In recognition of facilities that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, sustainability, and commitment to customer experience in parking, mobility and transportation, the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI) has selected the SAN Terminal 1 Parking Plaza and UC San Diego Health Hillcrest First Avenue Parking Structure as recipients for the 2026 Awards of Excellence program.
SAN T1 Parking Plaza and Hillcrest First Avenue Parking Structure Recognized by IPMI Awards of Excellence
Photo by Brian Doll
Photo by Ethan Rohloff
Photo by Brian Doll
Photo by Brian Doll
Apex Award for Facility Design: Stand-Alone – SAN T1 Parking Plaza
The 5-level Terminal 1 Parking Plaza at the San Diego International Airport provides 5,221 new parking stalls as part of the Terminal 1 redevelopment, a $3.8 billion project intended to replace the aging Terminal 1 with state of the art facilities, new roadways, ground transportation systems and parking.
The Parking Plaza offers travelers advanced technology to enhance their parking experience, a parking layout designed to expedite traffic flows in and out of the garage, passenger amenities, as well as an innovative stormwater management system and other sustainable features that contributed to its pursuit of Parksmart Gold. Three expansive lightwells open up into landscaped pedestrian plazas that guide travelers to the terminals while also bringing natural light into the 2 million square foot structure.
To facilitate construction constraints and help alleviate parking challenges, the Plaza was delivered in phases, with Phase 1 opening in August of 2024 as a fully functioning facility that did not depend on features, systems, or elements of Phase 2. Phase 2 was then completed 3 months in advance of the Terminal 1 opening in September 2025.
The Plaza more than doubles the amount of parking previously available at the Terminal 1 surface lot, making parking more convenient, efficient, user-friendly, and available for the more than 12 million annual travelers who fly in and out of San Diego.
The T1 Parking Plaza has also been recognized by ACI San Diego for a 2026 Transportation Award, and Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) for the 2026 SEE Awards.
- Owner: San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
- Architect, Structural Engineer and Parking Planner: Watry Design, Inc.
- General Contractor: Swinerton (Parking Plaza), Turner (T1 Redevelopment Project)
- Design Architect: Gensler
Photo by Weldon Brewster
Photo by Weldon Brewster
Photo by Ethan Rohloff
Photo by Weldon Brewster
Honorable Mention for Facility Design: Stand-Alone – Hillcrest First Avenue Parking Structure
The Hillcrest First Avenue Parking Structure and adjacent McGrath Outpatient Pavillion mark the first step of a 15-year, $2.5 billion redevelopment plan for the Hillcrest Medical Center in San Diego. The 1,850-stall structure, which serves both staff and patients, was designed to prioritize accessibility, convenience, micromobility, technology, safety, and sustainability.
Creating ease of access and reducing patient stress was critical to the project. To achieve this, the parking structure includes an underground parking ‘spine’ that provides safe passage under a busy street and directly connects the parking structure to the outpatient facility. The spine includes a pick-up and drop-off area sized for medical transport vans, an escalator to aid mobility challenged patients, and a high number of ADA parking stalls.
As part of its pursuit of Parksmart Silver, the garage was designed with EV charging stations on day 1, infrastructure to add more, and will support future PV. The 10-level structure features the tallest modular elevator in the US and takes advantage of sloping terrain to incorporate entrances and exits on multiple levels, and a separate dedicated bicycle entry.
- Owner: UC San Diego
- Architect, Structural Engineer and Parking Planner: Watry Design, Inc.
- General Contractor: DPR Construction
- Design Architect: Arcadis
