City Council Approves $600,000 for Parking Deck Repairs
The Sandy Springs City Council approved a $599,407 contract with Structural Restoration Inc. during its July 15 meeting to address critical repairs on the city’s underground parking garage located at 1 Galambos Way. This decision comes as concerns over the structural integrity of the facility have grown in recent months.
In 2024, the city engaged Walter P. Moore & Associates Inc. to conduct a condition assessment of the parking deck. According to Dave Wells, the city’s director of Facilities/Capital Construction and Building Operations, the evaluation revealed several issues, including concrete cracking, water infiltration, and failed expansion joints. These problems have raised alarms about the long-term stability of the structure.
The parking deck is shared between the city and the adjacent Greystar development, which operates under an existing cost-sharing agreement for major capital repairs. The report from Walter P. Moore outlined several key areas that require attention to ensure the facility remains safe and functional for years to come.
Key Repair Recommendations
The proposed improvements include:
- Expansion joint replacement to prevent further damage caused by movement and stress.
- Waterproofing and surface sealant applications to protect against moisture intrusion, which has been a significant factor in the deterioration of the concrete.
- Structural reinforcement in critical areas to strengthen the foundation and support systems.
- Concrete spall and crack repairs, which are essential to maintaining the integrity of the surface and preventing further degradation.
These steps are crucial in preserving the service life of the parking deck and ensuring it can continue to serve both the city and the Greystar development.
Bidding Process and Cost Sharing
Three contractors submitted bids for the project, with Structural Restoration Solutions offering the lowest price at $599,407, followed by Metro Waterproofing at $841,104. The city will cover the full cost of the project upfront, with Greystar expected to reimburse the city for its proportional share, estimated at $261,436 based on the findings presented by Wells.
Wells highlighted that the parking deck experiences heavy usage, particularly due to its proximity to residential areas. He also noted that the high levels of moisture, especially during humid seasons, have contributed to the concrete spalling observed in the structure.
The project is expected to take approximately one year to complete, with the goal of restoring the facility to a safe and functional state.
Future Considerations and Funding
During the meeting, Council member Andy Bauman suggested that the city explore the possibility of establishing a contingency fund to manage the growing number of facilities that require maintenance and repairs. This idea aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to plan for future infrastructure needs.
City Manager Eden Freeman mentioned that the budget process included a request to fund an updated facility condition assessment. This initiative aims to provide the city with a clearer understanding of its infrastructure needs and help guide long-term planning efforts.
As the city moves forward with the parking deck repairs, officials are also looking ahead to ensure that similar issues do not arise in other public structures. By addressing these challenges proactively, Sandy Springs is taking important steps to maintain the quality and safety of its community spaces.
