With a quick glance at our skyline, it is easy to tell that there is no shortage of new development throughout the DC Metropolitan area. Luckily for us, Colonial Parking is often called upon well in advance to help plan and manage the systems and layouts of the increasingly complex parking garage structures and operations.
With new projects, however, come new challenges. At Colonial Parking, we are problem solvers and with over sixty years of experience in parking and development, there is not a project we cannot tackle.
In It From the Beginning
One project where Colonial has been heavily involved since the beginning is The Wharf on the south-east waterfront, being developed by PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette. Set to open in October 2017, the multi-use, mega-project will include retail and office space, luxury apartments and condos, hotels, fine dining and a concert venue, among other things. With such varying uses and limited parking spaces, ensuring availability for all parties was a complex puzzle. Ultimately, the main floor was kept open for retail and restaurant patrons, while the lower floor is reserved for various uses, including residential, hotel, and even members of the Capital Yacht Club. Each of these entities will occupy their own capacity controlled parking areas. To get this done, a full featured Revenue Control System and an integrated camera based Space Guidance System is being installed and commissioned and will be up and running in August.
Super Becomes Fabulous
Some projects tend to be a work in progress as development grows. Colonial began parking operation of Federal Realty’s Pike & Rose in 2014, which houses a variety of residential, retail shops, and restaurants. Meanwhile, additional phases are bringing fabulous new retailers and restaurants, even a Porsche Dealer to the site placing greater demands on parking. At Pike & Rose we are working on a complex employee parking program, valet operation, and in garage valet-assist program, all leading to an increase in parking capacity while maintaining the exemplary customer service visitors to Pike & Rose have come to expect.
Fine Details
However, it is not only the large and expansive projects that catch our interest and attention; it is also the smaller and quietly complex. For instance, we recently began operation of parking arrangements for Hotel Indigo situated on Alexandria’s waterfront. The 120-room hotel opted to valet all vehicles, allowing the option for a smaller, completely valet parking facility. Based on similar use cases, the 69 spaces should be perfect. However, given a large event or busy season, Colonial wanted to ensure we had a backup plan. We quickly identified a nearby location that could serve as overflow for the valet operation, if the need arises.
Colonial Parking has the know-how and resources to overcome any parking obstacle. It is our creativity and constant drive for innovation and success that makes us the best parking partner in the DC Metropolitan Area.
–Allison Howard
Communications Manager
About Colonial Parking: Colonial Parking manages 240 plus parking locations in the Washington, DC area. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service to both our customers and clients, as well as hiring trusted and driven employees that exude our integrity and accountability. We would be happy to review your project, be it large or small.
