City announces Downtown parking garage conversion project
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph will begin work on two Downtown parking garages, converting them into ground-level parking lots.
The project involves the removal of the upper portions of the parking garages located at Fourth and Felix streets, adjacent to Civic Arena, and at Sixth and Jules streets, near the Law Enforcement Center.
Work will begin with the closure of the Fourth and Felix garage on Monday, May 18. Notices will be placed on vehicles using the garage during the week before closure to inform users of the upcoming work.
Temporary lane closures will be required on the surrounding streets during the work period. Additionally, two-hour parking limits in nearby areas will be suspended to help accommodate displaced parking demand.
In a news release, the City said both garages have experienced deterioration over time. The Fourth and Felix structure has structural deficiencies and the upper deck at Sixth and Jules has also shown deterioration.
The City said 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.
Parking has also not been permitted on the upper levels of the structures for a few years.
The City said it would invest approximately $833,000 to remove the upper sections and enhance the remaining lots.
The project would include new entrances and exits and sidewalk repairs with ADA-compliant features.
Upgraded lighting and drainage work will also be added where necessary.
Crews will work to salvage existing railings and lighting poles to reuse where feasible.
The project is financed through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with the funds required to be used by the end of the year. This project is one of the final City projects supported by ARPA funding.
Madget Demolition will carry out the upper deck removal work.
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., the top level of the Mosaic parking garage, located at 825 Felix St. and the lot at Sixth and Jules- which is available until the project begins there.
The City said it will provide updates as work progresses on its social media pages.
