Downtown parking is going vertical.
The Douglas Parking Center at 968 Douglas Avenue is entering its most visible phase of construction. Starting in late August, crews will begin erecting the precast concrete structure of the four-story, 309-space public parking garage .
The good news? Most of the work happens without any road closures. Here is what to expect.
📅 The Construction Timeline
No Road or Lane Impact (Aug 24 – Oct 9)
From August 24 through October 9, the crane and all delivery trucks operate entirely within the property. Both lanes of Douglas Avenue stay open. Work hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with no weekend activity.
Single-Lane Flagging (Oct 12 – Oct 23)
For ten working days, the final bay along Douglas Avenue requires the near lane. Traffic alternates through a single open lane under certified flaggers—the road stays open in both directions, with brief waits during active picks and deliveries. This phase begins the Monday after the Dunedin Art & Craft festival weekend (October 10–11), so the festival sees no construction activity.
Full Closure (Oct 26 – Oct 27)
The only full closure of the entire project is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, October 26–27, when the crane is taken down. A signed detour routes traffic via Skinner Blvd., Broadway, and Main Street. Both lanes are fully reopened by Wednesday, October 28.
🚧 What to Know on the Ground
- Work zone speed limit: 15 MPH
- Deliveries end by 3:00 PM to avoid school pickup and evening commute
- Pinellas Trail remains open throughout, with protective fencing at the site
- Pedestrian access is maintained with marked crossings to the east sidewalk
- Local business access is preserved on both days of the full closure
🏗️ The Bigger Picture
The Douglas Parking Center is the first phase of a two-phase, family-led investment in downtown Dunedin. Phase 2—the Main Street Exchange at 830 Douglas Avenue—will follow with an 89-room boutique hotel, a food hall, a 280-seat theater, and retail space. The parking garage is being built first, on purpose, so the parking arrives before everything else does.
Overall completion is targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
📍 For More Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Email | info@douglasparkingcenter.com |
| Developer | Mazas Development LLC |
| General Contractor | Hawkins Construction, Inc. |
| Updates | The city’s project page is updated weekly during construction |
The Suntropolitan will continue to follow this project as it transforms downtown Dunedin.
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