When space is tight but demand is high, building up is often the smartest move. Parking structures aren’t just about squeezing in more cars—they’re about making the most of every square foot, solving site challenges, and keeping things structurally sound from the ground up. That’s where ATMI Precast comes in.
Our precast systems bring strength, efficiency, and good design to every project. And when we’re brought in early, we’re able to collaborate closely with the general contractor, developer, and design team to plan smarter from the start. Understanding the nuances of each site up front means fewer surprises later—and a more efficient build overall.
From a multi-level deck with unique needs on every floor, to a tight site just inches from a glass tower, to a dual-use garage built over a stormwater system—these projects show how no two parking decks are ever the same. ATMI adapts to each challenge with tailored precast solutions that solve problems and get the job done. As Promised.
In this blog, we’re spotlighting three standout parking deck projects that pushed limits, solved tough challenges, and delivered big results.
Project A
When land is limited but parking demand is high, there’s only really one way to go—up! Project A was designed with that in mind. This deck spans four bays across and rises four levels above a below-grade parking area just for employees. That lower level even has its own entrance, stairwell, and elevator to keep staff access completely separate from guests.
Because of the size and flow of the garage, this project called for something you don’t see every day: two full sets of ramps to keep traffic moving smoothly across all levels. In addition to that, the deck required an entrance as grand as the entrance of the adjacent building, which felt open and inviting but could still handle the weight and wear of a fully loaded parking structure. Add in a sloped site and another building being constructed right next door and you have all the ingredients for a project that demands precise coordination and planning.
Cast-in-place concrete foundation walls were used to create two separate but tightly aligned structures. And because of the potential for future expansion, the parking deck was designed with horizontal expansion in mind.
Architecturally, the garage was finished with care—featuring one look for the spandrels and another for the columns to give it some visual variety. Exterior shear walls were used to manage wind and seismic loads while keeping the interior open and uncluttered.
Thoughtful fieldwork, including fencing, pour strips for drainage, and water-shedding slopes, ensured long-term durability and safety.
From concept to completion, Project A was about balancing technical demands with thoughtful design. And ATMI was proud to deliver both As Promised.
Rush University Parking Garage, Chicago, IL 900 parking spaces
This multi-level parking garage was first awarded to ATMI Precast in 2019, with plans to get it off the ground in 2020. Then COVID hit. Like a lot of things during that time, the project was paused—delayed for over a year. Full erection finally kicked off in 2022 and wrapped up in 2024. It was worth the wait.
Spanning four bays in width and three elevated levels, the garage was designed with more than just functionality in mind. To disguise the typical appearance of precast concrete, the structure was wrapped in architectural cladding—requiring extensive coordination for embed plates on the exterior panels to support the added facade. The result: a parking deck that doesn’t look like a parking deck at all.
One of the toughest challenges came from the garage’s close proximity—just 18 inches—to a 15-story glass medical office tower under construction at the same time. This required meticulous planning and execution to safely erect the structure without damaging the adjacent building. Adding to this complexity was a precast concrete canopy along the side closest to the tower, designed to shield the office from potential fire hazards from vehicles parked in that area.
On the safety side, the structure featured a unique cable barrier system instead of standard precast barriers. These tensioned cables are built to stop vehicles from going over the edge—each cable holding up to 30,000 pounds of force. The garage incorporated thicker, reinforced topping and upsized structural elements to handle these forces. It’s a rare, innovative approach in precast, and one we’re proud to have delivered.
Accessibility was also a major consideration. The garage needed to accommodate medical and handicap-accessible vans on all levels. That meant creating more vertical clearance without compromising strength. The solution? Post-tensioned beams. These beams are thinner than traditional precast but just as strong. This deck required the use of post-tensioned beams in approximately nine different areas to make sure everything met the specs.
This project showcased ATMI Precast’s ability to adapt, innovate, and coordinate under complex conditions—all while delivering a structure that is as visually discreet as it is structurally demanding.
Metro 19
Located in a vibrant western suburb of Chicago, Metro 19 shows what happens when smart design and close collaboration come together. This new mixed-use development centers around a residential complex offering market-rate apartments—seamlessly integrated with a multi-level parking structure built by ATMI Precast. But Metro 19 is more than just another parking garage—it’s a carefully engineered solution to a complex site challenge.
Located right across the street from a Metra commuter rail station, the project needed to balance parking for both commuters and residents. The developer teamed up with Metra in a public-private partnership to make it work. The first level of the garage is dedicated to commuters, while the upper levels are for residents. Each has its own entrance, which keeps things secure and easy to navigate. It’s a thoughtful solution that replaces lost surface parking and makes life a little easier for residents and commuters alike.
Below the surface, ATMI Precast’s innovation continued. With no space for traditional above-ground stormwater detention systems like ponds, the team worked with the developer to design a cast-in-place detention basin located beneath the parking garage itself. Precast components were used to build the structural surface above it, so drivers never even know they’re parking over a hidden water management system. It’s a smart way to handle runoff without sacrificing valuable space or affecting neighboring properties.
Because the residential building is connected to the garage in a few key spots, extra care went into making that connection safe and comfortable. The team added solid concrete firewalls and fire-stopping materials to meet code. Careful consideration was also given to reducing sound and vibration transfer using slip connections and expansion joint materials to ensure residents aren’t disturbed by any activity happening in the garage next door.
Visually, Metro 19 is anything but typical. The garage features a clean architectural finish, utilizing one concrete color treated with two levels of surface blasting. This created a subtle two-tone effect that complements the aesthetic of the adjacent residences and elevates the structure’s overall appearance.
Though compact in footprint, Metro 19 is packed with smart design moves. From water management to fire safety, commuter convenience to resident comfort, this project exemplifies how ATMI Precast brings engineering expertise and thoughtful collaboration to every layer—above and below ground.
Designed and Built to Do More
As cities grow and space gets tighter, parking structures are being asked to do more than ever before—blend into neighborhoods, serve multiple user groups, and stand up to the elements, all while looking good doing it. At ATMI Precast, we approach every parking deck with the same mindset: combine smart design with solid performance to create structures that work hard, last long, look good and meet the needs of today’s evolving spaces. From technical challenges to architectural finishes, we deliver parking solutions that go beyond the basics. As Promised.