Downtown Hickory's parking options are getting shuffled come next week. Starting next Monday, the well-frequented parking deck on Trade Alley and First Avenue NW will be closed off to the public, due to scheduled maintenance and repairs. The repair work, as detailed on City of Hickory's official website, is expected to stretch over a 90-day period. All vehicles must be cleared from the area by 7 a.m. on the commencement day.
During the closure, it seems that parking on Trade Alley will be a no-go. Those making the trip to downtown Hickory need not worry too much about finding a spot though. The city has made sure to provide alternative parking locations. According to City of Hickory's announcement, parking will be available along Main Avenue NE/NW between Second Street NW and N.C. 127, the One North Center deck, and the lot adjacent to Lowe's Foods City Park, as well as on-street along First Avenue NW—just be sure to check local signage for any restrictions.
While the main structure receives its facelift, downtown patrons can find parking alternatives detailed on a resource the city has conveniently provided. An interactive parking map, which helps residents and visitors alike pinpoint the best place to leave their car, can be found at www.hickorync.gov/downtown-parking-map. This tool is especially useful for those not familiar with the downtown area's layout, offering a temporary salve to the foreseen inconvenience.
The parking deck, a main daily pivot for countless citizens who pass through Hickory's busy heart, will be sorely missed by many. With the deck tucked away under construction's necessary embrace, ample parking specified by the city, will, for the next few months, serve as the go-to for those navigating the asphalt veins of downtown Hickory. It stands evident—as stated on the City of Hickory's website—parking restrictions will remain vigilant, so all downtown goers should stay mindful of relevant parking rules.
