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The Cleveland Clinic OCPM Parking Lot

The scope of this project is to develop an existing building site into a parking lot which will incorporate bioswales to filter a majority of the parking lot storm water runoff. In addition, the demolition materials from the existing building will be separated and recycled to the greatest extent possible, as part of a green initiative launched by the Cleveland Clinic using LEED principles.  The perimeter of the site was developed as  preliminary streetscape design theme going through campus.

In addressing its need for additional parking for its Imaging Center and Outpatient Surgery Center, The Cleveland Clinic, who has a strong commitment to sustainable buildings that extends to its open space areas and even parking facilities, challenged its design team to provide the parking required without the addition of a storm water management facility.  As a long-term collaborator with the Cleveland Clinic, our team at Cawrse was charged with balancing aesthetic, programmatic need, budget and environmental sustainability in planning the new parking facility. Our resulting design featured bioswales between parking stalls to slow the flow over storm water during peak storm water events.  Through native plantings, gravel pockets and soils, the water is partially absorbed and filtered before reaching the storm water system.

Our resulting design featured bioswales between parking stalls to slow the flow over storm water during peak storm water events.  Through native plantings, gravel pockets and soils, the water is partially absorbed and filtered before reaching the storm water system.  The sloped concave swales (opposite of the convex traditional parking lot mound) allow water to enter through curb cutouts that permit the absorption of water during peak flow into the soil.  The swales also include overflow drain inlets and sub drainage pipe that connects to the existing sewer system.

 The aesthetics of the bioswales are pleasing to visitors and employees of The Cleveland Clinic.  The islands of indigenous plantings and enhance the neighboring streetscape and provide visual interest by breaking up the traditional vision of parking facilities.

Builders Exchange Article

Cleveland Clinic Project Shows
Parking Facilities Can Be Green, Too