Downtown parking garage being considered

Downtown parking garage being considered

The Boerne Public Facility Corporation (PFC) board of directors unanimously approved allocating up to $50,000 to fund a feasibility study for a potential downtown parking garage at its November meeting.

The city of Boerne and Kendall County will equally share in the cost of the study.

The feasibility of a parking garage on Rosewood Avenue near the Kendall County Courthouse will evaluate parking functionality, construction costs, efficiency and the project’s financial sustainability.

Funding for the feasibility study comes from the PFC’s existing funds.

“I have talked to Commissioner Richard Chapman multiple times and the (Kendall County) Judge over the last three years about this facility,” Joseph Macaluso, PFC secretary-treasurer and District 5 city councilman, said. “I know the county needs it, I know our businesses need it, and this is probably one of the best uses we can make at this time.” The project aims to alleviate increasing parking challenges in downtown Boerne, where the growth of businesses, tourism and county services has created accessibility concerns during peak times.

The proposed garage would include options for a single below-grade level, up to three stories, and approximately 10,000 square feet of office space.

The contractor for the project, Kimley- Horn, will deliver up to four conceptual designs and evaluate the potential operating costs and revenue generation of the proposed parking structure.

“We want it to be built into the character of downtown,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said when discussing possible design features.

“It helps our visitors, our tourists, folks needing to do business downtown be able to get to convenient parking,” Thatcher said.

The feasibility study is a first step toward developing a solution that enhances downtown accessibility, while supporting our vibrant community and local businesses. Once the contract is approved by the Kendall County Commissioners Court, it is anticipated the feasibility study will take about three months to complete.

The Boerne PFC is managed by a board of directors comprised of the mayor and city council members. The project aligns with Boerne’s broader efforts to support sustainable growth and development.