Visitors to
Downtown Grand Ledge are now able to find more places to park in an innovative new lot while shopping, dining and enjoying the area.
“We didn’t have a lot of parking spaces on the north side of downtown,” says Grand Ledge Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Mark Sullivan. “The merchant complained they didn’t have enough parking, but the problem was the topography of the lot was a nightmare”
The existing lot behind the businesses on the west side of N. Bridge St. was uneven gravel, and held about 20 cars, though no spots were designated. Now, the larger paved lot features 51 parking spots and an alley behind the businesses.
The $1.5 million project, for which the DDA issued a bond, also includes some unique innovations. The LED lighting featured in the lot is the first of its kind in the area, and the curb-cut leading into the lot is lined with new storm drainage technology made of crushed glass.
“They put it on like asphalt,” explains Sullivan, “and instead of the runoff going into the road, it would go through the material and down from there.”
The lot is now open for parking, though minor construction is still underway. Sullivan projects that landscaping in the spring will bring the project to completion.
Source: Mark Sullivan, Grand Ledge DDA
Writer: Natalie Burg, News Editor
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