right now when we are trying to discourage cars, not give them ocean views. ::Lookout News
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totally agree with the post, but IF they ARE going to build it anyway, it's green. perhaps oxymoronically, but green no less. one could hope they are helping to atleast set a standard!
Not sure what's so "silly" about this. I wish we had similar greenthink at work in Chicago. The reality is, present urban schemes mandate automobiles. So, are we trying to discourage cars, or discourage carbon-emitting cars? Putting aside any of the social design issues of congestion, vehicle-dominated cityscapes, etc., a structure such as the garage might actually do some good in encouraging an overall reconsideration by people of their personal vehicle choices...change the meme, and more drivers may plant themselves in greener vehicles
Too bad it's ugly as Sin.
Well, they are reducing their footprint. It is a valid argument that a new parking lot is about as Green as a new GM SUV dealership, but it's a start.
And someday when many vehicles are electric then that garage will fit right in.
I live here and yes, it is ridiculous. Santa Monica prides itself on working towards more sustainability and eco-friendliness, then it builds a giant garage. But at the same time, I know we have a parking issue and it's LA, so getting people to give up their cars is hard to do.
That being said, its not as ugly in person, its actually kind of cool looking...for a parking garage..
In defense of Santa Monica: the have led the way in sustainable buildings with the Green Building Program and teaming with the non-profit Global Green to open the Green Building Resource Center. They talk the talk, and walk the walk, even if it is something as seemingly un-treehugger as a parking structure. But even on this issue I would disagree: when Santa Monica closed off 3rd Street to vehicular traffic to create the Third Street Promenade, they surrounded it with huge, low-cost parking structures (this structure is nearby). They have created an amazing walkable community with one-point parking, from which you can walk to the beach, the Pier, shopping, restaurants, bars, everything really. So while these structures do encourage people to drive there, once your car is parked, you don’t need to move it again all day. I have incredible respect for Santa Monica and its fearless policies that include both economic drive and sustainable building. Definitely not “deliciously silly”, Lloyd! :) But you might be onto something with the butterfly-wing-flap ventilation method… but would you have to pay them prevailing wage?
is that a typo, $180 million for 1,712 parking spaces over 10 years? over $100,000 per parking space? i think a city should spend its tax payers dollars a little smarter. i'm sure with that money the city could purchase a small fleet of hybrid or bio-diesel busses to get at least 1700 cars off the road each year.
I'd like to point out that Green cars have to be parked somewhere too, a green parking garage is an exellent way to promote going green, as it presents the reality that we dont have to sacrifice anything (eficiency, space, etc) in order to BE green.
working on a construction project....looking to get LEED cert....one point we are going after is regarding the heat island effect....looking for a traffic coating to place on the top level of a garage deck that will satisfy the 29% reflectance criteria....any suggestions?
thanks
I've driven by this building many times not even knowing what it is. Upon doing a little research, I've discovered that the city has big plans for that Civic Center Area. They also plan to retrofit and replace the six structures in downtown Santa Monica. In other words, more parking was needed somewhere. (And to the person who wrote "is that a typo, $180 million for 1,712 parking spaces over 10 years? over $100,000 per parking space?", I believe the intent is to replace ALL of the old structures, and when all is said and done, there will be 1,712 more spaces than before.)
I understand the contradiction here, but try telling all the business owners that nobody will have a place to park for a while. Whether we like it or not, most people in LA (especially those with disposable income) drive their own cars. If we HAVE to have a parking structure, it might as well be "green". Besides, haven't you noticed how boring and smelly the downtown lots are?