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A $1 Billion Impact
A recent Economic Impact Study developed by HR&A projects that the Deck Plaza will generate nearly $1 billion in total economic output over 30 years. With an estimated 1 to 1.5 million visitors annually, the study reveals that the project would generate significant returns for the community, including new jobs, opportunities for local businesses, affordable housing, and critical environmental and health benefits.
The positive impacts of Deck Parks have been well-documented. A 2022 article by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta describes the economic impact of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Texas. "Relative to its peers," the article states, "Dallas experienced faster office and multifamily construction growth after lid construction began in 2012. Dallas added 1.3 million square feet of office space, a rate that is 50 percent faster than what occurred in the six prior years. Multifamily housing (apartments and condominiums in buildings with 5 or more units) grew even faster. Dallas added nearly 5,300 individual multifamily units after starting the project, more than twice as many units as the six years before."
Environmental Benefits
The Deck Plaza is designed to improve environmental conditions in the urban core. The project is projected to reduce nearby temperatures by up to 8 degrees and improve air quality through increased green space and tree canopy coverage.
Sustainability and water conservation are core design priorities.
Case Studies
Klyde Warren Park
Dallas, Texas
Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park, a 5.4-acre deck park over Woodall Rogers Freeway, has significantly impacted Dallas. Public Improvement District values increased from $2.5B to $5.2B (2014–2019). The park has catalyzed an additional 2-acre expansion and is now the #1 tourist attraction in Dallas. Resident population grew from 500 to 40,000 within a 2-mile radius. Environmentally, the park's vegetation captures 18,500 lbs of CO2 and reduces stormwater drainage by 64,214 gallons annually.
The Stitch
Atlanta, Georgia
The Atlanta "Stitch" project will create 14 acres of new park space downtown and is estimated to generate 3,000-3,400 affordable housing units, nearly 90% residential development. It will improve sustainability by addressing flooding, mitigating noise/air quality issues, lowering emissions, and increasing pedestrian/bicycle use. Proximity to transit reduces the cost of living for low-income residents. The Stitch will create an estimated 800 construction jobs and 12,230 permanent jobs.
Austin Cap and Stitch Economic Impact Study
In May 2025, Austin City Council committed funding to future-proof the I-35 caps. The Austin Cap and Stitch project is a community initiative to create public spaces and reconnect East and West Austin. With TXDOT's I-35 Capital Express Central lowering the main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard, the City of Austin has a unique opportunity to build "caps" and "stitches" over the highway, healing decades of divide.