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AVL parking deck wins design award

The new parking garage at Asheville Regional Airport was awarded the 2019 Commercial Airport Project of the Year  for architecture  by the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, architects Gresham Smith and the Asheville Regional Airport Authority announced.

"AVL supported our team in, literally, thinking outside the box. We knew this could be more than simply a concrete parking garage, instead we saw this project as an opportunity to reflect the unique community the airport serves," said David L. King, AIA, regional vice president of architectural firm Gresham Smith. "We value our partnership with the airport and are thrilled to share in this award from SEC-AAAE."

"We are proud to have this project chosen as the Commercial Airport Project of the Year - Architectural Project because it recognizes AVL's commitment to the passenger experience. Before this project, parking at the airport was scarce and we needed more room to service rental car customers," said Lew Bleiweis, executive director, Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. "Not only did Gresham Smith design a highly functional solution, they created a landmark for the airport that pays homage to the region."

The garage is constructed of precast concrete that features a relief of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a nearly 516-foot long supergraphic image created from perforated metal that also depicts the surrounding landscape. The 5-story parking garage adds more than 1,300 parking spaces plus dedicated space to relocate rental cars. The parking structure connects to the terminal through a steel-framed canopy, providing users with covered access to the centrally-located ticketing lobby and baggage claim.