GREENSBORO, N.C. — After conducting an assessment on the Bellemeade parking deck in downtown Greensboro, engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates has recommended either a partial or complete rebuild of the structure, according to a press release.
The firm previously conducted an assessment on the deck back in 2022 at the request of the City of Greensboro. When they returned in August of this year, they found a noticeable increase in the amount of deterioration, per their report.
According to the firm, many of the issues reside on the top floor of the deck, Level 8. On that level, there was "significant deterioration and concrete spalling, creating a serious structural safety concern."
The firm also said the rooftop tracking coating on Level 8 has completely deteriorated. There was also the presence of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), a chemical reaction that "damages concrete structures as the chemical produces an expansive gel that causes the concrete to crack along the surface."
According to the City of Greensboro, no one is currently parking on the upper levels of the deck, which is located near popular spots such as the Tanger Performing Arts Center.
Kimley-Horn presented three recommendations to the City of Greensboro.
1) Partial Level 8 Demolition and Reconstruction
"Removal of all precast double-tees and inverted tee-girders at Level 8 at the end-bays of the structure ... These precast members would then be replaced with a new precast structure."
2) Complete Level 8 Demolition without Reconstruction
"Demolishing of the entire Level 8 roof structure and leaving the lower Level 8 as the new 'roof' of the parking deck ... The concrete stair and elevator cores would either have access blocked or partially demolished from Level 8 to Level 7."
3) Begin Decommissioning and Plan for New Construction
"If additional testing and forensic investigations of the lower levels of the parking structure yield excessive repair requirements, our recommendation would be to begin decommissioning the structure and prepare for full building demolition."
Bellemeade parking deck
According to Kimley-Horn, parking decks normally have a lifespan of about 50 years if properly maintained. The Bellemeade parking deck was built approximately 35 years ago.
The City of Greensboro told WFMY News 2 on Friday that it is working with its transportation team on next steps.
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