Downtown Public Space Pilot

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Lot 2 Design

We’re testing out ideas for the future of the Rosemary-Columbia parking lot. With items like new seating, activity areas, art, landscaping, and shade, we can transform a gathering space with low-cost, flexible materials. This concept is known as Tactical Urbanism. This project is an experiment to see if we can change Downtown with a small space!

Town staff, UNC staff, and community members helped guide the concept design for this parking lot. Next, the Town will hire an event company or individual to program the space from August through December. During that time, we will measure how and how much the space is used.

You can use this site to share feedback on the design or the approach!

We’re testing out ideas for the future of the Rosemary-Columbia parking lot. With items like new seating, activity areas, art, landscaping, and shade, we can transform a gathering space with low-cost, flexible materials. This concept is known as Tactical Urbanism. This project is an experiment to see if we can change Downtown with a small space!

Town staff, UNC staff, and community members helped guide the concept design for this parking lot. Next, the Town will hire an event company or individual to program the space from August through December. During that time, we will measure how and how much the space is used.

You can use this site to share feedback on the design or the approach!

Ask a question about the project here!

Please ask any questions you may have about the project. We may add your question and the answer to our FAQ section.

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  • Share Is the TCH going to anything about the homelessness issue to ensure that this does not become their new haven? on Facebook Share Is the TCH going to anything about the homelessness issue to ensure that this does not become their new haven? on Twitter Share Is the TCH going to anything about the homelessness issue to ensure that this does not become their new haven? on Linkedin Email Is the TCH going to anything about the homelessness issue to ensure that this does not become their new haven? link

    Is the TCH going to anything about the homelessness issue to ensure that this does not become their new haven?

    Sterling asked 6 days ago

    The Town has several resources dedicated to supporting community members who are experiencing homelessness. We continue to work with community partners to expand our outreach and services. Lot 2, like any public space, will be open to all community members who are legally using the space.  

  • Share Will the space be accessible for folks with disabilities? on Facebook Share Will the space be accessible for folks with disabilities? on Twitter Share Will the space be accessible for folks with disabilities? on Linkedin Email Will the space be accessible for folks with disabilities? link

    Will the space be accessible for folks with disabilities?

    Howie asked 6 days ago

    Yes! We are considering multiple ways to ensure the space is accessible:

    1. The design includes paint on the asphalt guiding people into the lot from accessible entrances.

    2. We are considering picnic tables that have three benches (instead of four) so a wheelchair can roll up to them.

    3. We will use few, if any, platforms or steps so most or all design elements will be at ground level. 

    Thank you for your question!

  • Share How will this help businesses off of Franklin Street that already suffer due to poor parking options for the public? on Facebook Share How will this help businesses off of Franklin Street that already suffer due to poor parking options for the public? on Twitter Share How will this help businesses off of Franklin Street that already suffer due to poor parking options for the public? on Linkedin Email How will this help businesses off of Franklin Street that already suffer due to poor parking options for the public? link

    How will this help businesses off of Franklin Street that already suffer due to poor parking options for the public?

    Jack asked 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question! This lot is located across from the new East Rosemary Parking Deck, which can absorb the surface parking going offline. This project will test how adding public spaces can increase foot traffic and economic activity downtown. 

Page last updated: 22 May 2025, 04:28 PM