Design-build worked as it has been heralded to do on this 344 car parking deck in Peoria, IL. The Developer, Huber Bros., needed additional economical parking quickly for an office building renovation project. Local Design-Build Contractor River City Design Group, Inc. knowing precast concrete was the best choice to meet the owner's demands, immediately brought in a trusted supplier, PBM Concrete, Inc. (Rochelle, IL) to supply the precast frame. PBM in turn retained The Consulting Engineers Group to act as Parking Consultant, Structural Engineer and Precast Specialty Engineer all rolled into one.

Over the next two weeks, a functional, attractive and economical design was developed. Schematic Drawings and a fixed cost were presented to the owner. After a few refinements the proposal was accepted and the design-build team went to work. Precast shop drawings and designs proceeded simultaneously with the permit (contract) drawings. This allowed production and erection to begin sooner. The deck was erected in 31/2 weeks with an additional 2 weeks for a stair and elevator tower that was the link/transition between the garage and the office building.

If a problem arose, the design-build team worked together to resolve it. For instance, several weeks into construction the owner requested a portion of the lower level be enclosed and outfitted as a car detailing shop. The additional work was priced and approved by the owner and his request was incorporated into the project at once.

The owner dealt with one firm, had one contract, no hassles and ended up with a great garage at an economical price. Design-build as it was intended.