Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley plans to upgrade a public parking lot in downtown, located at the southwest corner of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98. Paving work will start soon to transform the area into a high-quality facility. Crews are visiting nearby stores to inform owners about the upcoming schedule.

The lot will be closed for about five days during the work. Construction is set to begin on Monday, April 13, 2026. The city engineer expects the project to finish by Friday, April 17, 2026. This schedule allows workers to resurface the large downtown area.

Foley City Engineer Taylor Davis said the team is working closely with neighbors. “It’s the parking lot in the middle of downtown,” Taylor Davis said. “They plan to pave that next week. Currently, we’re going door-to-door to adjoining businesses to inform them.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich stated that the paving will not interfere with nearby building repairs. He assured them that the work would not disrupt the businesses near the construction site. The city aims to ensure the project supports the downtown district's growth.

“That’s their primary importance,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. “We'll make sure we work around this so we don't cause any issues. We want to cause minimal disruption to businesses, and once it's done, it will be a Class A parking facility that will serve those businesses.”

The city originally bought this specific parking lot in 2025. The project covers about 2,300 square yards of parking area. Workers will resurface and stripe the lot once it is closed. Staff will also install concrete curb stops to help organize vehicle spacing.

Landscaping plays a key role in the new design for the public lot. City staff will plant new trees in the landscaped islands after paving is completed. These improvements will feature flower beds and shrubs along Alabama 59. The plants will enhance the streetscape for visitors.

Engineers also plan to upgrade the drainage system at the southwest corner. Better drainage will help reduce water runoff and support the property's environmental functions. These improvements will benefit the entire downtown area by more efficiently managing rainwater. The city wants the site to be functional.

Providing convenient and accessible parking is the primary goal of the project. This will help customers, employees, and visitors easily reach local shops. The upgrades aim to increase access and support Foley's ongoing growth. A better parking lot will encourage more people to visit.

The city is dedicated to maintaining its public infrastructure. By investing in this lot, Foley is enhancing the overall look of its downtown. Officials hope the new pavement and greenery will create a positive impression. The public can expect a much better parking experience downtown.