City Council discussed shifting parking management on the 1000 block of Sophia Street during a June 2026 work session, weighing revenue potential against impacts on downtown businesses, employees, and Riverfront Park visitors.
The city owns approximately 37 spaces on the block near Riverfront Park, intertwined with adjacent parcels owned by Stover General in a “piano keys” pattern of alternating ownership. A legacy free parking agreement dating to roughly 2007-2009 has allowed unrestricted use, but Stover General is moving toward a paid model similar to the William Street parking garage operated by Bigos.