St. Mary’s Street Parking Garage

This new six-level parking garage is located on St. Mary’s Street between Pecan and Travis streets. The garage, which accommodates 700 vehicles, is set above ground floor retail and commercial space along St. Mary’s to maintain the traditional street-level character.

Architectural compositional elements are used to diminish the impact of the structure’s mass. Strong horizontal elements help break down the six levels of the buildings, including the horizontal canopies at the first floor level. Vertical elements establish a bay system as well as a hierarchy along the facade.

A playful public art element of inlaid terrazzo, composed of shoe images, enlivens the entry foyers and elevator lobbies of all the floors. Shoe styles serve as the mnemonic device: “I’m on the sneaker level.” Witty interjections of whimsical text complete the compositions, adding a sense of whimsy to the otherwise standard feature of floor markings and wayfinding.

The corner sign at St. Mary’s and Travis streets incorporates the newly designed logo of the parking division. The building signage, both exterior and interior, echoes elements of the public art and also incorporates the logo created for the project, tying the whole package together.

Artist> Cary Sweeny
Signage> Zeitgraph Inc
Client> City Of San Antonio
Construction Cost> $8.3 Million
Completion> March 2002