Port Everglades inaugurates solar-powered parking garage

Community leaders and the port's cruise industry partners celebrated the grand opening Wednesday in time for cruise season.

1,818 parking spaces

The 1,818-space garage features solar energy in an investment to install 360 photovoltaic panels, creating a solar power generating system on the top floor to offset electrical grid impact.

'Using solar is both an environmental and economic investment because the port acquires energy credits through Florida Power & Light's net metering program. We are continually exploring these types of win-win environmental partnerships,' Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels said.

Moving walkways to Princess terminal

Passengers going to Terminal 2, Princess Cruises' prototype OceanMedallion terminal, will travel along an air-conditioned elevated bridge with moving walkways and a large atrium with a scenic overview of the port where they can stop and take a selfie.

Passengers sailing from Terminal 4 will park in the garage and walk directly into the terminal.

Other key features include nine elevators, touchless smart parking entry and payment and a dedicated level for drop-off and pick-up.

Artistic flourishes and new wayfinding

The port has also commissioned a 70-foot-tall 3D-optical illusion mural of a Florida great white heron that will be painted at the corner of the garage facing the roadway.

In addition to the new garage, Port Everglades has installed colorful, driver-friendly wayfinding signs in the parking garages, parking lots and throughout the port's roadways. The wayfinding signs feature Florida wildlife and fauna with illustrations of a bright orange heron in the Port's Northport section, a green palm in Midport and a blue snook directing customers to Southport. The graphics and color coding are designed as visual cues for to assist drivers quickly.

The prime managing general contractor for the new facility was a joint venture between local firms Stiles Construction and Pirtle Construction Co. Cartaya and Associates, Architects PA led the deign team.