Campus celebrates parking structure opening

Chuck Durham, in front seat, rides into the parking structure celebration in a 1957 Chevrolet convertible, along with, from left, Fred Petersen, Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and Ron Schaefer (driving).

Tailgate parties in Nebraska usually are restricted to fall Saturday afternoons outside Memorial Stadium in Lincoln or the Rosenblatt Stadium parking lot during the College World Series in Omaha. However, one of the best tailgate parties of the year took place Thursday in a most unlikely site – the top floor of the new employee parking structure at UNMC/NHS.

Under partly cloudy skies and a perfect 70-degree temperature, hundreds of UNMC, UMA and NHS employees turned out to formally celebrate the opening of the new parking garage located on the southeast corner of 45th and Emile streets. Free cookies, ice cream sandwiches and punch were provided, and rock-and-roll “cruising” music played over the sound system.

Guests of honor Chuck Durham (left), John Wilson (second from left) and Fred Petersen (second from right) are pictured with John Niemann, Ed.D., senior vice president of the University of Nebraska Foundation (middle), and UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.

The highlight of the event took place around 2 p.m. when the guests of honor arrived in two classic automobiles — a yellow 1957 Chevrolet convertible and a silver-blue 1965 Mustang convertible. As the crowd applauded, the automobiles burst through a ribbon to officially dedicate the facility.

The guests of honor were: Chuck Durham, former chairman of HDR Inc., and current chairman of Durham Resources; John Wilson, president of Durham Resources; and Fred Petersen, president and chief executive officer of Omaha Public Power District.

In brief remarks, UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. explained how the parking structure came to be. He said it all began when Durham, the largest donor on the soon-to-be-completed Durham Research Center at UNMC, asked Dr. Maurer, “Where are people going to park?”

Among those honored at Thursday’s celebration were Tina Spencer, right, manager of parking and cashiering services, and assistants Kelly Weyant, left, and Lashon George.

Dr. Maurer’s response: “That’s a great question.”

The question led to a series of meetings involving UNMC and OPPD officials and former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub.

The result of these meetings led to what is believed to be one of the largest parking structures in Nebraska. The five-level facility contains 1,551 stalls with 1,364 for UNMC/NHS employees and the remaining 187 stalls for OPPD employees.

“This was a real win-win situation for all the parties involved,” said Del Lee, associate vice chancellor, business and finance. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Chuck Durham and OPPD being such a willing partner.”

Facts on the new parking structure:

• Contains 540,000 square feet, which is nearly equal to the combined square footage of the Lied Transplant Center (252,000 square feet) and the Durham Research Center (289,000 square feet);
  
• Includes 30,000 cubic feet of concrete;
  
• Cost about $19 million;
  
• Paid for through Chuck Durham’s donation, a lease to OPPD and parking revenues from UNMC/NHS employees;
  
• Contains 12 acres of parking and covers an area spanning 240 feet by 480 feet.
  

Mike McGlade, right, administrator of the department of internal medicine, serves some punch while visiting with Ron Schaefer, director of Facilities Planning and Construction.