JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Approximately 500 new parking spaces will be available in the Fondren area.

Fondren is a common meeting place for young people and a gathering place for family and friends.

Fondren Park developers began developing a proposal for the garage, conducting studies and fundraising. After almost two years of planning and development, the new car park is now in its final stages.

Jason Watkins, one of the developers of Park Fondren, said they always knew the area needed parking.

“Everybody can’t wait,” Watkins said.

The car park is located behind The Station restaurant.

The garage has five levels and plenty of parking spaces to choose from.

Since there is no surface parking, residents and business owners are excited about the new parking lot.

Rosie Veals, a Fondren resident, said the parking lot would be good for seniors.

“(I) won’t need to park on the street. People pass. You back up, sometimes you get hit (and) sometimes you won’t,” Veale said. “So it’s great that it was done like this.”

Watkins said people can’t wait for the parking lot to open.

“People ask me if I can open earlier for certain events.”

A “closing” ceremony took place Friday, signaling the near completion of the parking lot. The event commemorated the final phase of the garage and recognized the workers who made it possible.

One Fondren resident said the garage could help keep streets clear.

“It’s very difficult for anyone to find a parking space here because I’ve seen people going down my street, in my neighborhood, going around the block trying to find a place to park,” said declared a resident. “So it will help the community a lot.”

Officials hope to have the parking lot open by early December.

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