Maplewood Mall Parking Structure: Structural Engineering for Reliable Transit Parking

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural engineering services for the Maplewood Mall Transit Center Parking Structure, a vital Metro Transit Park and Ride facility designed to support increased parking demand and improve transit accessibility for the community.

Project Highlights

  • Multi-Level Parking Facility:
    • Cast-in-place concrete parking structure with post-tensioned concrete elements, providing robust long-term durability.
    • The new addition increased total parking capacity at the transit center to 1,000 stalls, supporting commuter and shopper needs.
  • Deep Foundation Solutions:
    • Existing site conditions featured loose soil lenses, requiring the parking structure to be supported on a deep foundation system of steel piles, pile caps, and grade beams for maximum stability and longevity.
  • Facade & Aesthetic Enhancements:
    • BKBM assisted in the design and detailing of the aluminum bar grating façade system, which includes aluminum pipes and galvanized embed plates, offering a visually appealing, durable exterior and enhanced ventilation.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM addressed challenging geotechnical site conditions by recommending a robust deep foundation system, ensuring the structure’s performance and safety for high daily traffic loads. Collaboration on the exterior design contributed to both the facility’s aesthetic appeal and its functional requirements.

Results & Impact

The Maplewood Mall Parking Structure delivers safe, efficient, and accessible parking for Metro Transit users, improving regional mobility and supporting area commerce. BKBM’s structural engineering ensured reliable, cost-effective solutions—positioning this facility as a long-term asset for the Maplewood community.