Published: Friday, June 26, 2009
Updated: Monday, August 16, 2010 09:08
A gala was held June 19 to celebrate the completion of the James Rutherford Parking Structure, a $7 million dollar state of the art parking structure. The celebration took place, where else, at the new ramp.
The groundbreaking ramp, which is located at the corner of West Kearsley Street and Buckham Alley, will feature a state of the art security system as well as ample parking to the denizens of downtown Flint and commuters.
But above that, the parking structure symbolizes what is referred to as a “renaissance” for Flint.
“[The parking structure] is the beginning of solving the critical needs of downtown,” said Larry Ford, Chief Operating Officer of the Flint Downtown Development Authority. “There are more and more people interacting in Downtown Flint, not just with businesses, but with the University of Michigan-Flint.”
On the surface, the parking ramp seems like just that: a parking ramp. However, if the decision is passed, the structure will be the first structure of its kind in Flint to use natural energy.
“We’re hoping to get final word from the Michigan Public Service commission to get the grant so that [the structure] can go green,” said Ford. “We also hope to use the same technology on the Riverfront parking facility.”
Should the structure go green, it will use windmills and solar panels installed on the roof of the structure.
“This structure is instrumental in the rejuvenation of Downtown Flint,” said James Rutherford, CEO of the Flint Downtown Development Authority and namesake of the parking structure. “It is vital to have more parking for people who will be commuting in Downtown Flint.”
“This could not have happened without the diligence and hard work of the companies who have bid and worked on the project,” said Rutherford. “The workers finished the job on time and under budget through bad weather.”
The impact of the structure is even making headway to UM-Flint.
“We’re happy to have the Flint Downtown Development Agency working downtown and we’re willing to work with anyone for any kind of downtown development,” said Dr. Ruth Person, UM-Flint Chancellor. “We want to have some opportunities for individuals work with the University.”
“This is a great addition for the city,” said Person.
The parking structure will be opened to the public on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
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