UNLV Parking & Transportation Services Wins First Place for Most Realistic Gingerbread Garage
How UNLV’s Gingerbread Garage Set a New Standard for Campus Creativity
In December 2025, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Parking & Transportation Services team captured national attention by securing first place for “Most Realistic” in the Southwest Parking & Transportation Association’s (SWPTA) Gingerbread Parking Garage Contest. The award-winning entry was a meticulously crafted gingerbread replica of the campus’s upcoming Transit Center Garage, complete with realistic striping, wayfinding, and multi‑level design. This achievement showcases the university’s commitment to innovative design, community engagement, and holiday spirit.
Designing a Realistic Gingerbread Parking Structure
Translating Architecture into Sweet Detail
Creating a convincing gingerbread parking garage requires a deep understanding of the original structure’s layout. The UNLV team began by studying floor plans, parking stall dimensions, and traffic flow patterns. They then translated these measurements into scaled gingerbread components, ensuring that each parking stall, drive aisle, and ramp matched the real‑world counterpart. The result was a model that could be navigated by miniature cars and that reflected the exact spacing and signage found on campus.
Materials and Techniques for Realism
To achieve a lifelike appearance, the team used a combination of gingerbread dough, royal icing, and food‑safe paint. The icing was applied in thin layers to mimic concrete and asphalt textures, while small pieces of colored sugar were used to represent parking lines and directional arrows. Peppermint‑flavored ramps added a subtle aromatic cue, and a “glittering lights” display on the top floor was created with edible silver dust and tiny LED lights, giving the structure a festive yet functional glow.
Building a Holiday Village Around the Garage
Creating a Campus‑Inspired Environment
Beyond the parking garage itself, the team constructed a full gingerbread campus village. The village featured light‑strung trees, snowmen, walkways lined with holiday treats, a hot cocoa stand, and the iconic UNLV letters. A “Welcome” archway greeted visitors, while a Santa‑operated train carried sweet treats to the cabins for gingerbread students. This immersive setting not only highlighted the university’s branding but also provided a backdrop that resonated with students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Engaging the Community Through Collaboration
The project was a collaborative effort that involved students, staff, and faculty from various departments. Team members coordinated design sessions, material sourcing, and construction timelines. The shared goal of creating a realistic and festive model fostered teamwork and allowed participants to apply classroom knowledge to a real‑world project.
Behind the Scenes: Teamwork and Planning
Leadership and Project Management
Lead designer Jeff Lagesse oversaw the project’s progression from concept to completion. Under his guidance, the team established milestones, delegated tasks, and maintained a strict schedule to meet the contest deadline. Regular check‑ins ensured that each component met quality standards and that the overall aesthetic remained cohesive.
Resource Management and Sustainability
The team sourced ingredients from local suppliers and repurposed packaging materials where possible, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. By using biodegradable packaging for the gingerbread components and minimizing waste, the project aligned with UNLV’s environmental goals.
What This Achievement Means for UNLV’s Transit Center
The award-winning gingerbread garage serves as a tangible preview of the new Transit Center Garage, which will add 1,250 additional parking spaces to campus. The model’s realistic design helps stakeholders visualize the future structure’s layout, traffic flow, and aesthetic integration with the surrounding campus. It also underscores the university’s capacity to blend functionality with creativity, a quality that will be reflected in the final construction.
Get Involved: How You Can Join Future Projects
UNLV’s success in the SWPTA contest demonstrates that students and staff can contribute to campus initiatives beyond traditional coursework. If you’re interested in participating in future projects—whether it’s designing a new campus model, contributing to sustainability efforts, or helping with event planning—consider reaching out to the Parking & Transportation Services department or the Office of Student Engagement.
Explore how you can contribute to campus projects and bring your ideas to life. Learn more about UNLV’s Transit Center Garage.
Take the Next Step in Campus Innovation
Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or alumni, there are many ways to get involved. Submit your application today to join the next campus design challenge, schedule a free consultation to discuss your project ideas, or simply share your thoughts in the comments below. Your participation can help shape the future of UNLV and inspire the next generation of creative problem‑solvers.
Have questions? Write to us! Explore our related articles for further reading on campus projects and sustainability initiatives.
