Assignment Two: Brandon Collins

This is a lot that I park in each time I come to campus. For $5, one can access covered parking, while for $4 uncovered parking is available. Cones are set up in some of the covered parking spaces, which demarcate those which are reserved for drivers who pay per month, even though that person may or may not use the space. Therefore, access to premium parking is limited both by price and priority. The lot creates further distinctions within the deck by limiting on-level parking to patrons who work in the building to which the deck is attached. Therefore, other users of the deck, who are not affiliated with the businesses in the building, must park toward the top of the deck, or below ground. Both of these other options take extra time, and limit access to the street. As the Leavitt article points out, the distinction between types of parkers, the price of parking for each type of parker, and the limitations on access for certain parkers all work to stratify the people coming into and out of the deck.

This parking lot, located next to the College of Education, is specifically allocated for "short-term parkers", meaning students. Although I have worked for the parking company that operates this lot, I am not allowed to park here because of the amount of money that would be lost on my using a single space. Furthermore, the lot is in disrepair, and all of the asphalt is coming up. This being one of the top-earning lots for the company, one would think that the operators would take better care of the facility. However, because the lot is intended for students, the lot has not been taken care of. Interestingly, this is only one of three parking lots that make up nearly a full city block of parking. Each one is owned and operated by a different company, and each has limited access. For example, the covered lot adjacent to this one is actually further away from all the school buildings, but is more expensive. Above it, is another secured lot with the easiest access to all school buildings, larger parking spaces, and more room to maneuver, but it is the most expensive of the three. Ultimately, each lot works to stratify its clientele either by access or price.