ORANGE – Officials from the Orange County Transportation Authority, the city of Orange, and the community, came together today to break ground on construction of a new multi-level parking structure at the Orange Transportation Center.
The structure, at 130 N. Lemon Street, will provide much-need parking both for the growing number of transit users and for people coming to Old Towne Orange to enjoy the many shopping and dining destinations.
“The city of Orange has a rich history related to the railroads dating back to the trains full of citrus and olives that passed through every day,” said OCTA Director Todd Spitzer, also the Supervisor representing Orange County’s Third District. “This project honors that history while helping serve the city’s train passengers for many years to come.”
The five-level parking structure will provide 611 spaces, replacing a surface lot that had 172 parking spaces. Of those 611 parking stalls, 500 will be dedicated for those who ride the train, while 111 will be designated for general use by those who visit Old Towne.
The city of Orange led the design on the parking structure to ensure that it honored the history and unique character of Old Towne Orange.
”As a City Council member and OCTA board member, I’m honored to be part of this important project that will provide a valuable resource for both Metrolink riders and visitors to Old Town Orange, which is in many ways the heart of our great city,” said Orange Mayor Pro Tem Mark A. Murphy.
The project will build the city’s first multi-level public parking structure. Two of the five-levels will be built underground and three levels above ground so that the structure blends in with other buildings in the area.
The structure and surrounding plaza also will include brick work and other design elements intended to reflect and complement nearby historic structures.
At the same time, modern elements are incorporated into the design, including solar panels on the roof to cut down on lighting costs. Several parking stalls will included electric car-charging ports. The project also will include bike racks and lockers to encourage active transportation.
The $33.2 million project is being funded by Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, by the city of Orange, and by a mix of state and federal funds.
Alternate parking is being provided during construction at the following locations:
· The lot owned by Chapman University at Palm Avenue, west of the West Depot Parking Lot.
· The top level of Chapman University’s West Campus Structure, at Cypress Street and Maple Avenue.
Construction management firm Hill International and Bomel Construction will lead construction of the parking structure, which is set to open to the public in late 2018.
