Project Overview

Design Electric partnered with Mark Turner Construction to deliver the electrical scope for the new University of Virginia North Grounds Parking Garage, a six-level parking and transportation hub that will expand parking capacity while supporting transit operations, electric vehicle charging, bicycle storage, and other mobility-focused features. The project brought together multiple trades and stakeholders, all working toward a common goal: keeping the project moving safely and efficiently from groundbreaking through turnover.

Challenges & Collaboration

When rock was encountered during site work, the Faulconer Construction team stepped in to help our superintendent work through the challenge. We've worked together for years, so there was a real sense of teamwork from the start. They helped us out on this project, just as we've helped them on others, and everyone pitched in to find a solution and keep the job moving. That willingness to support one another made it possible to work through the unexpected conditions without losing momentum.

Commissioning & Problem Solving

One of the most challenging portions of the project came late in construction during commissioning of the lighting controls system. While testing the system, it became clear that portions of the approved Sequence of Operations could be interpreted in different ways. As a result, questions arose about how some lighting functions were intended to perform. Rather than handing the issue off to others, our team stayed actively involved in finding a solution. Working alongside the lighting controls manufacturer, engineers, and University representatives, we reviewed approved submittals, walked through programming changes, and participated in field testing to confirm system performance. When programming adjustments were needed, our team stayed involved every step of the way, working side by side with the controls vendor, engineers, and UVA staff during testing and startup. That hands-on approach helped the team work through issues quickly, verify system performance, and maintain momentum.

Milestone Commitment

For Design Electric, success on this project wasn't measured only by completed installations; it was measured by whether the construction team could continue hitting its milestones. From day one, our focus was supporting the schedule established by Mark Turner Construction. As work areas opened up and priorities shifted, our team adjusted right alongside the rest of the project team. Whether coordinating with other trades or adapting to changing site conditions, we stayed focused on completing our work when it was needed so that the next phase of construction could move forward.

Team Development

Beyond the work itself, the project was an important milestone for our team. During construction, one of our Leadmen earned a promotion to Foreman. Watching team members grow into leadership roles is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and this project provided an opportunity for that next step while contributing to a successful outcome for our construction partners.

Results

From unexpected rock conditions to complex lighting controls commissioning, the North Grounds Parking Garage presented challenges that required flexibility, collaboration, and steady communication. By working closely with the construction team and trade partners, Design Electric delivered its scope without holding up progress and helped keep the project moving toward its key milestones. The result was a strong partnership, a successful project, and another example of what can be accomplished when everyone is committed to the same goal.

University of Virginia's North Grounds Parking Garage

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