The new $123-million Midfield Terminal Parking Structure for Northwest Airlines at Detroit Metropolitan Airport features 89 acres of enclosed space, which accommodates 11,489 cars plus a variety of amenities. Some 5,000 pretopped 12-foot double tees were used, with five precasters providing components from seven plants.

October 2001 will mark the completion of the nation's largest parking garage built in one phase. Midfield Terminal Parking Garage, for Northwest Airlines at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, features 10 - levels, 89 acres of floor space and the ability to garage 11,600 cars.

The precast concrete bid offered a savings of over $18 million for the gigantic project. In order to meet the project's deadline, five precasters operating seven plants will produce the necessary components. The lead precaster is PBM Concrete Inc. of Rochelle, IL.

In addition to the cost savings, constructing the project in precast allows for further benefits. For example, the quality and durability of the concrete is better, as all of the seven plants are Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute certified. Also, the durability of the concrete is enhanced because of the requirement of a 40-year service life.

The project is being built by AWP, a joint venture of J.S. Alberici Construction Co. in St. Louis and Livonia, Mich., Walsh Construction Co. in Chicago and Detroit;and PBM Concrete Inc. The design team includes Walker Parking Consultants in Kalamazoo, Mich., HNTB Engineers in Detroit, and Sims Varner Architects also in Detroit.

This parking structure is being built adjacent to a new terminal building for Northwest Airlines. Challenges on this project include limited access to the site because it is extremely narrow at one end.

Size
89 acres

Cost
$123 million