Danville City Council and the Industrial Development Authority this week reviewed preliminary designs for a six-floor parking deck that would stretch from Main Street to Spring along North Union Street.
The parking deck would provide 618 parking spaces and 12,800 square feet of commercial space, including space for a signature restaurant. The need for the deck was cited in a study conducted in 2013 in order to meet forecasted demands.
Corrie Teague, assistant economic development director, told both boards that empty space within the River District is filling up. For bigger buildings, Teague said financial institutions are requiring parking as part of the redevelopment project.
At this week’s meeting, SKA Consulting Engineers presented schematic drawings, renderings and estimated cost figures for a parking deck. The firm consulted with downtown residents and business owners in designing the deck. The firm also looked to the past, using the design of the old Hotel Burton to inspire the outside facade and a metal spire on the corner of Main Street and Union Street.
The deck would have two entrances: one on North Union; the other, Spring Street. Two elevators would exit to a Main Street exit and another single elevator to Spring Street.
SKA estimated the price tag of the deck to be about $19.8 million, with $2.8 million going to site preparation, $15.2 million for the parking section and $1.7 million for the commercial space. Additional owner costs and about $270 per space yearly in operational and maintenance costs will also occur, the firm said.
With these cost estimates now available, the next step is to develop financing options, including grant funding.
The presentation took place during an information-only work session held on Tuesday, Aug. 18.