City to close parking garage at 6th and Jules streets for ground-level conversion

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph said it will close a second Downtown parking garage next week to begin converting it into a ground-level parking lot.

The lot at 6th and Jules streets near the Law Enforcement Center will be closed starting Monday, Aug. 10, to remove the upper portions of the parking garage.

The City began a similar project at the former garage at Fourth and Felix streets, near the Civic Arena, in June.

Once the project is completed, both locations will operate as surface parking lots.

The City said notices will be placed on vehicles using the 6th and Jules streets garage during the week of Aug. 3 to inform users of the upcoming work.

During the work, temporary lane closures may affect streets immediately surrounding the site.

In addition, two-hour parking limits in nearby areas will be suspended to help accommodate displaced parking demand.

The City said both garages have experienced deterioration over time. An independent assessment determined that repairs would not be practical or cost-effective.

The estimated cost to fully repair both garages is approximately $12 million, and parking has not been permitted on the upper levels for a few years.

The City said it is investing $833,000 to remove the upper sections and convert the structures into surface lots. The project is financed through the American Rescue Plan Act ARPA) funds, with funds required to be used by the end of the year.

Madget Demolition is handling the upper deck removal work for the project.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan and use alternative parking options during construction.

Available options include on-street parking, the Joyce Raye Patterson parking lot at 100 S. 10th St. and the top level of the Mosaic parking garage located at 825 Felix St.