New Parking Options Coming to Crockett Street in Downtown Shreveport
Shreveport, LA – Downtown Shreveport is adding much-needed parking along Crockett Street to accommodate the area’s growing activity. With the resurgence of businesses like The Glass Hat Cafe, Crockett Street Trading Company, Hand Forged Tattoo, ShreveTowne Barber Shop, Artiszen Tattoo Studio, and the newly opened Apotheworx Pharmacy, demand for convenient parking options has steadily increased. Thanks to the efforts of ShrevePark Parking Administrator Lorenzo Lee, along with Allen Pierce and Robert Tomasek from the City of Shreveport Public Works Department, the closed turning lane near the former SporTran bus terminal is being converted back into street parking.
“After an inquiry from long-time downtown business owner, Jason Cram, we began working with the Public Works Department to determine the feasibility of converting the turning lane into parking.“ stated Lorenzo Lee, ShrevePark Parking Administrator, “ Because the turning lane was established to accommodate SporTran buses, and this accommodation is no longer needed, Public Works determined that the location could be used for parking. We are happy that we were able to accommodate area businesses and residents, and we consider it a product of our reinvigorated partnership and cooperation with the Public Works Department. “
The turning lane was originally installed to accommodate bus traffic when the SporTran bus terminal was downtown. However, since its relocation, the lane has remained in place despite changing traffic patterns and increased activity in the area. This conversion is expected to provide a much-needed boost to parking availability for visitors and customers enjoying the district.
“Converting the turning lane on Crockett Street into additional parking is a win for both businesses and visitors,” said Cedric B. Glover, Executive Director of the Shreveport DDA “With more businesses and visitors coming to the area, providing accessible and affordable parking ensures that downtown remains a destination where people can easily explore, shop, and experience all that our city center has to offer.”
As Downtown Shreveport continues to attract new businesses and visitors, accessible street parking remains a critical component of the overall downtown experience. Downtown Shreveport’s metered street parking rates remain among the lowest in the country, with a rate of $0.50 per hour—significantly lower than other cities like New Orleans, where rates typically range from $2 to $3 per hour and the national average ranging from $2 – $5 per hour.
Maintaining affordable and well-monitored parking helps ensure that spaces remain available for short-term visitors, preventing long-term parking that could otherwise limit turnover and reduce access to prime spots. This balance encourages a steady flow of customers and patrons to downtown businesses while ensuring that visitors can park close to their destinations.
The new parking spaces will be app-based parking only, utilizing the ParkMobile app, which is already in use across all downtown street parking areas. ParkMobile provides a seamless, contactless experience, allowing users to pay for and extend their parking time right from their smartphones. Be sure to look for the green curbs and signage to locate ParkMobile information.
The new parking spaces on Crockett Street are expected to be available soon. Visitors are encouraged to download the ParkMobile app ahead of time to streamline their parking experience and stay connected to all that downtown Shreveport has to offer.
