Founded in 1872 as a major railroad hub, Denison grew into a center of commerce shaped by its strategic location along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. As the city expanded, maintaining its historical charm while supporting growth became a priority. Effective parking management was essential to sustaining local businesses, enhancing visitor experiences, and improving residents’ quality of life. WGI’s study aimed to address these needs, ensuring the city’s parking infrastructure supported its evolving requirements while preserving its unique heritage.

WGI conducted an assessment of Denison’s downtown parking system through a site visit, public engagement, and an analysis of current and future demand. The study found a surplus of parking spaces, which offered flexibility to meet current needs and manage growth. Public feedback highlighted the importance of improved wayfinding signage to enhance navigation and reinforce Denison’s identity as a historical destination. Although there were no immediate supply concerns, certain high-demand areas were identified as potentially facing future pressures due to limited expansion options in the historic downtown. Recommendations included regular monitoring, exploring shared-use parking, and adopting technology-driven solutions to balance demand with the city’s character.

Project Highlights:

• Parking organizational structure
• Parking rates, time limits, and enforcement
• Parking supply: current and future demand; and Parking technologies