SD Tech Center by Alexandria: PN1

PN1 is the first parking structure on the SD Tech redevelopment effort driven to support new building occupancies.

Constructed during the wettest winter in 30 years, the excavation alone, at 2.5 levels below grade, encountered major groundwater issues. The below-grade structure was designed using shearwall methodology, and above-grade was all-moment frame, with all decks being post-tensioned. The structure was designed and constructed in phases, allowing for early use while the upper decks were finishing out.

With an at-grade, full-time concierge serving the garage users, there is also approximately 4,000 SQFT of at-grade shelled-out amenity spaces – use to be determined, but setup flexibly for a multitude of uses.  At the front of the garage (in front of the amenities) is a beautifully design landscaped courtyard with high-end lighting, furniture, and a uniquely colorful dragon-shaped art piece.

Beyond that, the south façade is distinctively decorated with a working vertical farm (numerous zip-grow panels growing herbs and small fruits & vegetables) supported by a greenhouse located off the southwest corner of the structure.  The east and west facades are ornately decorated with graphic screening to help add flare and somewhat hide the true use of the garage.

The 1,733 stall parking structure has two paths of ingress and egress, is highly secure from the public (no at-grade public car or pedestrian access), with a parking management system advising drivers on where parking is available, fast-acting overhead coiling gates, and gate arms.  It also uses a mix of access control, license plate readers, and a visitor management (QR code) system.  The garage is setup with 220 day-1 EV chargers (level 2 and 3) with the infrastructure in place to add an additional 220 chargers.  The rooftop is equipped with photovoltaics, serving as a (required) shade structure, while applying power back onto the grid.