Bremerton Naval Parking Garage

Parking garages are not known to be glamorous additions to a downtown neighborhood, but that doesn't always have to be the case. For this five story parking garage serving the U.S. Navy yard in Bremerton, Washington, the architect made heavy use of Stromberg's expertise in the development of highest quality columns, caps, capitals, and bases. The result is aesthetically pleasing and stately, despite being a completely utilitarian structure.

The most prominent of the Stromberg products are the 166 large Stromberg custom capitals located throughout the structure. These are complimented by stylistically matching caps at the top of each supporting column, bases and smaller features on the four custom Stromberg columns located in the stairwell area. The result is five stories of additional parking space achieved while adding a structure that in no way can be described as an "eyesore."

These items were made using Stromberg's Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). GFRC is a revolutionary alternative to concrete as it provides the look and tactile qualities of true concrete at a significant reduction in weight. It is also easier to make and transport, leading to reduced costs and faster installation. These benefits are derived at no reduction in quality. GFRC has a higher tensile strength than steel and can resist the effects of weathering as well as true concrete. Of important note to those building facilities for the navy or any other structure to be located near the ocean, GFRC resists the corrosive effects of consistent exposure to saltwater better than true concrete.