Project Description
Snider Plaza is a retail center in University Park that is in many ways also the center of the community. Opened in 1927, it features small, local restaurants and boutique shops and also serves as the gathering place for the residents of University Park and students at Southern Methodist University. Over the years, traffic has become an issue and competition from other retail centers has created challenges for success. In 2017, parking was a major concern for shoppers who couldn’t find parking and for residents of adjacent neighborhoods who saw their streets filled with shoppers’ cars. One possibility to solve the problem was an underground parking garage, but it would require land. A proposal made to the City offered the option of a parking garage as part of a development. University Park residents are often actively engaged in community issues and there were strong opinions on both sides in response to this proposal.
SCS was asked to conduct a parking workshop to bring key stakeholders together and seek common ground on the City’s response to the proposal on the table as well as other solutions for the area. The session included a group of residents and business owners who had very divergent views about Snider Plaza, its future and its parking. Karen Walz designed and facilitated the workshop. Using keypad polling and an interactive team exercise, the workshop helped all participants understand the choices and trade-offs the community and property owners face. The workshop resulted in a refined set of recommendations for further study and action.
Project Details
- Project TypeInfrastructure, Public Engagement
- ClientCity of University Park, Texas
