When parking issues are a good thing
By Main Street Clinton Director Tara Lytal
On this graphic, some of the many Olde Towne attractions and nearby available parking are shown included within the red outline, which is the same size as the Clinton Walmart lot, exhibiting that significant numbers of parking spaces are within easy walking distance from the attractions, even though they may not be located directly in front of the business or destination.
How can we be thankful for parking challenges? Because parking challenges are an indicator of a vibrant downtown, a destination where people want to gather.
When the Main Street Clinton program started in 2007, one of the primary goals was to revitalize Olde Towne. After nineteen years, we can claim some successes.
Olde Towne has about a 95% occupancy rate, with most buildings housing specialty retail and eating establishments. We also host numerous events downtown, which bring visitors and residents alike to the heart of our community.
With the recent addition of Krilakis and Brick Street Burgers, Olde Towne has four restaurants, along with a coffee shop, bakery, loaded tea shop, ice cream parlor, and a meals-to-go option, making Olde Towne a dining and food destination. Along with the salons and specialty retail shops, Olde Towne is bustling.
Two years ago, Main Street Clinton advocated for a parking study to determine where more parking spaces could be gained. As a result, over fifty on-street parking opportunities were identified and marked within two blocks of the heart of the commercial corridor, including the City Hall lot after working hours. WGK has also generously offered their parking lot to be used after work hours and on weekends.
Studies have found that when a customer is not able to park in front of a destination business, they often perceive that the walk is longer than it actually is. When a customer shops at a big box grocery store, they can plan to walk an average of 475 feet from where they park to the dairy section. The average city block is 200 to 600 feet, with Olde Towne blocks measuring around 330 feet.
Even during the busiest of times, most Olde Towne customers will not have to park more than two to three blocks from retail and restaurants, which is not much further than what they would walk to purchase milk in a big box grocery store.
Why all the hype about parking? If we want a thriving and vibrant downtown, we need to shift our thinking and realize that to support the unique businesses that call Olde Towne Clinton home, we may have to abandon the idea of convenience parking, directly in front of a business, and embrace a short, healthy walk.
If you haven’t visited Olde Towne lately, you are missing out. Plan a dinner with friends, then grab your favorite dessert, and discover all that your downtown has to offer within walking distance.
Pictured is the Clinton Wal-Mart, with the red outline depicting the building and parking lot boundaries.
