Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Parking

The “Elite Eight” of Parking Madness: Milwaukee vs. Columbia

So far, Texas is really dominating our Parking Madness tournament. The two Final Four spots awarded so far have gone to Lone Star heavyweights Dallas and Houston. We might have an all-Texas final.

But there are still two remaining spots in the Final Four of terrible downtown parking craters. One of those spots is going to go to either Milwaukee or Columbia, South Carolina -- today's Elite Eight match-up.

Let's refresh ourselves with the Milwaukee parking crater:

false

Submitted by reader Aaron from Milwaukee, this one is not a crater so much as a lunar landscape bereft of human life forms.

The area is between Milwaukee's Third Ward -- a rather hip area -- and the lakefront. Aaron tells us they occasionally hold summer festivals on part of this lot -- so a few times a year, at least, this place has people in it. One thing's for sure, though: parking lots so close to the waterfront are even sadder then regular parking lots.

Here's a wider view where you can see the parking/freeway complex divide the Third Ward from the lake:

false

Now, let's look at Columbia, South Carolina, which beat out Minneapolis in a squeaker in the first round:

false

This whole scene is adjacent to the South Carolina Statehouse, whose grounds you can see in the right bottom corner.

The most remarkable thing about this photo, in my opinion, is the almost total lack of cars.

Here's a wider view:

false

So, the only remaining question is, which one of these spaces deserves to be shamed in the Final Four?

[poll id="40"]

false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Wednesday’s Headlines: Talking Headways Edition

It's always better to bike, as we found out during last night's commute. Plus other news.

November 26, 2025

‘Con’ Job: Energy Giant Cancels NYCHA E-Bike Battery-Charging Pilot

Another promised e-bike battery charging program has failed in New York City, but fires continue to rage on.

November 26, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: NYPD Rejects Ending ‘Self-Enforcement’ Scandal at Precinct Houses

Police brass are refusing to implement a major reform recommended by city probers earlier this year. And the agency won't say why.

November 25, 2025

Outdoor Dining Has Faded Out — And Not Just Because It’s Winter

From thousands of pandemic-era eateries to perhaps just a few hundred, thanks to a seasonal, not year-round, program.

November 25, 2025
See all posts