As demolition of the old Fourth Street Garage continues, Bloomington city officials are looking ahead to the construction of the new garage. The city announced Tuesday that it’s pursuing Parksmart certification for the new structure.
According to the Parksmart website, the certification is the “world’s only rating system designed to advance sustainable mobility through smarter parking structure design and operation.” The company offers guidelines on how to build new and update existing parking structures to improve performance and sustainability.
Parksmart certification recognizes parking structures that reduce environmental impact, encourage alternative methods of transportation and strengthen community relationships.
A city news release says Parksmart guidelines are dictating how the city is managing the waste from the demolition of the old garage – including the recycling of old steel and rebar after its separation from concrete.
Some critics opposed construction of a new garage because of environmental concerns.
READ MORE: Bloomington City Council Votes Down Fourth Street Garage Reconstruction Proposal
The city says the covered walkway behind the garage has been dismantled for this next phase of demolition, and crews will assess whether to reconstruct it after demolition and before construction on the new garage begins.
