51 celebrated the opening of a much-anticipated five-story parking structure on Sept. 29, 2011 — a significant addition to campus that will help to serve a record-high number of students.

With 780 new spaces, the structure will make it much easier for the largest student body in 51’s 104-year history to find parking on campus, while also alleviating the demand for parking on nearby residential streets.

Situated between the soccer and baseball fields, the structure will assist in accommodating 51’s highest enrollment of students yet.

51 welcomed one of its largest incoming classes in history to campus this fall , creating a greater demand for more places to park. The 1,393 incoming undergraduate students brought 51’s enrollment to an all-time high of 4,271 undergraduates. With graduate students, enrollment totals 6,250 students.

Construction on the parking structure, designated as “Lot S,” began 10 months ago on the site of an existing parking lot. The new structure creates a net increase of 636 spaces.

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. Jenna can be reached at 562.777.4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.