Work is underway to restore the Ernest E. Proulx Parking Garage on Dwight Street in Holyoke. Contracting Specialists, Inc. from Attleboro, MA has been awarded the $1,384,818.00 restoration contract. Work under the contract consists of: concrete repairs to the precast floor and framing, replacement of all joint sealants, application of traffic bearing waterproofing membrane and floor sealer, replacement of stairtower doors, frames, and hardware, replacement of the power distribution and general and emergency lighting systems, new fire alarm system, replacement of the parking and revenue control systems, painting metal barrier guard railings, exterior trim, interior walls and traffic markings, cleaning and servicing of floor drain system, new signage and graphics, Repairs are expected to take until November 2012. The garage will remain open to customers for the duration of the project.

The Ernest E. Proulx Garage was built in 1988 and has deteriorated over the years. The City hired Walker Restoration Consultants of Boston to conduct a condition assessment of both the Proulx Garage and the Suffolk St. Parking Deck. From that report an estimated six million dollars of necessary repairs were identified. The City Council approved a $6 million bond to fund repairs in August 2011. Walker is currently preparing restoration plans for the Suffolk St. Parking Deck that will be done in 2013.