Whor-Stopa of Stuttgart, Germany (represented by SpaceSaver Parking Company of Chicago), manufactured the system, which has been used in Europe for a few years.
A computer-controlled robotic transport device that can move horizontally and vertically carries cars from either of two entrance bays into a basement holding four levels of storage compartments. Cars are raised to an empty slot and moved on in.
Residents set the process in motion with electronically encoded access keys, which are also needed to send the robotic valet to retrieve their vehicles. Residents can summon their cars from the elevators, the lobby or the garage itself.
Some of the cost of building the facility — about $20,000 per space — has been offset by savings elsewhere.
Since no humans are in the auto storage area, there is no need for fire stairs — only ladders and catwalks for maintenance and the fire department. Elevators do not need to access the basement levels, where only minimal lighting is required.
Cars are supported on steel pallets on a steel structural frame, eliminating the need to build floors for these levels. Special ventilation systems aren’t needed because the cars’ engines don’t run while they are being parked. And because the public never goes into the garage, the residents receive an added measure of security.
Pillars Conference Showcases Multifamily Industry and Issues
To learn more about a variety of issues that affect multifamily professionals, attend the 2004 NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference & Awards Gala, the premier educational and networking event of the year for the multifamily industry, from March 28-30 in Palm Springs, CA.
For more information or to register, click here.
We Want to Hear From You
Let us know what you think about NBN Online. Please click here to fill out the NBN Online Readers' Survey. Thank you.
[ Go to Top ]