Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum 5th Street Garage

Functional layout and theory of operation for 1,200-space entertainment and mixed-use garage

Icon Venue Group and Graef engaged Walker Consultants to provide parking consulting services for the Block 7 development adjacent to the new Milwaukee Bucks arena, the Fiserv Forum. The 1,200-space 5th Street Garage will also serve a proposed development planned to contain restaurants, retail, and residential components.

Walker performed these services:

• Reviewed and commented on the functional layout of the garage
• Developed a theory of operations for the facility that accommodates the many types of users, including event patrons, retail/restaurant patrons, apartment tenants and downtown visitors
• Designed a Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) to meet the needs of the owner and control ingress and egress activity of each user group, as well as parking revenue
• Developed and executed an operator procurement process to ensure that the owner hired a professional parking operator who would be best equipped to handle the unique usage of the garage

Walker consulted on the design and operation of the 5th Street Garage.

Walker performed design services to lay out spaces in the most efficient manner possible, and design signage to guide patrons in and out of the garage quickly. Walker also provided guidance to the architect during the design process. The result is a garage that functions well and can load and unload quickly.

Walker’s proposed theory of operation and design criteria recommended managing the facility as a fully automated, pay-on-foot (POF) structure on non-event days. On days with events, a pay-at-entry (PAE) methodology provides the fastest exit for event patrons.

Walker’s PARCS specification was designed to best control ingress and egress activity, as well as the revenue generated. Walker provided a cost-benefit analysis of the PARCS alternatives and a cost estimate of the recommended system, as well as review of submittals by the chosen vendor, and construction administration/acceptance testing.

Walker’s expertise allowed Icon and Graef to build a highly functional garage that meets the needs of all user groups and provides a great experience to Milwaukee Bucks patrons. Walker’s PARCS equipment specification and procurement knowledge ensured a viable and cost-effective access and revenue control solution, which optimizes revenue generation and the parking experience for users.