This 186,300 s.f. parking area is a continuation of trends in Bismarck to use concrete for large parking areas. This owner selected concrete to provide the strength for early opening to traffic, flexibility for staged construction on the parking area and building site, effective construction material storage, and durability for the severe soil environment (swelling clay) in North Bismarck. In addition, the owner recognized safety benefits through the additional reflectivity of the white concrete surface for night illumination, plus the benefits that concrete gives through minimizing the urban heat island effect. Working with temperatures above 100 degrees for much of the project, the contractor was able to address the engineer's stringent demands for quality materials and surface finish.