Parking Planning – Walker Consultants https://walkerconsultants.com Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:56:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://walkerconsultants.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-Walker-Consultants_Globe-for-square-crop-32x32.png Parking Planning – Walker Consultants https://walkerconsultants.com 32 32 Planning Beyond the Route: Addressing Transit Planning, Maintenance Constraints https://walkerconsultants.com/planning-beyond-the-route-addressing-transit-planning-maintenance-constraints/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:23:58 +0000 https://walkerconsultants.com/?p=25148

Transportation shapes access to nearly every part of daily life, from work to food, to essential travel.

Behind every route, stop, and schedule is a system that most riders never think about until something goes wrong. When that network is overlooked, the effects reach beyond those who rely on it. Not only are riders inconvenienced, but the vehicles themselves face heavier maintenance demands, shorter service life, and a greater operational strain.

For mass transit providers expanding service, the challenge isn’t just adding routes; it’s supporting the vehicles that make that service possible.

Planning additional transit services should consider all restrictions, including vehicle maintenance capacity.

While these transportation facilities should be close to service areas, they are the hardest pieces of infrastructure to site and approve.

Transit planning often separates what riders see from what keeps the system running. Routes and frequency lead the conversation. Bus depots, storage yards, and maintenance garages do not.

Guidance from the Federal Transit Administration mandates that transit service planning must coincide with capital infrastructure, including fleet storage and maintenance capacity. Buses require space for overnight storage, inspections, preventative maintenance and repair.

The ratio of vehicles per maintenance bay depends on service hours and miles and other factors, but in most cases, at least one bay for every 15 vehicles is recommended. Facilities also need sufficient room for storage of parts, fluids, tires, and other supplies. Areas for employee training, rest breaks and parking must be included.

Without this capacity, service cannot expand reliably.

Industry reports from the American Public Transportation Association point to growing pressure on transit operators to expand service while managing aging infrastructure and increasing fleet demands.

At the same time, building or expanding a bus maintenance garage introduces a different set of challenges. These sites require large parcels of land near service areas, access for large vehicle movement, and space for circulation, fueling, or charging. In dense communities, that kind of space is limited.

Even when the site is identified, approvals are not guaranteed.

Environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act require agencies to evaluate impacts such as traffic, noise, and air quality, and to engage the public in the decision-making process. This can often extend project timelines significantly, especially in developed areas where community concerns are high.

Service plans can move forward in months, while a new or expanded bus depot can take years.

In addition, the shift to electric fleets raises the stakes.

At Walker Consultants, our team has worked closely with the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA), to support the areas within the County lacking reliable transit access. We performed various studies and plans focusing on the implementation of fleet electrification and multimodal community resiliency hubs.

These studies evaluated what it would take for local energy grids to support a transition to zero-emission transit fleets, while exploring opportunities to capture and store energy, offset charging costs, and reduce long-term dependence on the electrical grid.

As part of that effort, resiliency hubs were designed to store and deliver backup power during emergencies, helping communities maintain access to vital services such as communication, heating and cooling, device charging, emergency coordination, and essential medical support.

Beyond cost and sustainability, these plans examined how transit systems would perform under real-world operating demands. For smaller, underserved communities across Fresno County, that means access to more reliable, cost-conscious transportation options built for long-term service.

When introducing EV transit services, maintenance areas are essential to sustaining a functionally balanced system.

Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that electric bus depots frequently require additional space for charging infrastructure, changes to site layout and clearances, and substantial power upgrades. Existing diesel bus garages regularly need significant modifications to support these systems.

This limits where transit operators can expand and increases pressure to find new sites near existing routes.

The result is a disconnect.

A transit operator can approve more services, purchase additional buses, and secure funding, but without a nearby bus depot or maintenance garage with sufficient capacity, transit services will not match its potential.

Buses travel farther before starting service.
They cost more to operate.
They can break down more often, resulting in unreliable service.

Overcoming maintenance constraints

Transit expansion doesn’t stall because of lack of demand. It stalls when support systems are not planned at the same time.

Guidance from the Federal Transit Administration supports coordinated planning across service, fleet, and infrastructure.

Transit operators that avoid delays don’t just plan new routes. They ask:

  • Where will these buses be stored?
  • Which maintenance garage supports them?
  • Do we need to expand the existing depot or build a new one?

This alignment prevents last-minute constraints.

New sites are difficult to approve, so many operators start with what they already own.

Common approaches:

  • Reconfiguring existing bus yards to increase capacity
  • Expanding maintenance garages where zoning allows
  • Using temporary or satellite storage lots for overflow fleets

The American Public Transportation Association highlights how agencies extend the life and capacity of existing assets before pursuing new construction.

Bus depots are generally resisted at the neighborhood level.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act, projects must evaluate and disclose impacts, but early and consistent community engagement can reduce delays and improve project outcomes.

Planning for additional service means planning for where those buses live, not just where they run.

For help planning your next transit project, visit www.walkerconsultants.com.

]]> Mass Timber Parking https://walkerconsultants.com/mass-timber-parking/ Thu, 28 May 2026 21:57:48 +0000 https://walkerconferences.com/?p=24233

Mass Timber Parking

Analyzing the cost and benefits of building structured parking out of wood

Parking structures are among the most common buildings we construct and among the most carbon-intensive. Their wide open interior spaces are, at the same time, both highly adaptable and very difficult to change. This study begins with that tension and asks how parking might be built differently today.

For decades, parking structures have been treated as background infrastructure—optimized for efficiency, built almost entirely of concrete, and rarely designed with a future beyond vehicle storage. How might these structures respond to climate and long-term adaptability while still meeting the demands of today?

Developed in collaboration with Truebeck, Holmes, Walker Consultants, and Stantec, this study imagines a mass timber parking structure—given today’s techniques, constraints, and market realities—and finds it a surprisingly viable alternative.

“As mobility evolves, parking structures may disappear, persist, or transform into something else entirely. The only certainty is that their role will change.”

Why Mass Timber

Mass timber adoption is already visible across housing, workplace, and civic buildings. Parking remains one of the few major building types still dominated by concrete. That makes it an opportunity. Stand-alone parking structures rely on repetitive grids, open floor plates, and modular systems. These characteristics align with prefabricated timber systems and allow for direct comparison with conventional construction.

Approach: Testing Against a Baseline

Rather than speculating on idealized futures, this study begins with a recently completed concrete parking structure and asks a direct question: what if this building were constructed in mass timber? Program, layout, and code assumptions are held constant. Structural systems, materials, and assemblies are varied. This approach isolates how design decisions affect carbon, cost, efficiency, durability, and adaptability.

Prototyping for Efficiency

Mass timber framing configurations were tested to balance structural depth, floor-to-floor height, and wood volume with the overall parking experience of a user. While a long span system maximizes parking flexibility and sight lines, it drives up the beam depth and floor-to-floor height. Including columns along one side of the drive aisle (“medium span”) provides a good overall balance of efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. Both long span and medium span systems were evaluated across carbon, cost, construction duration, and spatial efficiency.

Carbon, Code and Cost

Embodied carbon can be reduced by up to 50%, driven primarily by replacing concrete slabs with timber. The building code (IBC) will allow up to six stories with 144,000 square feet per story for a total of approximately 2000 cars. Costs increase modestly in the range of 14–19%. The cost premium can be reduced by minimizing applied façade systems and expressing the wood structure as the visual signature of the building.

Performance Considerations

Parking structures must meet a consistent set of requirements regardless of material. As part of the study, each system was evaluated against core performance criteria including safety, durability, waterproofing, efficiency, and structural stability. The analysis asks whether mass timber can meet these expectations within current standards.

Safety

Adaptability: Design for Change

With over 2 billion parking spaces in the United States, even a small shift in how these structures are designed has significant implications. This study explores adaptability as part of the typology itself. Mass timber’s kit-of-parts construction allows for disassembly, modification, and reuse, making future change more feasible than with post-tensioned concrete systems. As part of the study, floor-to-floor heights, ramp removal or reuse, utility flexibility, component disassembly, and two housing conversion scenarios were explored. Together, these tests frame the parking structure not as a fixed endpoint, but as a building that can evolve.

 

“Mass timber is not a speculative alternative. It is a technically viable structural system for contemporary parking structures in the United States. The study demonstrates that a free-standing mass timber parking structure could meet current performance requirements while reducing embodied carbon and improving long-term adaptability.”

Explore the Full Study

]]> Sustainability Isn’t Just Environmental, It’s Operational. It’s Human. https://walkerconsultants.com/sustainability-isnt-just-environmental-its-operational-its-human/ Thu, 28 May 2026 21:44:32 +0000 https://walkerconferences.com/?p=24225

Imagine this: you’re circling a parking garage for 10 minutes looking for an open space. You’re late for an important event, irritated, and now you’ve burned more fuel than you meant to before you’ve even turned off the ignition.

You don’t have to imagine it. You’ve lived it.

Moments like this are so common that they barely register anymore. But they should. What feels like a minor inconvenience is often a sign of a system that isn’t working as well as it could.

Some of the most meaningful sustainability gains come from reducing waste before it happens.

When people think about sustainability, they often picture what gets added to a building: solar panels, green roofs, EV charging stations and recycled materials. Those elements do matter. But some of the most meaningful environmental gains come from something less visible: reducing waste before it happens.

Sometimes sustainability looks like better movement. Less idling. Fewer wrong turns. Shorter wait times. Smoother arrivals. Less friction between people and the places they need to go.

Where Thoughtful System Design Makes a Difference

That’s where thoughtful system design comes in.

Tools like parking access and revenue control systems (PARCS), license plate recognition (LPR), and real-time stall detection can help drivers enter quickly, find spaces faster, and exit more efficiently. They improve convenience, but they also reduce circling, congestion, and unnecessary emissions.

Better parking flow is not just a user-experience improvement. It is also an operational and sustainability improvement.

Additionally, Parksmart is a leading certification for sustainable parking, promoting efficient, environmentally responsible parking facilities. And at Walker Consultants, we have 16 Parksmart Advisors who can help guide parking projects through certification by assessing sustainability.

At the VHC Outpatient Pavilion Garage, systems like these support a high-traffic healthcare environment where time matters. Clear wayfinding, streamlined entry, and efficient parking flow help reduce delays for patients, visitors, and staff while improving the overall experience around the facility.

The Bigger Idea Goes Beyond Parking

The bigger idea extends far beyond parking.

Across cities, sustainability is increasingly shaped by how well everyday systems function. The Seattle Zero Emissions Loading Zones initiative rethinks urban deliveries by shifting trips to e-cargo bikes. Our Transportation Equity Study for the City of Peoria focuses on improving access and mobility so communities can reach jobs, services, and opportunities more efficiently. Transit microgrids and multi-modal resiliency hubs connect transportation, energy, and public infrastructure to support cleaner, more reliable movement.

Reduce
Unnecessary movement
Use
Resources more wisely
Design
Systems that work better for people

What Sustainability Also Means

Because sustainability is not only about what we install. It is also about what we eliminate: wasted time, wasted energy, wasted motion, and avoidable frustration.

The most effective sustainability strategies are often the ones people never notice. They simply feel easier, faster, and better.

And over time, those invisible improvements can make a visible difference.

]]> Two Walker Projects Win IPMI Awards https://walkerconsultants.com/two-walker-projects-win-ipmi-awards/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:55:56 +0000 https://walkerconsultants.com/?p=18791 International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI). The Noah Hillman Garage in downtown Annapolis, MD received an Apex Award for Architectural Design. Walker was the prime designer and structural engineer of record. We also provided a financial feasibility analysis, MEP/FP engineering, and signage/graphic design. The Virginia Hospital Center (VHC Health) Outpatient Pavilion Garage received an Apex Award for Stand-Alone Facility Design. Walker was the engineer of record and provided functional design, structural and MEP engineering, APGS and PARCS design, and architectural detailing. Congratulations to the Walker teams and our partners!]]> Be Ready for Today and Tomorrow with EVCS https://walkerconsultants.com/be-ready-for-today-and-tomorrow-with-evcs/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:36:21 +0000 https://walkerconsultants.com/?p=18479

Embracing the future of transportation, offering electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at your parking facility adds to its level of service and represents a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. As you consider the integration of EVCS into your facilities, Walker Consultants is ready to guide you towards a greener, more efficient tomorrow.

Understanding EVCS and the Components

EVCS are essential for powering up the increasing number of electric vehicles hitting our roads. From level 1 and level 2 chargers providing standard charging options to the rapid power of DC fast chargers, selecting the appropriate charging solution is critical for catering to your needs.

Customization: Decisions and Directions

Determining the ideal mix of chargers for your parking structure involves a deep dive into your specific requirements and the electric vehicle trends among your clientele. Whether the need is in long-term parking or specialized spots for taxis and rideshares, deciding on the quantity and location of chargers requires strategic insight. We’ll help you plan for the right system, supporting your facility from inception to implementation.

Partner with us for Your EVCS Implementation

With a proven track record of assisting clients with the seamless installation of EVCS, we will lead you through this transition. Our expertise spans from evaluating your garage’s charging demands to meeting ADA standards, positioning you to lead in the adoption of green technology.

Electric vehicle charging stations are not just infrastructure improvements; they are a statement to travelers about your dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Embark on this electrifying journey with us! Contact Erik Nelson, PCIP or Geoffrey Posluszny, CPP today to discuss how we can facilitate your successful adoption of EVCS.

Check out some of our EVCS projects below.

]]> Pioneering Sustainable Mobility Solutions https://walkerconsultants.com/pioneering-sustainable-mobility-solutions/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:30:44 +0000 https://walkerconsultants.com/?p=18420

We are thrilled to announce that Walker’s Victor Hill and Ben Weber, have been featured in Parking & Mobility Magazine, a prestigious publication of the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI). In their article, “Get to the Point”, Hill and Weber address the critical issue of urban mobility, specifically the challenge of reducing parking requirements and the necessity of making driving less convenient to foster sustainable, enjoyable, and affordable urban environments.

Our cities are often viewed as landscapes where personal vehicles dominate, and alternative modes of transportation are sidelined. Hill and Weber argue against this perception, highlighting the growing feasibility of walking, bicycling, public transit, and other forms of travel. They emphasize the importance of investing in these alternatives to create integrated, efficient, and user-friendly mobility networks. Their work sheds light on the innovative concept of “mobility wallets,” a pilot initiative in Los Angeles aimed at encouraging the use of diverse transportation modes through seamless trip planning and payment solutions. This approach not only supports low-income residents but also serves as a model for other cities and universities seeking to mitigate the challenges posed by single-occupancy vehicles and parking constraints.

Our company proudly supports this forward-thinking vision, recognizing that the path to more sustainable urban living requires a collective shift in how we view and utilize transportation. Hill and Weber’s contribution to Parking & Mobility Magazine underscores our commitment to leading the charge in reimagining urban mobility for a better, more sustainable future for our communities. To read more, check out Hill and Weber’s article.

]]> Shared Parking Analysis Can Help Save https://walkerconsultants.com/shared-parking-analysis-can-help-save/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:23:33 +0000 https://walkerconsultants.com/?p=18413

We are proud to announce that John Dorsett, AICP, CPP, a Senior Director of Planning, Operations and Technology at Walker Consultants, has contributed a compelling article to Development Magazine, a reputable publication by NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association. In the Winter 2023/2024 issue, Dorsett provides insightful analysis on “Rightsizing Parking in Support of Sustainability and ROI,” exploring how shared parking analyses can significantly save land, costs, and time in urban development projects.

Dorsett’s piece is a deep dive into the transformational potential of shared parking strategies, emphasizing how they can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective urban planning. This article highlights the necessity of rethinking parking space allocation in response to the changing dynamics of transportation and mobility. Dorsett’s expertise helps readers understand the economic and environmental benefits of rightsizing parking. He offers practical solutions and methodologies that can be adopted by developers to optimize their projects. The article is not only a testament to John Dorsett’s expertise in the field but also reflects our company’s commitment to pioneering sustainable and innovative urban development practices.

]]> Walker Consultants Promotes Four New Directors https://walkerconsultants.com/walker-consultants-promotes-four-new-directors/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:59:56 +0000 https://walkerconsultants.com/?p=17709

Walker has appointed four new Directors, as of July 1.

Dave Parish, PE, has been promoted from Restoration Consultant to the Director of Restoration in Walker’s Ann Arbor office. With Walker since 2006, Dave has over 15 years of experience and has been involved in the evaluation and restoration of over 300 projects including parking structures, building facades, plazas, and more.

Having been integrally involved in some of Walker’s largest and most intricate restoration projects. As Director of Restoration, he will provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that Ann Arbor’s restoration practice has consistent technical support during complex assignments.

Grace Duchaj, PE, SE, is now the Director of Design Services for the Chicago West office. With Walker since 2016, Grace specializes in the structural design of new parking garages, with an emphasis on concrete construction.

Her enthusiasm for innovation and design creativity has led her to gain experience in the design and execution of materials such as concrete, structural steel, and aluminum included on a variety of parking-related and mixed-use structures. In her new role, Grace will oversee the production of large and complex projects, grow the firm’s new design and restoration practices, and employ her expertise to provide a positive impact for our clients on their projects.

Jamie Kemery has been promoted from Senior System Administrator to Director of the Business Technology Group. He has supported the firm for 24 years, and in this new role, he will be responsible for establishing Walker’s vision and strategy as it relates to technology use.

Jamie will be directing the planning and implementation of enterprise IT systems in support of the goals of the business, by identifying, defining, and growing the use of technology as a business differentiator and value driver.

Matt Hunt, PE, is one of Walker’s Principals and is now also the National Technical Director for Forensics, Restoration & Building Envelope. With Walker for 28 years, he also served as the Director of Forensics, Restoration & Building Envelope where he led restoration design and the production of construction documents for building, plaza and parking structure assignments.

Matt’s new position will include maintaining and continually improving Walker’s technical quality for forensics, restoration, and building envelope projects, including designs, drawings, specifications, and reports, with the aim of continually improving service to our clients and developing staff.

Congratulations to our new Directors!

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