UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

GATEWAY PRECINCT

SPECIAL USE PERMIT

SKYWAY – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
 Introductions
o Christopher W. Cox , UNR Project Manager
o Heidi S. Gansert, UNR Executive Director,
External Relations
o Michelle Wendler, WD Architecture and
Engineering , Architect of Record
o Francisco Navarro, WD Architecture and
Engineering, Project Manager
 University of Nevada, Reno
Master Plan
o Partnered with City of Reno and RTC
o NSHE Board of Regents approved in December
2014
o City of Reno adopted Gateway as part of the
University of Nevada Regional Center (UNRC)
in April 2016
o Master plan investigated various ADA
connections from Gateway to Campus and the
bridge was the most viable solution
 UNR Design Review Process
o Prepared options following UNR design
standards
o Presented options and received feedback from
o Facilities Services
o Security
o Planning and Construction Staff
o UNR Campus Architect
o Received formal approval from UNR President
Marc Johnson
 UNR Campus Awards
Arts Building was recognized with these awards:
• Honor Award in Architecture category from American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Cleveland
• Merit Award in the Newly Completed Project category from AIA Ohio
• Merit Award in the Built: Commercial Architecture category from AIA Nevada
• Award of Merit in the Higher Education/Research category from ENR (Engineering
News-Record) Southwest - Best Projects
UNR Molecular Medicine Building received:
• Honorable Mention – Higher Education, Southwest Contractor Best of Awards
University grounds were recognized by:
• The Professional Grounds Management Society with a Grand Award in the Society's
2016 Green Star Awards competition.
UNR received:
• Tree Campus USA status in 2015
 Design Inspiration

Brick Base colors Stone accents

Open Truss Bridge

Curved train roof
 Skyway Design
o Provides ADA accessible connection to Main
Campus from Gateway Precinct via the new
parking garage
o Bridge design uses materials consistent with
UNR architectural context, design and
construction standards
o Open Steel Truss frame with covered walkway,
reminiscent of historical railway bridges
provides protection from the elements and
allows visibility from a safety standpoint
 Skyway connection to Campus
• Skyway is
Perpendicular to 9th
street
• Angled Layout to
avoid Impact to
Existing Trees
• Bridge terminates
150 foot south of
stairs to Morrill Hall
End of
Bridge

Skyway Pedestrian Bridge over 9th Street

West View from Center St
East View from Lake St
From base steps at Morrill Hall
View towards Morrill Hall
Night View
18’-7”

20’-4”
Elevations
 Summary
• Special use permit is for the ADA complaint pedestrian bridge

• University has demonstrated competency in architectural work across campus – internal

review process plus awards reinforce this point

• University has demonstrated exceptional care for its grounds with recognition at the national
level.

• University modified ADA compliant pedestrian bridge to preserve mature landscaping.

• To date, the ADA compliant pedestrian bridge has been part of 5 public meetings.

• Public comment has been limited to the potential impact to Morrill Hall (not the architectural
design). The University has demonstrated there is zero impact given the bridge is 150’ south,
across a parking lot and existing landscaping.

• University must have the ADA compliant pedestrian bridge for ADA access and pedestrian
safety.
Questions
 Existing Street Views

From Center Looking West From Lake Looking East

Plan Views