In 2018, the City of Atlanta addressed the need for a new parking garage near Zoo Atlanta and the Beltline, responding to demands to reduce traffic congestion and improve overall safety in the area. Grant Park Gateway adds over 1,000 new parking spaces, 2.5 acres of green space, and a rooftop restaurant space to a previously existing asphalt surface parking lot. Upon completion, the project will be the first LEED, SITES, and Parksmart certified project in the world.
Through the achievement of its SITES Gold Certification, Grant Park Gateway provides systematic and comprehensive sustainable land development and management. An improved rainwater management system manages the stormwater while simultaneously helping to meet irrigation demand, recharging groundwater, and providing an enhanced stormwater amenity for all park visitors to enjoy. In addition to preserving and protecting several acres of native vegetation, the overall landscape has been revitalized and restored with native and adaptive vegetation. With SITES Certification, Grant Park Gateway was built with sustainability goals in mind for its long-term future.
Grant Park Gateway offers visitors a LEED Silver Certified space adjacent to the new green roof while overlooking the elephants and giraffes at Zoo Atlanta. With energy savings of at least 10%, elevated levels of quality interior daylight, responsible construction material selections, and nearly 75% of all construction waste diverted from the landfill, the rooftop space was built with the environment and people in mind. Views of downtown Atlanta and ample seating under the shaded terrace plaza make Grant Park Gateway a destination that will enlighten visitors through sustainability-focused educational signage, rather than merely a place to park.
By offering designated “green vehicle” parking, carpool parking, and electric vehicle charging stations, the soon-to-be Parksmart Silver Certified parking deck will accommodate a wide range of vehicles in an environmentally friendly way. Additionally, the installation of single space detection systems and idle reduction payment systems will ensure that people spend less time in their car and more time enjoying the park.
Thank you to the collaborative efforts of the City of Atlanta, Winter Construction, HGOR, Smith Dalia Architects, Breedlove Land Planning, the residents of the Grant Park neighborhood, as well as the entire community of Atlanta will have a new and sustainable experience within Grant Park.
Read the full SITES case study.
Scope of Services
- LEED Consulting
- Parksmart Consulting
- SITES Consulting
- Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment
- Daylight Simulations
- Commissioning
- Building Enclosure Consulting and Testing
- Waterproofing Consulting
Sustainable Certifications
- Parksmart Bronze
- SITES Gold
- LEED BD+C v4 Silver
Photography courtesy of City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation.
