New Birmingham parking deck will bring over 700 parking spaces to downtown

Parking—it’s a headache sometimes. Now that downtown Birmingham is bustling with new business, restaurants, apartments and hotels, where are we going to park? Well, we’re just in luck. The city’s Design Review Committee just gave the thumbs up for a new parking deck downtown and we’ve got the scoop.

New Parking Deck? Where?

According to the Birmingham Business Journal, Ascent Hospitality Management will build a new deck at 1901 1st Ave. N. right across from Jemison Flats. They’re the same company that renovated Elyton Hotel and are developing Macaroni Lofts, so you know the project is in good hands.

The new deck will add an additional 10 levels with 720 parking spaces downtown. For my urban planning aficionados, the plan is to build up and not out. There is currently a two-story public parking deck in that spot and it’s about to get a lot bigger.

The parking deck is in an extremely busy part of downtown and the additional parking is sure to benefit many of us. Now you can park closer to your favorite hangout spots like:

• Elyton Hotel
• The Pizitz
• Brick & Tin
• Bistro V
• Trattoria Zaza
• Paramount Bar
• McWane Center
• Alabama Theatre
• Atomic Lounge
• Railroad Park

Here’s a Look at the New Plan

Before

After

The Future of Parking in Downtown Birmingham

This parking deck is a HUGE win for the city. If you’re anything like me, you give up on trying to find a parking space after 2 or 3 circles around the block. Also, who has a handful of quarters at their disposal 24/7? It’s simple. Good parking gets people out and about.

Luckily, Birmingham is looking to introduce ParkMobile, a free app that allows users to pay for parking on their phones. This would make parking a breeze.

How do you think the city of Birmingham should continue to address parking issues? Let us know on social @BhamNow.