We Were Featured In CAM Magazine April 2025 Edition!

THE ART OF HARDSCAPING: HENRY FORD WEST BLOOMFIELD’S ELEVATED PARKING SOLUTION

In September 2024, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital unveiled its state-of-theart parking structure, a testament to innovative design and practical functionality. The $22 million project showcases the latest trends in parking garage construction and sustainable design. Spanning an impressive 257,000 square feet across five tiers, the structure is thoughtfully connected to the hospital’s central entrance via a 350-foot protected walkway, maximizing convenience for all who visit or receive care. A standout design feature of the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital’s parking deck is its embedded brick masonry and washed river rock columns, harmonizing with the hospital’s existing design while complementing its expansive 80-acre grounds of woodlands and wetlands.

Construction Management Techniques
The Henry Ford Health West Bloomfield Parking Deck was a collaborative effort between Henry Ford Health, the DeMaria/Ideal Joint Venture (DeMaria Building Company and Ideal Contracting), Facilinet Services, Inc., and Albert Kahn Associates, Inc., from the initial design and pre-construction process through project completion. During the pre-construction process, the project team met continuously to review the design documents, constructability of the design, and budgets for the work. These meetings allowed the team to make timely decisions to keep the design, the budget, and the project on track. Procore’s construction management software program was used to coordinate and manage documentation so that all team members had access to drawings, specifications, submittals, RFIs, and meeting minutes. A key focus of the pre-construction meetings was addressing community concerns, particularly regarding construction noise and potential light pollution from the parking deck. The team proactively communicated with the neighboring community and worked to obtain approval for designs and lighting that mitigated the issue.

The Henry Ford West Bloomfield’s parking structure incorporates washed river rock columns to complement the hospital’s existing design and to match the aesthetic of the campus. Photo credit: Curt Clayton

Precast Precision and Masonry Mastery
The design of the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Parking Deck incorporates embedded brick masonry at its base, transitioning to precast concrete panels for the higher sections. As a result of this design selection, the aesthetic appeal is not only enhanced, but also the functionality is improved. The brick base harmonizes with the hospital’s existing architecture, while the upper precast panels effectively screen vehicles from view, addressing both aesthetic and privacy concerns.

Embedded brick masonry, a method that incorporates bricks directly into precast concrete panels, is becoming increasingly favored in the design of parking structures. This method offers several benefits over traditional field-applied brick, including reduced on-site labor, improved quality control, and enhanced durability. The team’s use of precast concrete was favored for these advantages, most notably the rapid installation that dramatically reduces onsite construction time. It also ensures high-quality components manufactured in controlled environments, crucial for maintaining consistent standards across the deck’s 630 parking spaces. The project also demonstrates attention to detail in its concrete finishing. The use of hidden lighting fixtures on the top tiers, integrated into the concrete structure, minimizes visual impact on surrounding areas while providing necessary illumination. The parking structure incorporates washed river rock columns to complement the hospital’s existing design and to match the aesthetic of the campus. Strategically placing stone features at the pedestrian and automobile entry points creates a visual connection between the deck and the hospital, harmonizing the overall campus architecture. This specific masonry work is a specialized and meticulous trade that only a select few contractors still practice.