Parking Structure #2 (PS2), located at 538 Rose Street, is a two-part facility with a rich history. The north end, originally constructed in 1968  represents the garage’s historic core. In 2001, the south end was added to expand capacity and functionality.

THP was retained by the University of Kentucky (UK) to perform a study to replace Parking Structure #2 historic portion of the façade with a new cladding system. THP’s goals with the study were to explore materials for the façade replacement that would increase the overall life span of the garage, increase visibility in both directions through the garage cladding system to increase public safety both inside and outside the garage, and improve aesthetics, while integrating the new façade with streetscaping along Rose Street.

THP designed a new metal mesh screen façade of the aging garage that allows more light into the garage, increasing safety and transforming the garage into a more visually appealing structure. Using this metal mesh screen also allowed UK to add branding to the garage. The existing stair towers were replaced to create an open and safer environment for users. The new towers tie into the new Rose Street Plaza acting as ‘lanterns’ providing light, and visual interest to garage. New LED lighting was incorporated to blend in with the plaza, allowing the garage to become the backdrop of the plaza.