McCarthy Building Companies has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 IPMI Apex Award for its standout work on the Symphony Park L Garage Expansion in downtown Las Vegas — a milestone project that added vital parking capacity and improved urban connectivity while overcoming significant construction challenges.

Announced on July 16, 2025, the honor, awarded in the Restoration: Structured Parking Facility category by the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), underscores McCarthy’s leadership in creating smarter, community-centered infrastructure.

The $29 million Symphony Park L Garage Expansion was designed to meet the growing demand for parking near key cultural and civic destinations, including City Hall and The Smith Center. Working alongside Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects and trusted trade partners, McCarthy expanded the garage’s capacity from 1,190 to 1,988 spaces, transforming it into a seven-level structure that improves visitor access across downtown Las Vegas.

“At McCarthy, we take pride in delivering forward-thinking solutions that provide the greatest outcomes for urban environments,” said Ross Edwards, Senior Vice President of McCarthy Building Companies. “The Symphony Park L Garage Expansion is a prime example of our team’s dedication to meeting the community’s evolving needs through efficient project management.”

The project’s defining feature is its innovative vehicle bridge, which safely spans an active railroad, connecting the expanded Symphony Park L Garage to the adjacent City Hall Garage. This connection boosts parking flexibility during peak times, ensuring visitors have more seamless access to busy downtown venues.

Constructing the 155-foot bridge — a massive steel structure weighing roughly 200,000 lbs. — was a feat of precise planning and execution. McCarthy’s team worked closely with erectors, rigging experts, and crane operators, using a Liebherr LR 1600 crane to lift the bridge into place. Detailed work procedures, rigging calculations, and erection plans were all part of delivering the bridge safely and on schedule.

Beyond its engineering challenges, the project demanded strict environmental stewardship, as the site previously served as a fuel storage area. The team followed rigorous environmental guidelines for excavation and foundation work, performing soil testing, proper containment, and safe disposal to protect both workers and the surrounding community.

A key challenge during the 14-month construction period was keeping the lower levels of the original garage fully operational and accessible. McCarthy’s team implemented robust safety measures and proactive communication strategies to minimize disruption, safeguarding downtown commuters while advancing the complex build.

With the successful completion of the Symphony Park L Garage Expansion, McCarthy continues to play an integral role in shaping Las Vegas’ fast-growing civic and cultural core. The expanded garage not only provides much-needed parking but also supports future growth by improving downtown’s connectivity and access.

For McCarthy, this latest award reaffirms their reputation for tackling ambitious, community-focused projects with innovation and care — delivering lasting value to cities and the people who rely on them.

For more details about McCarthy’s award-winning projects and community impact, visit mccarthy.com.

Originally reported by McCarthy.