NORTHEAST QUAD PUBLIC PARKING: ELEVATING THE STANDARD FOR REAR PARKING AREAS

northeastern quadrant of Adamson Square includes approximately 80 parking spaces. According to a study commissioned by the city, this rear lot is among the most popular parking areas downtown. While this lot is well used and convenient, it lacks visual appeal. Visitors in particular may not be aware this lot is a public parking area directly accessible from Adamson Square. Parking spaces are unmarked, the paving is potholed and in need of maintenance, no sidewalks connect the parking area to surrounding businesses, and unattractive back-of-house services and grease traps make this area unpleasant to be in. A few industrial street lamps provide the night lighting, making this area feel in the evening hours.

Proposed

While maintaining essentially the same parking capacity (79 spaces), this concept transforms the overlooked rear parking area into an inviting gateway to downtown businesses. A simplified layout with 90-degree parking maximizes the use of the space, allowing approximately 17 feet of flexible back-of-house space for Newnan Street businesses. This concept includes attractive and ADA-accessible sidewalks linking the parking area with the adjacent alleyway access to Newnan Street and the pedestrian cut-through to the square at 106 Adamson Square. This concept highlights square access with attractive signage to inform out-of-town visitors. Street trees and pervious pavers used throughout the space could help mitigate stormwater runoff issues in the area.