BGSU 2025 Parking Lot Improvements

In Spring 2025, DGL was contracted by Bowling Green State University to provide design, bid support, and construction administration services for parking improvements, focused on expanding and enhancing the usability of Lots Q, 5/12, and 8.

DGL’s site development team completed an analysis of the current conditions of Parking Lot Q. Working closely with BGSU, the project team determined that after reviewing multiple simulations and conceptual redesigns, that the cost of the improvements necessary for Lot Q outweighed the overall benefits and gains. Based on the findings, Parking Lot Q’s improvements and design were indefinitely paused.

Services began with detailed topographic surveys of the proposed expansion areas and adjacent improvements, documenting existing pavement, utilities, drainage features, and pavement markings. BGSU planned to absorb the footprint of Parking Lot 5 into the neighboring Parking Lot 12 and would be improved as a single entity under this contract. Parking Lot 8 and Parking Lot 5/12 improvements would both include expansion, full-depth construction, and selective mill-and-resurface work. Lot 5/12 included roughly 55,000 sf of disturbance and a 33,600 sf parking expansion. Lot 8 included roughly 35,500 sf of disturbance, and a 30,000 sf parking expansion.

Using the topographic survey information, DGL prepared comprehensive construction documents, including demolition, layout, grading, utility, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, pavement marking, ADA-compliant access, and miscellaneous detail plans. Stormwater quantity management and detention facilities were designed to meet City of Bowling Green requirements, with all plans submitted for municipal review and approval.

Geotechnical investigation services were provided through our subconsultant, Verdantas, to evaluate existing pavement sections and subsurface conditions, informing pavement design and undercut recommendations. DGL also coordinated electrical and technology improvements through an electrical subconsultant, JDRM.

In anticipation of bidding, DGL prepared bid documents which included the overall contract, an engineer’s cost estimate, coordinated public advertising, and accepted and recorded project questions during the advertisement period. Going into 2026, DGL will be supporting the University through the contractor selection process, respond to contractor inquiries, review shop drawings, attend progress meetings, perform site visits weekly (or as required), and assist through punch-list and project closeout. Bid opening is scheduled for January 2026.

In addition to the planned Parking Lot 5/12 Improvements, DGL coordinated with Mosser Construction to redesign an existing, failing combined storm and sanitary sewer on an adjacent project. The proposed combined sanitary and storm sewer was designed by DGL and routed through the new parking area, timing these improvements parallel with the current proposed parking expansion area.

Together, these efforts support BGSU’s goal of maximizing parking capacity, improving circulation and safety, and delivering durable, cost-effective campus infrastructure improvements.