On Time and Under Budget
It took 171 days from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting for the first of two parking platforms to open in downtown Rochester. The East Platform, located east of Main Street between Fourth Street and University Drive, opened on June 25 to a large crowd of officials, reporters, and local business owners. Mayor Jeffrey T. Cuthbertson said it was a landmark project, which came in under time and under budget.
“The opening of the East Street Parking Platform, just under seven months from its groundbreaking and having achieved an ‘AAA’ bond rating during its financing along the way, is a major accomplishment and leap forward for the future of our City’s downtown”, said Mayor Cuthbertson. “The entire project team has done a great job working diligently to get this massive project done correctly and as quickly as possible. I also want to thank the merchants and customers most affected by the disruption; their patience and support have really helped to keep up positive momentum during this time of investment in the future.”
The First Public Parking Platform in Rochester
The original surface lot had 120 parking spaces. This new, two-level platform replaces that with 259 parking spaces. The levels are isolated so vehicles may enter the lower level from East Street at the intersection with East Fourth Street. In addition, vehicles may enter the upper lever from a service drive off East Street closer to East University Drive. This system allows for events and functions to take place on one level while sill using the other level for parking. The parking rate for the platforms is $1.00 per hour starting with the third hour—the first two hours are free. According to the survey done in 2013, 61% of the respondents typically park for two hours or less.
“Cutting the ribbon on the East Parking Platform is an exciting step in the implementation of the City’s Parking Strategy, said City Manager Jaymes Vettraino, “The design of the platform is great; the architectural team was really able to use the natural slopes of East and Third [Streets] to create a perfect fit downtown. The functionality of the independent levels maximizes the number of parking spaces in the platform and provides the City with flexibility to be creative in utilizing the platform in the future. Also, congratulations to the construction team for bring this project to completion both on time and under budget.”
West Platform to be Completed Before the Holidays
Five million dollars was the budget for the East Platform. It came in at 15% under budget. Bike racks were put in as part of the structure, as well as security cameras will soon be installed. The West Parking Platform is scheduled to be completed in late October and it will be three levels. Both platforms will provide 550 parking spaces and cost nearly $12 million.