Located in the heart of San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood, the Cesar Chavez Parking Structure reflects how thoughtful design-build delivery can serve both infrastructure needs and cultural identity. Delivered by PCL Construction and its design-build team in partnership with the San Diego Community College District, the project was completed on an accelerated timeline, with design finalized in June 2013 and construction completed just six months later in December 2013.

The structure’s layout maximizes visibility and safety with upturned perimeter beams, open stairwells, and a glass-backed elevator, while also incorporating a rooftop solar panel system to support the district’s sustainability goals. All five levels are above grade, designed with user comfort and efficiency in mind.

From the start, this project required close coordination with local stakeholders. The site’s proximity to Chicano Park and the broader Barrio Logan community meant the structure would play a visible role in a historically significant neighborhood. Community feedback was especially critical in shaping the large-scale mural panels that now line the structure.

To gain community buy-in, PCL facilitated an inclusive design process in partnership with the District. The design team prepared multiple mural renderings, which were shared during a series of meetings with community organizations. During those presentations, PCL helped gather feedback and community-supplied photographs that ultimately shaped the final design. By revising the artwork based on direct input and imagery provided by residents, the team ensured the mural not only respected the legacy of César Chávez and the United Farmworkers, but also reflected the voices of the neighborhood.

This collaborative effort turned a traditional parking structure into a symbol of pride and local identity. The Cesar Chavez Parking Structure stands as a testament to how integrated design-build delivery can bridge infrastructure and culture—delivering value that goes beyond the built form.