Do you oversee maintenance on one, or multiple, parking lots?

Are your competitors “going green?”

Do you want to know more about sustainable parking lot solutions, but don’t know where to look?

Do you like to laugh and have fun?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, plan on attending!

This conference is an excellent opportunity for facility and property managers to network with industry peers, learn new tips and best practices for proactive parking lot and exterior maintenance, and discuss prevailing issues with industry experts.

Educational sessions will focus on transforming parking lots into ecological and financially sustainable sites, by discussing hot topics like stormwater management, urban heat islands, and sustainability.  Guests will also learn how to rate the surface condition of their parking lot, plan for the most cost-effective repairs, and perform accurate budgeting for future procedures.  Attendees have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits upon completion of the conference.  Other special events include a comedy hour delivered by John Caponera–Chicago’s renowned comedic veteran–best known for his Harry Carey impression, and a live raffle drawing.

Time is running out so reserve your spot today!  Join us on March 24th at the Aramark Facility located at 2300 Warrenville Road in Downers Grove, IL.  More information on the Facilities Maintenance Conference including registration, program, schedule, and contact information is located at fmc2010 or by calling (888) 773-7673.

As much as we’re cautioned to ‘never judge a book by its cover,’ first impressions count and they usually start on the surface.  This same truth applies to your property.  How can you attract more business to your door?  Start with the first area encountered by your visitors—the parking lot.

Is your parking lot in top condition or could it use a little TLC?  There are several signs that point to a need for a make-over.  Observing and tending to these signs serves two important purposes:  taking notice helps prevent problem areas from worsening and further weakening the surrounding area and making timely repairs increases curb appeal.

Does your parking lot have any of the following?

A tight turning radius–If it exists, the pavement in that area will probably fail prematurely due to the additional stress of cars trying to grind their way around the curve.

Grass in pavement cracks–If it exists, water can easily penetrate the pavement causing a structural problem beneath the surface.

Alligator cracking–“Spider web” or “chicken wire” cracking indicates there is a problem with the base; areas with this type of cracking need to be cut out and replaced.

A pale surface–If sealer has worn away or if it has been more than 24 months since the last application, this service should be budgeted for and performed soon.

Make-over your parking lot this May and enjoy the benefits—both aesthetic and economic—for years to come.

Got a question concerning the appearance of your parking lot?  Ask us here!  We’ll be happy to share our insight, tips, and suggestions to improve the look and durability of your pavement.

School’s out for summer!  While all the kids are running around jumping in swimming pools and eating ice cream, this week we’re learning about a Chicago Public School – whose parking lot did not make the honor roll.  In fact, this doozy received a “D” grade according to our trusty S.C.A.L.E. Guide! Whoa – time for summer school!

This parking lot had significant pothole damage and severe cracking.  You will also see the patching that was previously done in many spots on this large parking lot.  To get this grade up to snuff, a complete resurfacing and lot marking was in store.

In more severe cases of asphalt failure – as we see here – a long-term and cost-effective solution is to resurface the asphalt pavement (also referred to as overlay).  If you notice grade depressions (standing water on the pavement) and/or large sections of alligatored areas (interconnecting cracks forming a series of blocks resembling an alligator’s skin), it is a good idea to have your pavement resurfaced.

Even with the dangerous and violet storms of the last couple weeks in the Chicago land area, this project was milled 1.5 inches in depth in one day, and the new asphalt was laid the following day.

Looks like an A+ to us!  What do you think?

Permeable Paver Installation: U.S. Cellular Field

This project occurred at the height of the “green” movement in Chicago, and in response to the new Stormwater Management Ordinance put into effect in January 2008.  To comply with this wide-spread initiative, Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (owner and operator: U.S. Cellular Field) decided to revamp the Lot L parking area with environmentally-friendly Unilock® permeable pavers.  The work on Lot L at U.S. Cellular Field also came as part of past and ongoing organization-wide environmental efforts by the Chicago White Sox.  The parking lot officially opened to the public on Opening Day at U.S. Cellular Field on April 7, 2008.

Click here to watch our short video to learn more: Covering New Ground

Parking Lot L Fast Facts

• Fist Major League sports facility to use permeable pavers

• Surface area: 265,000 sq ft (4.5 football fields)

• Drainage capacity: 154,583 cubic feet (1.15 million gallons)

• Excavation: 750,000 sq ft

• Paver installation rate per day: 20,000 sq ft

• Colors: granite and charcoal

John Garcia, Regional Project Manager

A: My favorite job so far was installing brick pavers at Lot L of U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois.

2. When did the job begin? A: In the Fall of 2007.

3. How long did the job last?

A: We were on site over 10 weeks.  During that time, we excavated 75,000 sq ft and installed over 20,000 sq ft of brick pavers every day, covering a total of 265,000 sq ft (or 4.5 football fields).

4. Why did you enjoy it so much?

5. Were there any complications?

A: Yes, we encountered several obstacles; but, our entire crew was tenacious and our teamwork and engineering paid off in the end. We overcame permitting and union issues, we dealt with a temporary job shut-down and weather-related delays, the brick pattern had to be adjusted last-minute, and we had to re-route power to the viaduct once the telephone poles were removed.

6. Was the client satisfied?

A: The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) was very satisfied with the outcome.  With this lot and their other eco-friendly initiatives, ISFA is leading the green movement in Chicago and in the Major Leagues.

7. What did you learn from this experience?