Officials from OCTA and the City of Orange came together with the community on February 19 to mark the completion of a new multi-level parking structure at the Orange Transportation Center.
Now open at 130 N. Lemon Street, the new building will provide much-needed parking for transit users and fans of Old Towne Orange shopping and dining.
“This structure reflects the historic look and feel of the surrounding area while providing modern amenities that will serve rail passengers and the community for generations to come,” said OCTA Chairman Tim Shaw.
With 608 spaces, the five-level Old Towne West Metrolink Parking Structure provides nearly four times the accommodations afforded by the 172-space surface lot it replaces. Five hundred spaces are reserved for train riders and the remainder is designated for general use.
The City of Orange led the design to ensure it honored the history and unique character of Old Towne Orange.
“As the City of Orange mayor and an OCTA board member, I’m thrilled to see the completion of this important project, both for rail commuters and for the people visiting the downtown of our great city,” said Mayor Mark A. Murphy. “We all have reason to be proud.”
Other attendees included OCTA directors Michael Hennessey, Gene Hernandez, and Gregory Winterbottom, OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson, and Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins.
Two of the five levels are underground. The above-ground levels have been carefully constructed with brick work and other design elements intended to reflect and complement nearby historic structures.
This thoroughly modern building includes rooftop solar panels to reduce electricity costs, six parking stalls with electric car-charging ports, and 24 bicycle lockers to encourage active transportation such as cycling and walking.
Hill International and Bomel Construction led construction of the parking structure.
The $29.5 million project was funded by OC Go (also known as Measure M), the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, the City of Orange, and a mix of state and federal funds.