New P1 Garage Created for Dodson Specialty Clinics With Patient Convenience in Mind
The new P1 parking garage for patients of the Dodson Specialty Clinics is at the corner of Eighth and Pennsylvania avenues.
By Heather Duge
Megan Chavez realizes that even in the best of circumstances parking often feels overwhelming. As system vice president of Cook Children’s Experience, Chavez strives to see every step of the hospital visit through the patient families’ eyes.
“Some of these families are planning for long days at multiple specialist appointments,” Chavez said. “Many of them are bringing equipment and siblings along with them, in addition to other things they are inherently worrying about. For the families to know exactly where to go and experience a smooth parking process is very important to us.” 
The Patient and Family Experience team coordinated family advisory groups which allowed the team at Cook Children’s to understand their needs when designing the new P1 Parking Garage located at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. Cindi Coker who has brought her son Clayton to the hospital for 20 years, said parking is critically important and affects every aspect of the experience.
“The patient experience starts before leaving the house,” Coker said. “With Clayton’s complex care needs, we bring oxygen, suction, heart rate monitors and more. More than likely, I have already experienced multiple problems before getting into our van and I am stressed. An efficient parking process makes all the difference.”
Coker worked with Security to provide input on the layout and design of the handicapped spaces. Special attention was given to the amount of handicapped and van-accessible spaces with 10 handicapped and 22 van-accessible spaces throughout the garage. Wide elevators accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
As patient families enter the eight-level garage with 822 parking spaces, an advanced guidance system with red and green lighting shows them where to park. Parking is complimentary and each level also has a count of how many total spaces are available. Wider lanes and spaces allow for larger vehicles to easily navigate the garage. Electric vehicles have access to dedicated charging stations.
Not only was logistics top of mind when designing the new garage, but how it looked was a priority as well.
“It’s not often you can comment on the aesthetics of a garage,” said Spencer Seals, vice president of Construction, Real Estate and Facility Planning. “This is the prettiest garage in Texas.”
“I hope when the families drive into the parking garage their experience shows them how much we value their comfort,” Chavez said. “Our goal is to always see the world through their eyes so the focus can remain on what is most important – the care of their child.”
