Tutwiler Parking Deck at The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s Tutwiler parking deck façade takes advantage of the precision, consistency and economy of precast concrete. The 7-floor, 511,800 SF parking deck represents Phase 1 of a multi-phase project to provide on-campus living space, food service and parking for students on campus.

Architectural precast concrete panels designed by Evan Terry Associates create the look of brick and carved limestone in the highly detailed deck envelope.

“We were able to give this structure the same strength and permanence as the original century-old buildings still standing on the university’s campus.”

– Neil King
Evan Terry Associates

The university prides itself on the architectural beauty of its campus. Many of its oldest buildings were designed in the neoclassical style, so school administrators wanted the garage to match seamlessly with the campus palette.

An architectural precast façade embedded with thin brick offered the ideal choice, as it adhered strictly to classical design proportions and scale in the deck’s balustrades, cornices, parapets and entablatures, while significantly accelerating the schedule. In the past, these architectural elements were hand-carved from limestone and other materials, but the precision and economy of precast, complemented by a thin brick veneer, enabled the team to replicate classical details more affordably. Installation of the precast concrete façade was completed in four months.

“All of this adds up to a building that has the clean, classic looks, along with the stature and permanence, of a building that is truly built to last.”

– Neil King
Evan Terry Associates

Precast was appealing for other reasons – its cost-effectiveness, durability and low maintenance. The versatile material gave the structure the same strength and permanence as the original century-old buildings still standing on the university’s campus. Additionally, it was able to meet the owner's strict construction deadline which was built around the university's academic calendar.

“The inherent efficiency and rapid installation of precast concrete was vital in helping us to meet, or even exceed, the university’s expectations.”

– Neil King
Evan Terry Associates

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