City announces partial closure of EJ Gare Parking Garage in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — The upper levels and a stairwell of the EJ Gare Parking Garage will be closed until further notice as architects assess the degree of concrete deterioration throughout the garage.

Following observed signs of surface damage as well as flaking and crumbling of concrete, the city announced that upper level access to the third-floor transition to the fourth and fifth floors is closed as a means to ensure pedestrian safety. Pedestrians are urged to not enter the closed floors.

All vehicles parked in the upper levels need to be moved to a lower level by the end of the day on Monday.

“The safety of everyone who uses the EJ Gare Parking Garage is our top priority,” said Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra in a statement. “We recognize this will be an inconvenience, but these steps are necessary as we assess the structure and plan for next steps. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation and will continue to share updates.”

Approximately 220 parking spaces will remain open on the lower levels of the garage that can hold more than 430 vehicles at full capacity. Leaseholder parking will not be affected, and access to Thornes Marketplace through the pedestrian bridge will remain open.

Repairs are also underway to the garage’s three stairwells with the stairwell near the main entrance facing the Armory Street parking lot closed for repairs until further notice, according to the city.

As the assessment progresses, additional spaces on lower levels may be temporarily closed, and drivers are asked to follow all posted signage, barricades and cones. The city says updates will be made as work continues.

The city has engaged Hoffmann Architects to conduct a structural assessment of the garage. The assessment is currently underway, with engineers on site this week.

Residents seeking more information are directed to contact the Mayor’s Office at 413-587-1249 or mayor@northamptonma.gov.

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