Looking at Empty Spaces Differently
When most people walk past an empty parking lot or a forgotten strip of pavement, they see wasted space. As an architect and urban developer, I see possibility. Across the Midwest, cities are filled with underused spaces that sit quietly in the background of our daily lives. They may not catch your eye, but these forgotten corners hold the potential to become the most vibrant and welcoming parts of our neighborhoods.
Reimagining underused urban land is not just about beautification. It’s about transforming neglected areas into places where people gather, connect, and build community. By doing so, we create healthier, more livable cities.
Why Parking Lots Became Our Default
For decades, American cities prioritized cars over people. Zoning codes required excessive parking for commercial and residential developments, leaving us with an oversupply of lots that often sit half-empty. These expanses of asphalt don’t just take up valuable land — they also contribute to urban heat islands, stormwater runoff, and a lack of walkable, welcoming public space.
The shift we’re seeing today is a recognition that people want more from their cities. They want places where they can walk, meet friends, attend events, or simply enjoy the outdoors without getting in their cars. That’s where reimagining parking lots and other underused spaces becomes so powerful.
The Rise of Public Squares and Pocket Parks
One of the most successful ways cities are reclaiming space is by converting lots and leftover parcels into public squares and pocket parks. These small but intentional interventions have a big impact. They invite people to gather, create opportunities for cultural events, and make neighborhoods more inviting.
In Indianapolis, we’ve seen this with community-driven projects where once-empty lots are transformed into pocket parks with benches, landscaping, and public art. They don’t just change the look of a neighborhood — they change the way people use it. Suddenly, what was once a place to pass by becomes a destination.
More Than Just Greenery
Turning underused spaces into public squares isn’t simply about planting trees or laying down grass. It’s about creating multifunctional spaces that serve the needs of the community. Markets, performances, food trucks, and festivals can all find homes in redesigned lots.
When these spaces are flexible, they adapt with the seasons. In summer, they host outdoor concerts. In winter, they might transform into ice rinks or holiday markets. That adaptability is key to keeping them relevant and alive year-round.
The Role of Community Engagement
The best transformations don’t come from the top down — they come from listening to the community. Residents know what’s missing from their neighborhoods. Sometimes it’s a safe play area for children. Other times it’s a shaded plaza where seniors can gather. By inviting neighbors into the design process, cities ensure these projects serve real needs.
In my own work, I’ve found that community involvement builds pride and ownership. When residents have a hand in shaping a new public square, they’re more likely to use it, maintain it, and champion its success.
Economic and Social Benefits
The value of reclaiming underused spaces goes beyond beauty and recreation. Public squares and pocket parks also bring economic benefits. Businesses near well-designed public spaces see increased foot traffic, which translates into stronger local economies. Property values in surrounding areas often rise, and the overall vitality of a neighborhood improves.
On a social level, these spaces encourage interaction across age groups, cultures, and backgrounds. They become natural meeting points where people who might not otherwise cross paths can share experiences. In a world where digital interactions often replace face-to-face ones, this kind of public gathering is more important than ever.
Sustainability Matters
Reimagining parking lots also gives cities a chance to address environmental challenges. Replacing asphalt with green infrastructure helps manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve air quality. Trees and plantings bring shade and biodiversity back into urban cores. These changes may feel small, but collectively they make our cities more resilient to climate challenges.
Lessons for Midwestern Cities
The Midwest is uniquely positioned to lead in this movement. Our cities are large enough to support ambitious projects but small enough to test ideas quickly. We also have a wealth of underused land — from parking lots near downtowns to vacant parcels in older neighborhoods. By embracing creativity and community collaboration, we can transform these spaces into assets that define the character of our cities.
Indianapolis has already taken important steps, but there’s so much more we can do. Imagine if every neighborhood had its own square, park, or green plaza carved out of what once was concrete. The ripple effect on health, happiness, and civic pride would be profound.
Final Thoughts
When I look at an empty lot, I don’t see emptiness — I see potential. Reimagining underused spaces is not just about reclaiming land; it’s about reclaiming community. Parking lots and vacant parcels may have been designed for cars, but their future belongs to people.
As architects, planners, and citizens, we have an opportunity — and an obligation — to ensure that every corner of our cities works toward building stronger, healthier, more connected communities. That’s the blueprint for a vibrant future, and it starts with rethinking the spaces we too often overlook.