SHREVEPORT, LA – Downtown Shreveport is expanding its parking options along Crockett Street to meet the growing demand from businesses and visitors. The conversion of a former turning lane into new street parking will provide additional convenience for patrons of The Glass Hat Café, Crockett Street Trading Company, Hand Forged Tattoo, ShreveTowne Barber Shop, Artiszen Tattoo Studio, and the newly opened Apotheworx Pharmacy.
This effort is led by ShrevePark Parking Administrator Lorenzo Lee, in collaboration with Allen Pierce and Robert Tomasek from the City of Shreveport Public Works Department. The project was initiated after Jason Cram, a long-time downtown business owner, inquired about the possibility of utilizing the underused turning lane for parking.
“After an inquiry from Jason Cram, we worked with the Public Works Department to assess the feasibility of converting the turning lane into parking,” said Lorenzo Lee. “Since the lane was originally created to accommodate SporTran buses—which are no longer using this route—Public Works determined that it could be repurposed for parking. We’re thrilled to provide a solution that benefits area businesses and residents.”
Supporting Downtown Growth
The turning lane was originally designed to support bus traffic when the SporTran bus terminal was downtown. However, with increased commercial activity in the area and changing traffic patterns, the lane has remained unused. The conversion of this space into parking will ease congestion and improve accessibility for businesses and customers.
“Converting the turning lane on Crockett Street into additional parking is a win for both businesses and visitors,” said Cedric B. Glover, Executive Director of the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “With more businesses opening downtown, providing accessible and affordable parking ensures that our city center remains a vibrant destination.”
Affordable and Accessible Parking
Downtown Shreveport maintains some of the lowest metered parking rates in the country, with fees set at $0.50 per hour—far below cities like New Orleans ($2–$3 per hour) or the national average ($2–$5 per hour). This ensures that visitors have affordable, well-monitored parking, encouraging turnover and accessibility for customers while preventing long-term parking from limiting prime spaces.
The new Crockett Street parking spaces will be app-based only, utilizing ParkMobile, which is already in use across downtown. This contactless parking system allows users to pay and extend time directly from their smartphones. Visitors can identify the new ParkMobile zones by green curbs and signage.
Parking Spaces Coming Soon
The new Crockett Street parking spaces will be available soon, providing much-needed relief for businesses and visitors. Downtown patrons are encouraged to download the ParkMobile app in advance to simplify their parking experience and enjoy all that Shreveport’s revitalized downtown district has to offer.