Are the urban revival and the future of mobility already rendering parking lots obsolete? Chicago provides a case study of a new generation of skyscrapers rising were cars once parked.
"Years into a residential construction boom downtown, and amid broader adoption of ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft, real estate developers are gobbling up surface lots they can cover with high-rises," reports Ryan Ori from Chicago.
Ori shares a list of anecdotal evidence that the practice of developing new uses on former surface parking lots is expanding along with Chicago downtown's urban revival. In Chicago, some of the splashiest development projects in the city will break ground on former surface parking lots. "The lowly surface lot will play a role in reshaping Chicago’s skyline, with plans for two of the city’s tallest buildings in the works on parcels now used for parking," adds Ori.
Ori speaks with developers who say that the rising cost of land in downtown is applying pressure on surface parking lots from one side. Another factor is decreasing revenue at parking lots—as much as 30 percent at some lots. According to a report by Green Street Advisors cited in the article, "U.S. parking needs will be cut in half during the next three decades…"
If one were looking for other signs that perhaps recent changes in mobility were reducing demand for parking in urban areas, see also the list of cities reducing curbside parking to make room for other purposes, such as pick-up and drop-off for ride-hailing companies, and an emerging industry of technology meant to take advantage of the evolution in mobility.
FULL STORY: Parking lots disappearing in ride-sharing era as downtown construction booms
Editorial Board Calls for Tax Increment Financing Reform in Chicago
The Chicago Tribune says the city of Chicago can't be trusted with tax increment financing (TIF), so it's time for a do-over.
Editorial: Save Space for Parks in Chicago's Next Big Mega-Development
The 760-acre North Branch Industrial Corridor could be a game changer for the North Side, but the Chicago Tribune wants to make sure that quality of life is considered along visions of economic development.
Study: Most Chicago Rideshare Trips Could Be Made by Transit
Researchers found that 99 percent of rideshare trips could be made by buses and trains — but the time savings roughly equal an hour’s wage.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions