In Downtown Raleigh, north of the Capitol Building, there is an abundance of underutilized surface parking lots. These lots, which serve community members who have and can afford cars, contribute to a heat island, and create a unprogrammed void between the dense downtown and surrounding residential neighborhood. There has to be a better way to use this space for all people, not just those with cars!

Park It Here proposes a phasing out of public surface parking lots in downtown Raleigh over the next 25 years - replacing the underutilized space with the development of green space, housing, and community services. The need for parking will decrease as the quality and access to public transportation downtown improves. Many of the city’s existing development initiatives can be utilized to support these transitions from parking lots to resources the community needs. By building out green spaces, housing, and community resources over time, these large spaces can connect the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, provide cool oases in the city, and serve all members of the community.