Project Update: Construction Will Begin Wednesday, June 10 

Construction on the Civic Center Parking Solar Project will begin Wednesday, June 10, bringing renewable energy improvements to the Civic Center campus. The project includes the installation of new carport-mounted solar panel systems in the Civic Center parking lot and is expected to take approximately 12 weeks to complete.

To maintain access to City facilities during construction, the project has been divided into two phases, each lasting approximately six weeks. While parking impacts are expected throughout construction, every effort is being made to keep parking available and facility access open.

What You Should Know

• Construction begins Wednesday, June 10.
• The project is expected to continue for approximately 12 weeks.
• Parking availability will be reduced throughout construction.
• Temporary parking will be available along Civic Terrace Avenue.
• Access to City facilities will remain open during all phases of construction.
• Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time when arriving on-site and to follow all posted construction signage.
• City vehicles will be parked at the Arden lot located at Arden and Thornton.

Phase 1: June 10 – Mid-July

Phase 1 will begin with tree removal and site preparation activities on June 10.

During this phase:

• Fencing will be installed around active construction areas.
• Parking spaces within the fenced construction zone will be unavailable.
• Accessible parking spaces and EV charging stations located within the Phase 1 work area will have reduced availability.
• Within the first three weeks of Phase 1, the roundabout will be inaccessible periodically. Signage will be in place on the days that it is closed.
• Accessible parking and EV charging stations will be restored during Phase 2.

Please note that the parking availability map provides a general estimate of available parking. Once construction fencing is installed, it will clearly identify accessible and restricted areas.

Phase 2: Mid-July – Late August

Phase 2 is anticipated to begin during the third week of July, after the completion of phase 1. Construction activities will shift to the remaining section of the parking lot.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we complete this important sustainability improvement for the Civic Center campus.

Civic Center Solar Project Frequently Asked Questions:

What is being built? 

The City is installing a new carport-mounted solar energy system in the Civic Center parking lot.  

Why is the City installing solar panels? 

The solar project supports the City’s Climate Action Plan goals, and is expected to offset approximately 100% of the Civic Center's annual electricity use, providing significant long-term cost savings. Together with the solar installation at the Silliman Center, the project is expected to save the City more than $7 million over 20 years while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

How long will construction last? 

Construction began on June10 and is expected to take approximately 12 weeks to complete, weather and construction conditions permitting. The project will take place in two phases that will last 6 weeks each.  

Phase 1 is expected to last from June 10 – Mid-July. Once Phase 1 is complete they will move directly into Phase 2 which will last from mid-July to late August.  

Will Civic Center facilities remain open? 

Yes. City Hall, the Police Department, and other Civic Center facilities will remain open throughout construction. Access routes and parking may change as work progresses. 

Why are parking spaces closed? 

To safely install the solar carport structures, portions of the parking lot must be temporarily closed during construction. The project has been divided into phases to maintain as much parking access as possible. 

What is happening with the accessible parking spaces? 

Accessible parking will remain available during construction, although availability will be reduced during Phase 1. All accessible spots will reopen during Phase 2.  

Once construction is complete, the City will add two additional accessible parking spaces, increasing the overall number of accessible parking stalls available at the Civic Center. 

What is happening with the EV charging stations? 

The EV charging stations are temporarily unavailable during Phase 1 of construction because work is occurring in the areas where the chargers are located.  

The charging stations will return to service during Phase 2.  

Are trees being removed? 

Trees within the project area are being removed to accommodate the solar carport structures and ensure the solar panels receive adequate sunlight. 

The project was carefully designed to balance renewable clean energy production with the existing site conditions.  

What environmental benefits will the project provide? 

The solar project will generate renewable energy on-site and help reduce the City's reliance on traditional energy sources. In the first year alone, the combined Civic Center and Silliman solar projects are expected to avoid approximately 1,436 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.