Construction is starting on a new $14 million, 1,326-space parking garage at the University of Central Florida in March.

The parking garage is expected to be completed in time for the Orlando campus’ spring semester, starting January 2011. Located on Gemini Boulevard near Knights Plaza, which is home to the university’s sports complex and arena, the structure will support parking for athletic events and entertainment venues, as well as parking for students traveling to and from class.

Jacksonville-based Haskell is providing the design/build services for the 402,000-square-foot pre-cast parking structure, which was designed to match the architectural style and brick facade of the surrounding campus buildings. Existing stormwater retention is being incorporated under the facility.

“The need for additional parking structures at the University of Central Florida resulted from the loss of parking lots on the inner core of our campus and the increase in student population,” said Kris Singh, director of UCF’s Parking and Transportation Services. “The idea behind this particular parking structure was to put it on the perimeter of campus to promote walking to popular areas.”

Offering 225 degree programs, UCF now has more than 53,000 students on its 1,415-acre main campus.

Haskell, which has office in the U.S. and Mexico, is a design/build firm practicing in the general building and civil infrastructure markets with annual revenue of more than $718 million.

Source : Orlando Business Journal