Building Tumbles to Ease Downtown Parking Shortages

A building at the intersection of 225 S. Troy and Third Street tumbled down Monday to make room for a 93-space parking lot.

The city of Royal oak purchased the building in 2009 with the intent of using it for a public purpose, later deciding on a parking lot recommended in a study commissioned by the Downtown Development Authority.

In it, Rich and Associates concluded that existing facilities have neared capacity on peak nights during the year. Parking is “a critical issue when trying to encourage and

continue development in the downtown,” the study said, recommending that the city develop a plan before all existing parking is full.

Providing parking downtown is difficult  for many businesses to accomplish on their own, and is an essential function of local  government for economic development purposes, the study recommended.

Able Demolition Inc. is doing the work for a bid price of $75,320 to demolish and clear the sites at 225 Troy St., 123 Knowles St. and a garage a 117 Knowles St.