Update: Aug. 14, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions – August 2025
Q: Why does the City of Roswell need a parking deck?
A: The City of Roswell’s downtown historic district has become increasingly popular over the years as a regional destination for dining, shopping, special events, and tourism. However, the limitations of the City’s downtown street network have resulted in mobility and parking challenges.
In April 2021, a parking study suggested that a well-located garage with sufficient capacity could help keep vehicles out of the historic center, encourage longer visits, and invite more people to enjoy and patronize businesses in Roswell’s downtown.
Q: Why did the City choose this location for the parking deck?
A: The City and its consultant, Jacobs Engineering, conducted a thorough and objective assessment of eight potential sites. Each site was evaluated across 17 separate criteria in three categories: Physical, Mobility, and Economic Development.
The site scoring the highest and identified as the most preferred is located between Alpharetta St. (Hwy. 9) to the east and Green Street to the west, offering sufficient size and geometry to support an efficient garage design, with potential for additional development and public space. The preferred site features:
–Close proximity to Canton Street businesses: The location of the parking deck will create connectivity between Hwy. 9, City Hall Trails and parking, and the larger downtown Roswell area.
–Ease of ingress and egress: From a mobility standpoint, access to/from Alpharetta Street via a new, signalized intersection at the new Southern Post will support easy and safe access to the garage while keeping traffic off the smaller neighborhood streets.
–Economic development benefits: The location yields proximity to more commercial businesses within a ¼-mile walk, while still ensuring access to restaurants on the northern end of Canton Street.
Q: Do the renderings of the parking deck show the final design? Is that what the deck will look like?
A: Yes, but there may be minor adjustments made to the design.
Q: How was the design arrived at? How does the design fit in the Historic District? How was the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) involved?
A: The City worked with an architectural engineering firm that studied our downtown area, taking into account the architecture of our older and newer buildings, character design guidelines for the Historic District, and how the deck will be situated on the site. The design materials were also reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in May 2025. The City prioritized design features including:
–Enhanced landscaping to blend into the Historic District and beautify the property along Hwy 9.
–Traditional, four-sided brick façade, architectural parapets and metalwork, tower-like corner stairwells, and variation in the depth of the exterior walls to add dimension and interest to the structure.
–Translucent materials in stairwells and elevator access areas to promote visibility, natural light and safety. This also serves to break up the design features, keeping it more in line with the Historic District.
Q: How many spaces will the parking deck have, and how will drivers access it?
A: The deck features 395 parking spots on 3-and-a-half (3.5) levels with two entrances and three exits. A new connector road on the north side of the deck—between Alpharetta Street and Green Street—will support traffic flow in and out of the facility, improving access and reducing congestion.
Q: Will trees need to be removed in order to build the parking deck? If so, how many, and what is the City’s replanting plan?
A: Yes. The construction of the downtown parking deck, a new connector/access road, and the mobility improvements to Green Street will require the removal of 56 trees. The majority of the trees are located on the northernmost section of the site where the parking deck and access road will be constructed. Other trees are located along Green Street, where 10-foot multi-use sidewalks and the deck’s surface lot access will be constructed. Forty-seven of the 56 trees are non-specimen trees.
To determine the tree plan, a comprehensive tree survey was conducted by a certified arborist and was reviewed by a third-party arborist.
The downtown parking deck’s landscaping and replanting plan calls for a variety of native trees, plants, shrubs, and groundcover. The design includes carefully considered landscaping to soften the visual impact and integrate the structure more naturally into the environment.
Q: What is the plan for Green Street?
A: To enhance connectivity and safety near the parking deck, the Green Street Activation Plan proposes:
–Converting Plum Tree Street (which is currently a one-way road between Canton Street and Green Street) to a brick-paved multi-use trail that provides direct access to Canton Street.
–Converting Green Street to a one-way, southbound road;
–Incorporating a wide, brick-paved, multi-use trail;
–Improving lighting and landscaping along the street; and
–Converting Plum Tree Street (which is currently a one-way road between Canton Street and Green Street) to a brick-paved multi-use trail that provides direct access to Canton Street.
- Green Street Activation Plan Presentation (As Presented in March 2024 – Subject to Change)
Q: Will parking at the deck be free or will people have to pay?
A: The parking deck will be free for Roswell residents. More information about the parking deck’s operation and pay structure for non-residents will be shared in the future.
Q: What is the City’s plan with the Masonic Lodge building?
A: In July 2024, Roswell City Council unanimously approved a resolution to preserve and repurpose the Masonic Lodge, located next to the proposed parking deck site. The exact use of this site and how any future uses might be paid for are yet to be determined, but the site will be protected throughout the construction process. More information.
Update: August 7, 2025
Roswell Breaks Ground on Downtown Parking Deck—Free Parking for Residents Announced
The City of Roswell officially broke ground today on a major project set to reshape access to Downtown Roswell: the Downtown Parking Deck. The highly anticipated facility is designed to ease traffic congestion, support local businesses, and enhance the visitor experience in one of the city’s most popular and vibrant corridors.
At a ceremony held Thursday, August 7, at 1054 Alpharetta Street, Mayor Kurt Wilson, City Councilmembers, City leadership, residents, business owners, and representatives from Winter Construction and Jacobs Engineering gathered to celebrate the start of construction.
“This is more than just a parking deck—it’s a promise to our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Wilson. “It’s about smart infrastructure, thoughtful design, and a commitment to ensuring Downtown Roswell remains a thriving, accessible destination.”
Made Possible by Voters, Designed for the Future
The project is part of the $179.6 million Bond Program overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2022, with $20 million allocated for the construction of a parking deck to serve the downtown area.
The design includes 395 parking spots across 3.5 levels, two entrances, three exits, and a connector road to help ease traffic flow between Alpharetta Street and Green Street. Additional features include a state-of-the-art technology package, enhanced lighting and security, and architectural elements that blend seamlessly into Roswell’s historic and modern downtown aesthetics.
Free Parking for Roswell Residents
In a move that underscores the City’s dedication to serving its residents, Mayor Wilson also announced that parking in the new deck will be free for Roswell residents. More details about how residents can take advantage of this benefit will be shared as the project nears completion.
“This is about investing in the people who live here—who make Roswell home,” said Councilmember Sarah Beeson. “We want our residents to enjoy all that downtown offers without the stress of finding parking or worrying about fees.”
What’s Next
Construction will continue throughout 2025, with updates provided regularly via www.RoswellConnections.com/ParkingDeck.
As Roswell continues to grow, investments like the Downtown Parking Deck ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with progress—making Roswell not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live.
Update: July 24, 2025
Construction Begins Soon on Roswell’s Downtown Parking Deck
Join us on Aug. 7 for the official Groundbreaking Ceremony!
Big changes are coming to the corner of Alpharetta Street (Hwy. 9) and Green Street! Construction of the much-anticipated downtown parking deck is set to begin soon.
Located in the heart of historic Roswell, the new parking deck is made possible through the City’s taxpayer-approved Bond Program and will add vital parking capacity to support downtown businesses, special events, and visitors. The new parking deck is scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
Here’s an overview of what to expect in the coming weeks, including the groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, Aug. 7!
Click on the Site Overview to see the full-size image.
Starting Thursday, July 24:
–-Construction fencing will begin going up around the site.
–-Transit Notice: Beginning July 24, MARTA will suspend service to the bus stop located within the construction zone (Alpharetta Street at Green Street). Bus stops directly north and south of the site will remain in service. Visit itsmarta.com/85.aspx for more info about the bus route.
Week of July 28: Winter Construction will begin mobilizing on site, setting up erosion control measures, and preparing the site for construction. More details coming soon.
Thursday, Aug. 7: Groundbreaking Ceremony—Join Us!
The City of Roswell invites residents, business owners, and community partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Downtown Parking Deck on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at 1054 Alpharetta Street.
Mayor Kurt Wilson, members of the Roswell City Council, City staff, and project partners from Winter Construction will take part in the ceremonial kickoff of this transformative project.
Parking for the event will be available on site and at the adjacent Green Street parking lot (1056 Green Street). Additional parking options are available throughout downtown Roswell and at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street.
Resident/Business Information Meeting – July 18, 2025
Thanks to the many residents and business owners who came out to Fellows Café on July 18, 2025, to learn more about the parking deck project and what to expect during construction mobilization.
The City of Roswell is grateful for the support of the community—and especially those who live and work adjacent to the site—during this transformational construction project.
We will continue to share updates as the project moves forward.
Publish Date: March 26, 2025
Roswell Selects Firm for Design and Construction of Downtown Parking Deck
The City of Roswell is embarking on a crucial step toward building its much-anticipated downtown parking deck. During their Special Called Mayor and City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 26, Roswell’s elected officials unanimously approved the award of a design-build contract in the amount of $14,485,600 to Winter Construction. The firm will handle both the design and construction of the new deck, which will be located in the historic downtown district at the corner of Green Street and Hwy. 9. The City of Roswell anticipates completion of the parking deck by summer 2026.
“The City of Roswell is thrilled to take this important step forward by awarding the design-build contract for our downtown parking deck—a project made possible by the incredible support of Roswell taxpayers,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “This has been a true team effort, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our hardworking City staff for their expertise and professionalism, as well as to our elected officials for their vision and leadership. This parking deck is more than just infrastructure—it’s an investment in our City’s future, supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life for years to come.”
This parking deck is more than just infrastructure—it’s an investment in our City’s future, supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life for years to come.”
Mayor Kurt Wilson
Unlike a traditional approach to project construction in which clients work with a designer or architect separately from a general contractor, a design-build approach is a streamlined, single-source method in which one firm provides both the architectural/engineering design services and physical construction under one contract. Benefits include a more efficient process with a single point of accountability, resulting in faster delivery completion and cost savings.
Winter Construction was among nine firms that submitted proposals for the City of Roswell’s parking deck project this past summer. An evaluation committee including representatives from the City of Roswell’s Environmental/Public Works Department and Transportation Department reviewed, scored, and interviewed the top three firms. Winter Construction earned the highest scores for their technical proposal and interview performance and offered the lowest costs of all three bids.
The Atlanta-based firm was established more than 60 years ago and has worked extensively throughout the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, providing commercial construction services across hospitality, government, education, and other sectors. Most recently, Winter Construction completed the City of Woodstock’s parking garage and projects for other municipalities, including the Snellville parking deck, Forsyth County courthouse, and East Point city hall.
Winter Construction’s design proposes 395 planned parking spots and incorporates aesthetic details that align with the City’s Historic District, including a brick façade, architectural parapets and metalwork, tower-like corner stairwells, and variation in the depth of the exterior walls to add dimension and interest to the structure. The design also incorporates large windows and openings to maximize light and airflow.
About the Parking Deck and Green Street Activation Project
In recent years, the City of Roswell’s downtown historic district has become increasingly more popular as a regional destination for dining, shopping, special events, and tourism. However, the limitations of the City’s historic street network have resulted in mobility and parking challenges.
In April 2021, a parking study suggested that a well-located garage with sufficient capacity could help keep vehicles out of the historic center, encourage longer visits, and invite more people to enjoy and patronize businesses in Roswell’s downtown. In November 2022, voters overwhelmingly approved $179.6 million in bond funds, including $20 million for the City to build a parking deck.
In March 2024, after assessing eight potential sites, Roswell City Council approved the location for a parking deck in the historic downtown district at the corner of Green Street and Hwy. 9, across from the new Southern Post development.
To enhance connectivity and safety near the parking deck, City Council also approved the Green Street Activation Plan, which proposes converting Green Street to a one-way, southbound road; incorporating a wide, brick-paved, multi-use trail; improving lighting and landscaping along the street; and converting Plum Tree Street (which is currently a one-way road between Canton Street and Green Street) to a brick-paved multi-use trail that provides direct access to Canton Street.
About the Design
Careful attention has been paid to ensuring the parking deck design fits seamlessly within the surrounding architectural landscape.
Design Context: Blending Historic and Modern Elements in Downtown Roswell
One of the primary design considerations was the proximity to the historic Mason’s Lodge and its original classic Greek Revival style. The new deck was thoughtfully designed to echo and complement that traditional aesthetic, recognizing the Lodge’s importance as a landmark in our community. Additionally, the architect considered the contemporary Southern Post development, located just across Highway 9, creating a thoughtful visual balance between the old and the new.
Beyond these individual influences, the architect took a comprehensive approach by studying the character of our entire Historic District. This broader perspective allowed the team to design a structure that doesn’t just coexist with its surroundings but enhances them.
Architectural Interest from All Sides
Recognizing that a parking deck is, at its core, a massive concrete structure, the design team placed a strong emphasis on what is placed on the outside of that concrete. This deck will feature full architectural façades on all four sides—an uncommon but deliberate choice. In many cities, facades might only adorn the most visible sides of a parking structure. Here, the design ensures every angle contributes positively to the streetscape, with details that honor the surrounding architecture.
Safety, Openness, and Design Details
User experience and safety were also top priorities. The deck has been designed with openness in mind, even at the subterranean level. Large, window-like openings, particularly on the first floor, allow natural light to filter into the structure, creating a sense of comfort and visibility for users. Additional architectural details, like the thoughtfully designed parapets at the top of the structure, act almost like crown molding—elevating the aesthetic in subtle but meaningful ways.
Landscaping
Equally important was the treatment of the property surrounding the deck. The design includes beautiful plantings and carefully considered landscaping to soften the visual impact and integrate the structure more naturally into the environment. This attention to detail reflects the City’s commitment to building not just functional infrastructure, but spaces that contribute to the beauty and character of our community.
Future Parking Policies
The City of Roswell is currently contemplating its parking policies to determine how downtown parking will operate in the future. The City is focused on creating well-managed parking strategies that support local businesses, reduce congestion, and improve visitor experiences.
To help shape these future policies, the City is actively collecting and analyzing data about parking usage and will be organizing meetings with community members and local businesses to discuss parking policies, shared parking costs, and long-term economic development strategies. The City will share details about these upcoming meetings, which are expected to begin in spring 2025.
