Court project presents parking problem

Diana Sahagun

Wednesday, May 16, 2001 | 10:25 a.m.

With construction in full swing on the downtown Regional Justice Center, finding a place to park could turn into a game of chance unless the city succeeds with a parking-garage plan.

Meters line the area near Clark Avenue and Third Street, but city officials know parking will be at a bare minimum when the project opens in January.

City estimates show that the Regional Justice Center will need 2,700 spaces for jurors and visitors.

The city's Office of Business Development is negotiating with Bank of America to purchase two acres within the downtown business district for a parking garage near the new courts and jail complex.

The Regional Justice Center and Clark County Detention Center addition is being built by Clark County for $140 million. The projects are being funded by a bond approved by the voters in 1996.

The City Council was expected to decide today whether to purchase the land for $2.74 million, based on $30 a square foot.

A 5,765-square-foot bank building is located on the property and, under the deal, would continue at the site as a tenant for a nominal fee. If the city builds a parking garage on the site, 50 spaces would be leased to the bank at market rates.

If the council approves the land deal, staff will begin a feasibility study for the funding, design and eventual construction of a parking garage. It would take 18 to 24 months to build and would include a retail component.

According to preliminary analysis, construction of a five-story parking garage on the entire 2 acres would cost the city $13.8 million, including land and construction. The garage would provide 1,650 spaces.

A second option, for an eight-story parking garage on half of the land, would cost the city $9.9 million, including land and construction. The garage would provide 1,200 spaces.

"This would be a great revenue generator as well as fill a need for the downtown area," City Councilman Michael Mack said Monday.