By HFT Staff

Patients and visitors to Froedtert Hospital will find parking easier and more pleasant with the grand opening of a new six-level, 2274-space Froedtert Hospital Parking - Blue structure. The new garage, which boasts a glass-enclosed design and modern parking management technology, elevates the parking experience while introducing a new architectural landmark at Froedtert Hospital, home of the region’s only adult Level I Trauma Center. 

The glass reflects the sky and neighboring structures, allowing the appearance to subtly shift throughout the day as weather conditions and lighting change. 

The key element of the Froedtert Hospital Parking - Blue structure is Bendheim Glass’ ventilated glass rainscreen system, which serves as a second skin to transform the garage from purely functional infrastructure into a daylighted, durable and striking component of the hospital campus. Bendheim designed and fabricated a custom glass and compression clip system to fasten the façade to the building. The custom ventilated glass system created a design statement as it eliminated the need for a costly steel substructure that would normally support the façade. 

Ventilated glass parking façades reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical ventilation systems, thereby lowering operating energy costs while preserving natural light. Glass façades also reduce the amount of steel and other materials required in garage designs, significantly cutting construction times, promoting sustainability and providing substantial construction and maintenance savings. 

The Froedtert Hospital Parking - Blue structure also boasts a suite of advanced parking technology and safety systems designed to provide a more convenient and safer parking experience, including: 

• Parking guidance technology monitors space availability and provides real-time availability information via LED signage on each floor. 
• An access control system on the lower-level gives added security to the team member parking level. 
• A snow-melting system on the roof facilitates snow removal and avoids hauling snow off-site.  
• A robust security network of cameras, emergency call boxes and a staffed security station provides continuous monitoring and patrols.