Parkonomics Series
Rethinking Future Proofing
Planning for Operational and Technological Evolution Across the Parking Facility Lifecycle
By Kevin Bopp, Bernard Lee, and Andrew Sachs
A four-part series published in partnership with Urban Land Magazine (ULI)
About This Series
What if a brand-new, state-of-the-art building constructed today could be functionally obsolete in less than a decade? For too long, future-proofing a parking garage has been narrowly defined — limited to the idea of eventual adaptive reuse. This series challenges that assumption.
Future-proofing is not just about what a parking garage could become in 30 years. It is about ensuring it can function effectively and profitably in the next 5 to 10 — anticipating the rise of digital credentials, the integration of electric vehicles, and the dawn of autonomous mobility.
Across four installments published in Urban Land Magazine, the Parkonomics team presents a lifecycle-based framework for real estate owners, developers, and operators to navigate this new reality — from the first design decision to the ongoing management of a smart, adaptable facility.
Part 1 of 4
Planning and Design: Building for Flexibility
Structural, sightline, and digital infrastructure decisions that define a facility’s future
The foundation of a truly future-proof parking facility is laid long before the first shovel hits the ground. This installment covers first-floor curb extensions, modular design, sightlines for LPR and V2X systems, and the invisible digital backbone that powers the next generation of parking technology.
Also available on Urban Land Magazine
Part 2 of 4
EV Charging and Driverless Design
Navigating electric vehicle uncertainty and designing for the autonomous future
The transition to electric vehicles is inevitable — but unpredictable. This installment examines how to build EV charging flexibility into facilities without overcommitting to today’s mandates, and how the rise of autonomous vehicles will fundamentally reshape circulation, drop-off zones, and wayfinding inside the garage.
Also available on Urban Land Magazine
Part 3 of 4
Construction and Commissioning
Embedding smart capabilities, selecting the right technology partners, and preparing for a frictionless future
Construction is where vision becomes reality — but only if the right infrastructure is embedded from day one. This installment covers smart lighting, IoT networks, connectivity systems, and makes the case for why vendor selection and open API standards may be the single most important decision a developer makes.
Also available on Urban Land Magazine
Part 4 of 4
Retrofitting for the Future
Modernizing existing assets, adaptive operations, and integrating with the smart city
The vast majority of parking inventory is existing facilities — not new construction. This final installment tackles how to phase retrofits strategically, unlock revenue through shared parking, build adaptive operations, and position the parking facility as an integrated node in the smart city.
Also available on Urban Land Magazine
About the Authors
Kevin Bopp specializes in parking innovation, strategic planning, and operational excellence. His extensive experience spans complex facility operations, parking management solutions, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban mobility and customer experiences. Kevin is part of ULI’s Urban Revitalization Product Council’s leadership team and serves on the Board for the Michigan Parking Association.
Bernard Lee is a seasoned consultant passionate about sustainable development, future mobility, and transportation planning. His experience in urban planning and real estate has focused on financial, market, and planning analyses for a diverse array of clients including real estate owners and developers, municipalities, transit agencies, and universities. Bernard is a member of the ULI Washington Case Study Committee.
Andrew Sachs, CAPP, is an entrepreneur and venture capital investor with deep roots in commercial real estate and parking operations. Andrew leads Gateway Parking Services and serves on multiple boards and committees including the National Parking Association Parking Consultants Council, the ULI LA Mobility Council, and the IPMI Technology Committee.