Commuter spaces in Lot 1A by Williams Auditorium were converted to faculty-only spaces over winter break.
This change was applied by representatives from the Jim Crow Museum Committee, university facilities, parking services and DPS. Each representative made this decision as a part of the construction process of the new Jim Crow Museum facility. All objects within the museum will be relocated to the new facility once the construction is complete.
Ferris Department of Public Safety Chief Gary Green provided information about the process.
“With the construction of the new Jim Crow Museum, the construction company will need a place to store equipment close to the building site. So, for that reason, commuters will need to park in the commuter lot across State Street at the North Storage,” Green said. “They will still have spaces: they will have to walk a little further.”
Groundbreaking for the newly expanded Jim Crow Museum began on Dec. 12, 2024. The new facility will be located near the State Street entrance to the campus. The museum is a space to learn about history and racism, featuring a 30,000-piece collection of racist materials, using the objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice. It is expected to open in fall 2026, and by then, the space will have the possibility of reopening to commuters.
The new museum carries the same purpose of using racist objects for educational purposes by outlining racial struggles over the years and focusing on overcoming racial injustice.
Marketing sophomore Emily May lives about five minutes away from Ferris and commutes to campus. She gave her insight into the conversion of the lot space.
“I feel like this could potentially affect my schedule because it will lengthen my walk when I have classes in Starr,” May said. “It will probably be a little more difficult in the colder months, but easier to adjust as it gets warmer.”
Commuting students like May will still have available commuter parking all over campus. The new parking won’t be as close to the Starr building as most who take their classes in Starr would prefer. Students like May, who usually park in Lot 1A, will be getting some extra steps in. However, other commuter spaces are available by the FLITE center and around campus.