The Birmingham Parking Authority is asking residents to share their opinions on what should be done with two downtown parking lots off Morris Avenue, whether that would mean more parking, residences, restaurants, entertainment areas or a mix of those things.

The Morris Avenue Forward survey seeks opinions on the best use of Parking Lots A1 and A2. They border the railroad separating downtown from Southside, from 20th Street to 24th Street, and are accessible from Morris Avenue and 23rd Street North.

“Our goal is to put this valuable property to work in a way that makes the most sense — supporting the Historic Morris Avenue District, the surrounding neighborhoods, and Birmingham’s central business district, while improving parking and creating new economic opportunities,” said authority CEO André Davis. “If you live, work, or spend time in our downtown — or if you simply care about its future — we would love to hear from you. Your perspective helps us shape a downtown that continues to grow, evolve and thrive.”

The survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is available on the parking authority’s website through Dec. 19. Questions pertain only potential improvements on those two parking lots.

The focus is preferences for the property’s future use and its look and feel. The results are to help guide the parking authority as it develops long-term plans for the property.

“This is the first step in determining the best use for this property,” Davis said. “Any decisions about future use will take time to develop and will require close collaboration with city leaders, along with real estate and marketing experts. We’re open to all possibilities — retail, dining, lodging, entertainment — whatever proves to be the best fit.

“At the end of our evaluation, we may find that the most effective use of the property is a parking lot that truly supports the needs of both downtown and the Morris Avenue District.”

Williams Blackstock Architects, Tessa Commercial Real Estate and REV Birmingham are assisting with the survey.

“We encourage people to lend their voices to it,” said David Fleming, REV Birmingham’s president and CEO.

The survey starts out by asking respondents which of five possible uses they would prefer:

• Mixed-use such as small-scale parking with public spaces along with surface parking.
• Retail and a hotel with surface parking or a parking deck.
• Retail and residential with parking.
• An entertainment destination that would include parking, an entertainment or activity venue and food and beverage options.
• An enhanced surface parking lot, though the possibility of a deck is raised elsewhere in the survey.

The survey continues by asking people about the height and scale they would prefer for the project, what factors would mark the area with a distinct identity, and what pedestrian kind of areas and other amenities they would like to see.

While the planning for long-term use proceeds, the public can expect to see improvements to the existing parking lots, such as to entrances, landscaping and the parking layout.

The parking authority’s Parking System Strategic Plan, adopted in December 2024, included updating and modernizing the authority’s parking facilities and better leveraging the use of technology to ensure parking is convenient, hassle-free and affordable.