By Andrew Sachs, CAPP:
In this four-part Parkonomics series for Urban Land, Kevin Bopp, Bernard Lee, and Andrew Sachs, CAPP, examine how parking facilities must evolve to remain viable in a rapidly changing mobility landscape. Beginning with Parkonomics: Rethinking Future Proofing, the authors argue that future proofing is not about distant adaptive reuse but about preparing garages to function effectively over the next five to ten years. Rather than focusing solely on flat floors and high ceilings, they emphasize operational flexibility, modular structural grids, strong sightlines for machine-vision systems, and curb extensions that accommodate transportation network companies and delivery activity.
Electrification introduces both inevitability and uncertainty. In Parkonomics: Thinking through EV Charging, the authors outline why battery electric vehicle adoption will continue to expand, even though charging speeds, policy mandates, and infrastructure requirements remain fluid. They recommend scalable electrical capacity, expandable conduit, and a market-based approach that preserves flexibility as demand evolves.
Execution is equally critical. Parkonomics: Construction and Commissioning highlights the importance of embedding intelligent lighting, IoT-ready systems, distributed antenna systems, and open-API, SaaS-based parking technology during construction. Vendor interoperability is positioned as essential to avoiding technological lock-in.
Finally, Parkonomics: Retrofitting for the Future focuses on modernizing existing assets through phased infrastructure audits and prioritized upgrades. By strengthening electrical and data backbones first, legacy garages can transition into connected, revenue-optimized mobility hubs.
Together, these insights make clear that future proofing is not a single design choice but a continuous commitment to adaptability and resilience.
Andrew Sachs, CAPP, is the President of Gateway Parking Services. Andrew can be reached at andrew@gpsparking.com.
Forum Question: How should parking operators think about short-term vs. long-term planning?