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terraced building peaks at 34 feet — below the maximum height the planned development district allows. A 100-by-150-foot lot adjacent to the garage will provide additional surface parking.

The Arboretum still must apply for a special-use permit to build the underground walkway. Garland Road is a state highway, and TxDOT has indicated support for the project.

Last year, about 1 million people visited the Arboretum. The new 8-acre children’s garden, opening Sept. 21, can hold about 1,500 visitors and is expected to turn over twice a day at peak season. Right now, there are 1,260 parking spaces throughout the grounds.

Armstrong would not give a specific number for just how many parking spaces the Arboretum needs in the future — only that this garage would bring it closer to the goal.