LAFAYETTE, La. — After several years of extensive renovations, the Buchanan Parking Garage in downtown Lafayette is nearing the completion of its long-awaited restoration. According to officials with the Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Public Works department, the garage has undergone significant structural repairs and upgrades, addressing the issues that led to its closure prior to 2020.
Warren Abadie, Director of Traffic, Roads, and Bridges for the Lafayette Consolidated Government, explained that the garage had been shut down due to safety concerns linked to structural deficiencies. “The structural issues have been corrected, and the steel on the exterior has been replaced. The lighting has also been updated, and the garage is now functional and can be used,” Abadie said.
Despite the garage being operational, some work is still in progress, particularly concerning the elevators and stairwells. Officials anticipate that this work will be completed by the summer, marking the full reopening of the garage.
While Buchanan Garage is nearing full readiness, the nearby Vermilion Street Garage, another important parking structure in downtown Lafayette, has also faced its own challenges. The garage has been dealing with corrosion-related structural issues but is expected to be fully functional in the coming days. Abadie noted that for several weeks, the Vermilion Street Garage has been operating at about half capacity, but repairs are now nearing completion.
However, both the Buchanan and Vermilion Street garages will be temporarily closed to the public during the upcoming five-day music festival, which is expected to draw large crowds to the downtown area. In place of these garages, festival organizers have confirmed that the old Our Lady of Lourdes parking garage, located at 411 St. Landry Street, will serve as the primary parking facility for event-goers.
Additionally, a shuttle service will be available for those needing to park further away from the festival site. The shuttles will run between the UL Lafayette Health Science Campus Parking Garages and downtown Lafayette. These garages, located at 601 W. St. Mary Blvd. and 411 St. Landry St., will be accessible Thursday through Sunday at a rate of $15 per vehicle. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted for payment, as no cash transactions will be allowed.
For festival-goers who prefer an eco-friendly option, a free bicycle corral will be available for bike parking. The corral will be located in the Lafayette Public Library Parking Lot, near the Federal Courthouse on Lafayette Street.
With the ongoing repairs and limited parking options, event organizers and local officials are urging festival attendees to plan ahead for parking and transportation.