When to start discussions with a vendor?

Automated parking is still a very young market in the Unites States, but it is a rapidly expanding one, and numerous companies have recently entered into this field. Finding a quality vendor with a proven track record is extremely important. Developer Tom Scannapieco, who has been quite satisfied with the parking system in his luxury Philadelphia project, explains why:

“The (APS) team was great to work with because I felt like I was working with programmers and engineers rather than salespeople,” Scannapieco says. “I felt like I was working with people who really understood the system. They had the expertise to have a really in-depth discussion.”

The level of professionalism Scannapieco notes in the APS company was important for him. “Through my interviews and discussions with them, I came to the conclusion that this was a company that was very service oriented,” he says. “They have experience in the automated delivery of products for fortune 500 companies, and I know those production lines cannot stop. So I know that culturally they are prepared to keep a system running.”

To find a capable APS vendor, it would be advisable to look for companies with decades of experience in the field of logistics automation. Storing and retrieving a vehicle poses little challenge to providers who have a wealth of experience in reliably handling boxes, pallets, paper rolls, and other goods weighing several tons. These companies have enhanced their product portfolio by adapting their tried-and-tested technologies in handling goods and applying them to automated parking.

Discussing Capacity Planning with an APS Supplier

When is the right time to start the discussion about an APS? The short answer is: Now! If a building structure is designed or built before discussions with an APS supplier, it becomes much more difficult to go back and implement automated parking. Depending on the layout, the planning and actual implementation of an APS can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. For a structure to be properly designed, discussions with an APS supplier should occur as soon in the conceptual process as possible. In many cases, the layout of the automated parking will inform the layout and design of the building.

The Planning and Implementation Period

After determining the preferred parking system design, implementation is the next step, which typically takes between 12 to 18 months. Close integration between the developer/architect and the APS provider team assures smooth project handling throughout manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.

All parking systems equipment should be tested at the manufacturing facility before delivery. This ensures that the equipment is manufactured and wired correctly, which results in reduced commissioning time on-site. After the in-house test is completed, computers and related equipment are shipped to the automated parking garage site where final on-site testing and training is conducted.

CASE STUDY: MAXIMIZING ROI IN A HISTORIC CITY WITH AUTOMATED PARKING

A government-owned, on-grade parking lot was taking up valuable real estate on the main shopping street of a historic US city. The municipality agreed to sell this parking lot, together with a nearby 2nd lot, if the purchaser of the two lots replaced all the existing parking spots, and, provided adequate parking for whatever was developed on the two lots.

The developer that was successful in purchasing the lots chose to maximize his ROI by utilizing the space saving benefits of an automated parking system (APS), which the city was very excited about. The developer is planning to build retail and residential units on all the available land of the 1st parking lot located on the main shopping and restaurant street and on the 2nd, smaller lot, is building more retail and residential units and an APS that fits 142 parking spaces. The 142 parking spaces in the APS, which are over six parking levels and on just over 6,600 square feet of land, replace all the parking spots of the original on-grade lots and provides all the parking required for the retail and residential units.

The APS will be built first so all the existing parking spaces on the two lots can be stored in the APS allowing the developer to build the retail and residential units on the vacant land. The APS should be completed in 2023.

Conclusion

APSs are a game changer for developers and cities crowded with cars that need to park. Automated parking is an aesthetically pleasing parking method that creates a stress-free and seamless user experience. The stress of driving around looking for a parking spot is eliminated, as are the exhaust fumes emitted. For developers, the benefits of “robotic” car parking are even more pronounced. The space needed for a structure with finely tuned machinery and sophisticated software to move and store cars is about 60 percent less than the space needed for self-parking. No space is needed for people walking around the parking area. No lights are needed. No security guards are needed. The extra space gained from specifying a compact parking solution can then be used for other profitable buildings or assets. Comparing the simple costs of an APS with a conventional parking garage is misleading. Considering the long-term benefits from automated parking, it is more than possible to create a positive ROI for the developer. Add to that the user experience and the “cool factor” of automated parking, and this modern technology is certainly something to consider at the beginning of any design and build project.

Architect Mike Rosen is considering automated parking for more projects. “In my line of work, and playing in the arena that I play in, we are constantly dealing with cutting-edge technologies that test the mettle of some of the clients,” he says. “I am bullish on automated parking. I would recommend it highly and have made the argument to many developers and clients as to the benefits it presents. Overall, I think it is an extremely useful and viable approach to minimizing the impact of the automobile on the building.”

End Notes

¹“Guide: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements in CALGreen Building Code – Developers, Property Owners, and Property Managers.” City of Sacramento. Web. 9 December 2020.