Georgia State University (GSU) Parking Structure Supports Redevelopment

As Georgia State University (GSU) continues to expand its downtown Atlanta campus footprint, a key element in its ongoing transformation is the newly completed Fulton Street Parking Structure.

More than just a garage, this six-level facility serves as an essential piece of infrastructure that supports GSU’s new $85 million Convocation Center (CC) and acts as a catalyst for the broader redevelopment surrounding the historic Center Parc Stadium area.

WGI is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life, working alongside The Beck Group to deliver a parking solution that balances functionality, urban design, and long-term adaptability.

Project Background: Enabling Access and Supporting Growth

With Georgia State University evolving into one of the nation's leading urban research institutions, its facilities are expanding to meet the needs of a growing student body and an increasingly active campus community. Central to this vision is the Convocation Center, a multi-use facility designed to host GSU basketball games, university commencements, concerts, and large-scale public events.

However, one challenge remained clear: such a high-capacity venue required equally robust infrastructure to support event logistics and daily operations.... Which is where the Fulton Street Parking Structure comes into play.

Located adjacent to the Convocation Center, the garage provides 896 parking spaces tailored for commuter students, faculty, and staff while also serving eventgoers.

Beyond sheer capacity, the facility also accommodates critical loading and transit access, making it a key operational hub for GSU’s downtown corridor.

WGI’s Role: Integrating Functionality, Efficiency, and Urban Impact

WGI was engaged as the parking consultant on this high-profile project, with responsibilities that spanned early conceptualization through final delivery.

Our experts collaborated closely with The Beck Group, which acted as both the architect and the design-build contractor, to ensure the garage not only met current needs but could evolve alongside GSU’s future growth.

Design and Engineering Considerations:

• Precast Concrete Structure: WGI advised on the selection of a precast concrete system that significantly reduced on-site construction time and minimized disruption along busy Fulton Street, an important consideration in a dense urban setting.

• Ground Floor Complexity: The ground level design required special attention due to the natural slope of Fulton Street and the need for seamless integration with the Convocation Center’s main entrance and loading dock. WGI’s team engineered solutions that balanced ADA accessibility, drainage performance, and vehicular maneuverability, especially for large trucks and buses using the adjacent dock area.

• Gateway Feature & Visibility: Due to its visibility from major interstates and key entry points into downtown Atlanta, WGI collaborated on the design of a lighted university logo feature, transforming the garage into a visual campus gateway and branding element.

• Transit Connectivity: The garage’s proximity to bus stops and other multimodal transportation links enhances access not just to campus, but also to surrounding neighborhoods, reinforcing the university’s commitment to urban integration.

Design-Build Delivery: Efficiency and Flexibility in Action

A cornerstone of this project’s success was the decision to utilize a design-build delivery method.

With The Beck Group leading both architecture and construction, and WGI embedded as the parking consultant, the team maintained a unified vision and streamlined communication throughout the lifecycle.

This integrated approach allowed the project to stay within budget, despite accommodating late-stage client enhancements, such as:

• An additional rolling grille for improved access control

• Wayfinding signage upgrades

• Branded, opaque screening at the exterior stairwell for enhanced aesthetics and security

A Platform for the Future

As Georgia State University continues to energize downtown Atlanta through academic excellence and urban revitalization, the Fulton Street Parking Structure stands as a testament to thoughtful planning and execution – Serving not just as a facility, but as a facilitator of community engagement, institutional growth, and architectural continuity.

At WGI, we're honored to support forward-thinking institutions like GSU with innovative parking and mobility solutions that elevate the user experience and support vibrant, connected campuses.

Contact Us

Are you interested in learning more about how WGI can assist with your next higher-ed or urban redevelopment project – Contact our team today for more information on our parking and mobility consulting services!