University of New Mexico Yale Parking Structure

Built to help overcome a lack of parking on UNM’s central and north campuses, the Yale Parking structure took land that was being used for surface parking and created a 780 stall, six-level state of the art garage that services both permitted and hourly parking. 

Located on the busy corner of Lomas and Yale Boulevards, the design of the 288,000 s.f. garage was done with ease of access in mind for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. By condensing this campus parking to six levels, almost 5 acres were added to the UNM campus. Cars enter from both Lomas and Yale and a pay-station strategy inside the garage avoids traffic arms that slow vehicles down at entry and exit.

Incorporated into the design of the upper level of the garage is a steel canopy structure that not only provides shade, but that also supports an 180kW photovoltaic system consisting of 820 modules that were purchased from a manufacturer in the Albuquerque area.  This installation offsets the energy demand load of the parking garage and the surrounding site. The saw tooth design of the canopy allows for maximum solar orientation and the clear span of the canopy over the parking garage bays, minimizing vehicle obstructions.  This installation is a very visual and obvious indication of the commitment UNM is making towards sustainability within all of their projects.

Location: Albuquerque, NM
Size: 287,000 sf