The Birmingham Parking Authority is asking residents, businesses and visitors for their opinions on the future use of BPA’s parking lots off Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham.
The parking authority Monday opened to the public a survey to gather thoughts and ideas on what is the best use of Morris Avenue Parking Lots A1 and A2. The lots border the railroad separating downtown from Southside, extend from 20th Street to 24th Street, and are accessible from Morris Avenue and 23rd Street North.
“Our goal is to put this valuable property to work in a way that makes the most sense—supporting the Historic Morris Avenue District, the surrounding neighborhoods, and Birmingham’s central business district, while improving parking and creating new economic opportunities,” said BPA CEO André Davis. “If you live, work, or spend time in our downtown—or if you simply care about its future—we would love to hear from you. Your perspective helps us shape a downtown that continues to grow, evolve and thrive.”
The Morris Avenue Forward survey is accessible on BPA’s website, bhamparking.com. It should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete, and the questions pertain specifically to potential improvements only within the property lines of the parking lots.
The public has until December 19 to participate in the survey. The focus is getting input on preferences for the property’s future use and the desired look and feel of potential enhancements. The results will help guide BPA as it develops long-term plans for the property.
“This is the first step in determining the best use for this property,” Davis said. “Any decisions about future use will take time to develop and will require close collaboration with city leaders, along with real estate and marketing experts. We’re open to all possibilities—retail, dining, lodging, entertainment—whatever proves to be the best fit.
“At the end of our evaluation, we may find that the most effective use of the property is a parking lot that truly supports the needs of both downtown and the Morris Avenue District.”
Williams Blackstock Architects, Tessa Commercial Real Estate and REV Birmingham are assisting BPA with the survey.
While the planning for long-term use proceeds, BPA said the public can expect to see improvements to the existing parking lots. Improvements to entrances, landscaping and parking space layout are planned to enhance the parking experience for users.
BPA’s Parking System Strategic Plan, adopted in December 2024, included updating and modernizing the Authority’s parking facilities and better leveraging the use of technology to ensure parking is convenient, hassle-free and affordable. In addition to the Morris Avenue lots, BPA operates a parking lot in Avondale and seven parking decks in downtown Birmingham and Southside.
