The Channelside Parking Garage and Tampa Port Authority recognized for its architectural design, aesthetics and innovative parking design system

Tampa, FL -- (SBWire) -- 10/03/2011 --In the summer of 2010, Creative Sign Designs partnered with Kraft Construction and the Tampa Port Authority to develop an innovative parking design system for the Channelside Parking Garage in downtown Tampa. Now one year later, the garage has been recognized with the 2011 Award of Merit for Best Design of a Parking Facility with Fewer than 800 Spaces from the International Parking Institute.

The facility underwent a key expansion to address the critical need for more parking during special events and peak seasons in the Channelside area of downtown Tampa. To accommodate the consistent increase in tourism from nearby cruise lines and popular attractions, the garage houses over 700 parking spots, including grade-level parking for buses, and capabilities for future 160-space vertical expansion. Creative Sign Designs furnished a complete custom sign package for the garage expansion project.

In addition, the garage has won a total of five awards including an Eagle Award from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), celebrating excellence in construction, the Florida Parking Association’s Award of Excellence and two merit awards from the Tampa Bay and Orlando chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

“We thank the City of Tampa, the architects, and construction team for their contributions to the success of this fantastic garage,” says Richard Wainio, Tampa’s port director and CEO.

The IPI Award of Excellence Program recognizes and applauds the trend toward facilities that are aesthetically appealing, as well as functional, and encourages excellence and efficiency in parking design.

About Creative Sign Designs
Creative Sign Designs, with national headquarters in Tampa, specializes in turnkey architectural signage solutions. Creative Sign Designs provides consultation, design, project management, fabrication, and installation services for a full line of interior, exterior and digital sign products. With more than 25 years experience providing architectural sign solutions, Creative Sign Designs is capable of successfully managing local, regional, and national projects.