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Home My WebLink AboutX-C-01 Downtown Parking StudyCity Council Memorandum To:Mayor Fasbender and City Council From:Amelia Thibault, Community Development Intern Date:September 2, 2025 Item:Downtown Parking Study Council Action Requested: Consider the findings from the 2025 Hastings Downtown Parking Study. Staff will present a summary at the meeting. No formal action is required. Advisory Commission Review: The Planning Commission reviewed the study at the August 25, 2025 meeting. HEDRA will review at the September 11, 2025 meeting. Attachments: •Hastings Downtown Parking Study -2025 Hastings Downtown Parking Study AMELIA THIBAULT 2025 Background Parking Utilization Comparison to Walmart Existing Conditions Previous Studies Anaylsis Conclusion Table of Contents 01. 03. 06. 02. 05. 04. 07. Your NFP Name —SDG Progress Report 2020 Purpose The parking analysis was conducted to determine the following: An updated inventory of available public and private parking. Parking usage during various periods and days of the week. Areas of higher concentration of use. Recent developments’effect on parking utilization. Changes in utilization and the study area since previous downtown parking studies conducted in 2017,2021,2023,and 2024. History Similar parking studies have been carried out in previous years.In 2017,John Hinzman, the Community Development Director,completed a research study,which concluded that the downtown parking supply has not reached saturation to a point where no parking is available.Grady Timmerman,Madelyn Swanson,and Lindsey Duggan,previous community development interns,completed three additional studies in 2021,2023,and 2024,and their findings provided evidence that led them to the same conclusions. Prior research revealed the underutilization of parking,or that parking is frequently accessible and often open,except in very few specific locations downtown.According to the study's findings,parking was available in Downtown Hastings during both peak and regular hours. Downtown parking has not been used to its full potential.Additionally,it was determined that existing buildings can be converted into new businesses,and new construction can occur without significantly overloading the current parking supply. Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Background Study Area The research area spans 20 blocks,with the Mississippi River to the north,the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad to the east, 5th Street to the south, and Eddy Street to the west,including the Confluence parking lot. Study Area Amelia Thibault -Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Zoning Within the Study area,most commercial,residential,and mixed occupancy buildings are zoned either C-3 (Community Regional Commerce)or DC (Downtown Core).Most single- family residential areas are zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential),while higher- density residential areas are zoned R-4 (High Density Residential)and RMU (Residential Mixed Use).This area also includes a small area zoned as I-1 (Industrial). Existing Conditions Parking Supply There are 1,549 parking spaces within the study area.This includes on and off-street parking,as well as parking lots.The public parking supply is 1003 spaces,and the private parking supply is 546 spaces. Existing Land Use The study area includes a variety of land uses common to a historic downtown,such as warehouse and office space,restaurants,retail,residential,and industrial.These uses are often mixed within the same buildings.Many downtown buildings rely on on-street parking and adjacent public lots to accommodate the needs of their customers,residents,and employees rather than having separate off-street parking spaces. Since 2024,the following changes to the study area have been made: Removed Parking Spaces from study area:(Total 16) Tyler-3rd to 4th:16 spaces Added/Adjusted Parking Spaces from study area:(Total 16) Block 4 Alley:adjusted from 6 to 11 spaces.However,these spaces are not striped,but the area is being used more frequently and has been observed holding 20 cars. Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Time #of Surveys Average # Utilized Average % Utilized Weekdays (M-F)BEFORE 12 pm 3 575.7 37% Weekdays (M-F)AFTER 12 pm 9 560.8 36% Weekends 2 613.5 40% Methodology Parking occupancy was surveyed 13 times between May 13th and August 13th to determine utilization.Surveys were conducted during various periods and days of the week. Parking Utlization Map 1 of 5 for collecting parking data Amelia Thibault -Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Overall Parking Utilization Overall parking utilization provides a basis for determining instances of higher demand for certain parking areas. Areas where parking utilization was 50% or above at any time of the week include: Public Lots: Block 4 Alley Sibley - North of 2nd Parking Lot under the Bridge 2nd - Eddy to Verm 2nd - Sibley to Ramsey 2nd - Verm to Sibley (parklets) Parking Ramp - Confluence - Lower Deck East Side Verm - 2nd to 3rd Sibley - 2nd to 3rd Block 3 Parking Lot Ramsey - North of 2nd 4th - Verm to Sibley City Hall Parking Lot 3rd - Sibley to Ramsey 2nd - Ramsey to Tyler Tyler - 2nd to 1st Olivers Grove South 5th - Verm to Sibley Sibley - 4th to 5th 3rd St - Verm to Eddy Sibley - 3rd to 4th Eddy - 4th to 3rd Overall Parking Utilization Private Lots: Downtown Tire & Auto American Legion South Confluence - Front Lot - 2nd St Block 3 Alley Confluence - 2nd & Spring Three studies were conducted during the week before 12 pm. Higher concentrations of parking (50% and above) were found in the following areas: Public Lots: Parking Lot under the Bridge Parking Ramp - Confluence - Lower Deck 2nd - Verm to Sibley (parklets) 2nd - Eddy to Verm 4th - Verm to Sibley City Hall Parking Lot Sibley - North of 2nd Sibley - 2nd to 3rd Ramsey - North of 2nd 2nd - Sibley to Ramsey 2nd - Ramsey to Tyler Block 4 Alley Block 3 Parking Lot Sibley - 4th to 5th Eddy - 4th to 3rd 3rd St - Verm to Eddy Tyler - 2nd to 1st Parking Utilization Weekdays Before 12 pm Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Private Lots: Downtown Tire & Auto American Legion South Confluence - Front Lot - 2nd St Block 3 Alley Nine studies were conducted during the week after 12 pm. Higher concentrations of parking (50% and above) were found in the following areas: Public Lots: Parking Lot under the Bridge Block 4 Alley 2nd - Verm to Sibley (parklets) 2nd - Eddy to Verm 2nd - Sibley to Ramsey Sibley - 2nd to 3rd Ramsey - North of 2nd Block 3 Parking Lot City Hall Parking Lot 4th - Verm to Sibley 3rd - Sibley to Ramsey 2nd - Ramsey to Tyler Parking Utilization Weekdays After 12 pm Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Private Lots: Downtown Tire & Auto American Legion South Confluence - Front Lot - 2nd St Block 3 Alley Two studies were conducted during the weekend. Higher concentrations of parking (50% and above) were found in the following areas: Public Lots: Block 4 Alley 2nd - Eddy to Verm Parking Ramp - Confluence - Lower Deck 2nd - Verm to Sibley (parklets) East Side Verm - 2nd to 3rd Parking Lot under the Bridge 2nd - Sibley to Ramsey Sibley - North of 2nd Block 3 Parking Lot Sibley - 2nd to 3rd 3rd - Sibley to Ramsey 4th - Verm to Sibley Ramsey - North of 2nd Parking Utilization Weekends Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Private Lots: Downtown Tire & Auto Confluence - Front Lot - 2nd St Confluence - 2nd & Spring Block 3 Alley American Legion South Top 10 Most Utilized Public Parking Areas Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 PARKING AREA Spaces Max. Usage Average before 12 pm Average after 12 pm Average weekend Overall % #1 Block 4 Alley (+Gravel behind substation) 11 20 58%76%159%84% #2 Sibley Street –North of 2nd 9 10 58%85%89%82% #3 Parking Lot Under TH 61 Bridge 43 43 84%79%92%82% #4 2nd –Eddy to vermillion 18 22 81%74%111%81% #5 2nd –Sibley to Ramsey 35 33 60%72%90%72% #6 Sibley Street –2nd to 3rd 17 15 65%72%79%71% #7 Block 3-Levee Park 108 95 57%69%80%68% #8 Ramsey –North of 2nd 9 9 63%70%56%67% #9 4th-Vermillion to Sibley 15 13 76%60%63%64% #10 2nd –Vermillion to Sibley 20 18 53%62%63%60% Top 10 Most Utilized Public Parking Areas Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Analysis 2017-2025 Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 Parking Utilization 2017-2025 Average #of spots utilized Number of Parking Spots 2017 2021 2023 2024 20250 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 Year # of Parking Spots 399 1378 469 1500 470 1456 519 1558 583 1549 Year Number of Parking Spots Average %utilization Average #of spots utilized 2017 1,378 28.90%399 2021 1,500 31.30%469 2023 1,456 32.95%470 2024 1,558 32%519 2025 1,549 37.70%583 Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 2024,Lindsey Duggan 2023 Versus 2024 From 2023 to 2024,the existing parking supply increased from 1,456 to 1,558 parking spaces.Out of the new parking space total 1,012 of those parking spaces are public and 546 are private.The cause for this increase in parking supply is due to new developments and areas studied.In 2024,the overall average parking utilization was 32%,roughly equivalent to 519 parking spaces. This is comparable to the 32.95%utilization reported in 2023,indicating that the average number of utilized spaces has remained relatively stable.Additionally,the data reveals an increase in downtown parking,with several lots showing utilization rates of 50%or more.The increase in available spaces over the past year has facilitated downtown parking growth while keeping the overall average utilization consistent.In 2024,the category with the highest utilization shifted from weekdays between 8 AM and 2 PM to weekdays (Monday through Friday)after 12 PM.Overall,it is evident that many areas of the downtown parking supply remain underutilized. Since the 2023 study,the area has undergone several revisions and redesigns,including the construction of new developments such as the Lake Isabelle Flats.In 2023,the number of parking spaces was reduced from 1,500 to 1,465 due to residential and commercial expansion.Despite this reduction,the parking data remains close to the 2021 figures,indicating continued underutilization.The revised route introduced 128 new parking spaces,114 of which are private and 14 are public,bringing the total to 1,558 spaces in 2024.Currently,about 68%of these spaces are still underutilized.The newly constructed Lake Isabelle Flat’s impact on downtown’s parking demand and utilization was analyzed and was found to have a minimal effect on the surrounding area as it provided on-site parking for its tenants.This is a crucial finding for developers trying to navigate around the Downtown Core's mandate that each dwelling unit must have two parking spaces. Past Analysis Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 2023,Madelyn Swanson 2021 Versus 2023 From 2021 to 2023,the existing parking supply decreased from 1,500 to 1,456 spaces. This can be contributed to new developments and redevelopments,like Lake Isabel Flats and Spiral Pizza,removing parking spaces to contribute to residential and commercial expansion.These goals align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to provide more high- density housing and expanding opportunities for businesses.1,007 of those parking spaces are public and 420 are private.That is a decrease of 62 public parking spaces and 11 private parking spaces.Average parking utilization for all times and days of the week surveyed in 2021 was 31.3%or 469.5 spaces.Compare that to 2023,which saw an average utilization rate of 32.95%and 470 spaces.The highest utilized category switched from weekdays after 5pm in 2021 to weekdays from 8am-2pm in 2023.Since the study conducted in 2021,the Confluence has built a private parking lot,Spiral Pizza has removed its Vermillion Street parking in favor of outdoor dining space and Lake Isabel Flats removed the public parking spots from the former UBC lots.All of which have had an impact on downtown’s parking supply,demand,and utilization. 2021,Grady Timmerman 2017 Versus 2021 From 2017 to 2021,the existing parking supply increased from 1,378 to 1,500 available parking spaces.1,069 of those parking spaces are public and 431 are private.That is an increase of 84 public parking spaces and 38 private parking spaces.Average parking utilization for all times and days of the week surveyed in 2021 was 31.3%or 469.5 spaces.Compare that to 2017 which saw an average utilization rate of 28.9%and 398.6 spaces.That equates to about a 17.8%increase during that 4-year time period.The data also found an increase in the number of areas that exceeded the 75%utilization threshold.This is especially true in the 4-block area bounded to the west by Highway 61, to the south by 3rd Street,to the east by Ramsey Street,and to the north by Levee Park. With as many as five locations within that area surpassing the threshold compared to only one in 2017.The highest utilized category also switched from weekdays 9am to 5pm in 2017 to weekdays after 5pm in 2021.Since the study conducted in 2017,a parking ramp has been constructed,parklets have been installed,Artspace Lofts was completed, Levee Park improvements were made,and Confluence continued its redevelopment of Hudson Manufacturing.All of which have had an impact on downtown’s parking supply, demand,and utilization. Past Analysis Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025 This visual shows the Hastings Walmart and its related parking mapped onto the downtown area to show the proximity of parking to storefronts.The distance between Walmart parking and areas within the store are comparable to a one or two block walk within the downtown area.Most individuals tolerate the Walmart distance to parking without question.Planners have started researching why there is a difference in how these distances feel to consumers,even if they are comparable.Some suggest that there is a mental barrier to parking farther away when you can no longer see your destination from your spot.While Walmart parking lots are vast expanses with no barriers to their sightlines. Comparison to Walmart Key takeaways: The parking supply can handle the day-to-day parking demands Parking utilization is increasing The Block 4 alley and gravel area have significantly increased in usage Lake Isabelle Flats and Artspace have not strained the surrounding parking areas Downtown Hastings can handle further commercial and residential development With an average utilization of about 38%,downtown Hastings has enough parking to support our current businesses and could support further development.Parking utilization has been increasing,and this is a good thing!Fewer spots available means more spots are full with people visiting and enjoying our historic downtown.While parking can be tight during major downtown events,our current parking stock is more than enough to handle the day-to-day parking needs. Conclusion Amelia Thibault —Hastings Downtown Parking Study 2025