Columbus approves contract for new 500-space parking garage at Trade Center
The Columbus City Council has approved a contract with Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC to design and construct an approximately 500-space parking garage for the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.
According to the council agenda item, the project will include turnkey design services for the garage, including architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural work, as well as sitework, civil, landscape and utility coordination. Construction services will include procurement and installation of the proposed improvements.
The garage is planned for a city-owned site across Front Avenue from the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. The project also is being designed to accommodate a future bridge connection between the Trade Center and the parking garage, which will be constructed under a separate contract.
Four companies submitted proposals for the project: Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC; Batson-Cook Construction; Gilbane Building Company; and Swinerton Builders. The proposals were evaluated by a committee made up of representatives from the Trade Center, METRA, Public Works and Engineering, with additional representatives serving as alternates and non-voting advisors.
The evaluation committee unanimously recommended Brasfield & Gorrie for the project in March 2025. The company was cited for its experience with parking garages and work within the historic district, its previous work with the City of Columbus and more than 350 design-build projects.
The request for proposals was initially placed on hold in June 2025 after the Trade Center requested a pause in the process. The vendors agreed to keep their proposals valid indefinitely. On Aug. 17, 2026, the Trade Center notified Purchasing that it wanted to proceed with the contract award and requested that the item be placed on the City Council agenda.
Funding for the project is identified in the city’s FY2027 budget through 2021 SPLOST economic development funds designated for Trade Center improvements, along with Tax Lease Revenue Bonds funding designated for the Trade Center parking garage.
As the design process moves forward, the Trade Center Authority is expected to seek input from community stakeholders on the project.
The approved resolution authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the contract with Brasfield & Gorrie for the approximately 500-space parking garage.
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