A proposed parking garage at Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street has received formal support from the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce—just as the city confirms construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027.
The Midtown Parking Garage, which would be Dunedin’s second public parking structure, is being developed in response to decades of planning and growing pressure on downtown parking.
🏗️ What’s Proposed
The city purchased the approximately 0.75-acre site in 2022 for $4 million. The total construction budget is estimated at $10 million, with funding from debt financing supported by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Pinellas County .
The project site is located at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street. THA Consulting, Inc. has been selected as the design architect .
📜 A Long History
According to the city’s project page, planning for a second downtown parking garage dates back more than a decade:
- 2012 – Two parking garages were mentioned in the Capital Improvement Plan, in conjunction with the CRA Master Plan
- 2018 – The Downtown East End Plan highlighted the need for a second garage
- 2021 – Kimley-Horn completed a comprehensive parking study analyzing current and projected demand
- 2022 – The city purchased the property and completed appraisal, geotechnical work, environmental assessment, and survey
✅ Chamber of Commerce: “Strong Support”
In an August 2024 letter to the Mayor, City Commission, and City Manager, the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce formally endorsed the project.
“I am writing to express strong support, on behalf of our Executive Board, for the construction of a parking garage in our beautiful city, at Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street,” wrote Katie Ducharme Procissi, Chamber Chair .
The letter cited frequent and increasing complaints about parking as Dunedin’s popularity has grown:
“Dunedin’s charm, vibrant arts scene, and numerous events make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. However, the limited availability of parking spaces has become a significant challenge.”
The Chamber noted that Dunedin has only 38,000 residents in its tax base, making local businesses economically vital—and dependent on accessible parking for customers and staff .
A key driver of urgency is the redevelopment of the Ocean Optics property, which will result in the loss of more than 50 existing parking spaces. Other lots are also at risk as development pressure increases .
“This issue not only affects the convenience of residents but also hinders the growth of local businesses and impacts their staff as well,” the letter stated .
Benefits cited by the Chamber
The Chamber outlined four primary benefits of the garage :
- Increased Capacity – Replaces lots lost to development and eases street congestion
- Economic Growth – Encourages more visitors downtown
- Reduced Traffic – Central parking allows visitors to explore on foot
- Sustainable Development – Modern garages can incorporate green technology
⚖️ Mixed Feedback from Residents
While the Chamber and city move forward, residents have expressed mixed reactions—particularly on social media following previous city announcements.
Some welcome the additional parking, acknowledging the strain caused by events and development:
“Something has to give. I’ve circled blocks for 20 minutes on a Saturday night.”
Others question the scale, cost, and design:
“Another garage? Hope it doesn’t look like a concrete bunker.”
“Who is this really for—locals or tourists?”
A few have raised concerns about long-term affordability and whether the garage will truly serve small business customers or become primarily event parking.
The Chamber acknowledged these concerns in its letter:
“We understand that there may be concerns about the cost and aesthetics of such a project, but we believe these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful planning and design.”
🗓️ What’s Next
According to the city’s project page, construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027 .
The city has committed to providing transparent updates and opportunities for community engagement as planning continues.
📍 For More Information
| Resource | Details |
| Project Website | Midtown Parking Garage on CivilSpace |
| City Contact | Community Development Department |
| Sign Up for Updates | Available on the project website |
The Suntropolitan will continue to follow this project as it moves toward construction. If you have thoughts on the parking garage—supportive, concerned, or otherwise—we would like to hear from you. Email us at hello@suntropolitan.com
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