Parking Deck Planned for Big Spring Will Help Relieve Growing Pains

Huntsville’s New Project

Huntsville, Ala. is gearing up for a significant enhancement as city leaders unveil plans for a new six-level parking deck in the highly visited Big Spring Park. This initiative aims to alleviate the ongoing parking difficulties faced by residents and visitors alike, especially during crowded afternoons and weekends.

Location and Features

The new parking deck will be situated in Big Spring Park’s CityCentre, right behind the AC Hotel. This area is already buzzing with development, promising more hotel and retail options in the near future.

Originally, the project was intended to be a single-level parking deck, but due to the growing demand, city officials have approved an expansion, resulting in a state-of-the-art six-level structure. The deck will create over 400 additional parking spaces.

City Leaders’ Vision

According to Huntsville City Council District 4 representative, Bill Kling, the decision to expand was strategic. “We are preparing for future growth,” Kling stated. “Much like the city hall, we are overbuilding to ensure we don’t run short on space as new developments come to fruition.”

Accessibility and Community Use

This new facility will serve multiple purposes—half of the parking spots will be leased to the existing AC Hotel and the upcoming Moxy Hotel, while the other half will remain accessible for public use. Kling mentioned that the added spaces are not just a necessity, but also a step towards encouraging downtown visits.

Aiming for the Future

“It’s not a crisis, but definitely something people often highlight,” Kling remarked. “Many would come downtown if it weren’t so crowded and difficult to find parking.” By investing in this extensive project, the city aims to tackle these challenges head-on.

Looking Ahead

The city has allocated $11 million towards the construction of this parking deck, which is expected to go out for bid in the spring. Once construction begins, it will take around seven to nine months to complete the facility.

The introduction of this parking deck marks a promising step towards enhancing the experience at Big Spring Park, facilitating access, and accommodating the community’s growth.