Kevin Griffin
The Bellemeade Street parking deck will be closed starting Saturday in preparation for the demolition of the parking structure.
While no specific plans have been announced for the future of the property, a Greensboro councilman said the site could serve as a location for new businesses and residential units along with some parking.
The city first announced plans to close the deck last November, citing the need to demolish the parking because of "structural issues related to the materials used when the deck was built in 1989."
The Bellemeade Deck includes nearly 1,300 parking spaces and is the city's largest parking structure, making up almost a quarter of Greensboro's off-street parking.
Drivers who currently pay monthly rates to park at the Bellemeade Deck are eligible for a 50% discount on monthly parking fees at other city parking structures for the next six months.
The city recommends drivers find parking at other nearby decks, including the Eugene Street Parking Deck at 215 N. Eugene St., Church Street Parking Deck at 215 N. Church St., and the recently opened February One Parking Deck at 110 S. Davie St.
It is unclear when exactly the demolition of the deck will take place.
"It will take six months to complete demolition, after the contract and demolition plan are approved," Greensboro Communications Manager Savion Thorne said. "Work is slated to begin after March 1."
On Feb. 4, the Greensboro City Council voted to seek approval from the Local Government Commission for $2.5 million in bonds to cover the cost of the demolition, part of a larger $26 million request intended to fund various city projects.
Councilman Zack Matheny, who also serves as president of Downtown Greensboro Inc., said the new development will fill several needs.
"Parking will be a component but we really have a prime opportunity for a proper mixed-use development that includes hospitality, retail and housing. Maybe even office," Matheny said in a text. "Parking will be a portion but not at the level of the current Bellemeade deck."
kevin.griffin@greensboro.com
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