Empire Parking Structure

This mixed-use parking structure provides essential parking for the City of Billings and the adjacent hotel.

DFDG collaborated as the design architect with Schutz Foss Architects (SFA) of Billings, Montana, to deliver design services for the Sletten Construction Design-Build team. The project was commissioned by the City of Billings, with a private development partner purchasing 17,000 square feet of street-level retail space and 25 ground-level parking spaces in a condominium-style agreement. Additionally, the adjacent Northern Hotel acquired 230 parking spaces exclusively and funded an enclosed sky bridge connecting the hotel to the parking structure. The remaining 310 parking spaces are designated for public use, supporting the redevelopment of historic Montana Avenue. The retail space fronting onto Montana Avenue will foster a vibrant and active streetscape, acting as a catalyst for ongoing area redevelopment.

The cast-in-place, post-tensioned structure features a unique 12-inch two-way “flat-slab” design for the parking deck immediately above the retail space, effectively limiting vibration and noise transfer. The rigid frame structure requires no shear walls, providing clear lines of sight in both the pedestrian and parking environments.

The project’s architecture is contemporary in form, utilizing exposed concrete, brick veneer, and galvanized steel in a manner reminiscent of historic downtown Billings. These architectural materials were selected for their richness, longevity, and low-maintenance characteristics.

This thoughtful design ensures that the parking structure not only meets the functional needs of the City and its visitors but also enhances the aesthetic and cultural fabric of the surrounding area.