Parking Deck Scars Downtown Atlanta Block

Despite being sued over its construction, a developer built a parking deck against code and severely limited the potential of the remaining downtown block it sits on.

1 minute read

March 27, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Alex Pearlstein


Atlanta native Bobby Glustrom owns 3.2 acres of a 4.6-acre block where a controversial parking deck was built in 2001. "His land, which is mainly surface parking lots surrounding the three sides of the deck, is an area that's ripe for a major new development. But then there's that deck."

Glustrom did everything possible to stop the deck from being built. But, during the three-year legal challenge to stop its construction, landowner Holder Properties went ahead and built -- then sold -- the deck anyway.

"The sad saga of the deck shows the importance of good urban design. As the Atlanta region continues to grow, more and more parking decks will be built. It is imperative that developers, builders, property owners and architects fully understand how the design of a deck will impact the environment."

"The best decks are those that are invisible...A badly designed deck does just the opposite. It often is a stand-alone building that everyone knows is a parking garage. And it likely will have a blank wall that kills any liveliness on the sidewalk. In short, a bad deck sucks the life out of an urban area."

"The bottom line for metro Atlanta is that urban design matters -- especially when it comes to parking decks."

Monday, March 26, 2007 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

ROwn of grey and white townhomes with gabled roofs and front porches.

Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing

To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.

March 27 - Sightline

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.