Park Place, a Georgia corporation, will celebrate its 50th anniversary July 20th by welcoming the first 50 guests at one of its downtown parking properties for what it cost to park back in 1974.

To celebrate its Golden Anniversary, Park Place will charge a flat rate of 75 cents to park at its 130 Luckie Street parking lot, across from the Tabernacle, Centennial Olympic Park, and Skyview Ferris Wheel, beginning at 5 p.m. The parking lot is well known for the Solar umbrellas installed before the pandemic and provide shade during the blistering summer weather.

75-cent parking will be a bargain for some lucky Atlanta United soccer fans. The parking lot is close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Atlanta United will play the Columbus Crew that evening.

Park Place Operations Inc., formerly known as Parking Company of America, was founded in 1974 by Manuel Chavez and his sons, Manuel and Robert Chavez. Susana Chavez, Manuel Sr.’s daughter, joined the company in 1980 and  is EVP and a prominent community leader in Atlanta. Park Place has seven of the third generation in leadership positions, ensuring the next generation of family leaders.  

Since being incorporated in Georgia 50 years ago, Park Place has expanded to become one of the largest privately owned and operated parking companies in the country, with offices in 18 cities in 11 states. It manages over 70,000 parking spaces, employs more than 1,000 staff members and owns over 200 acres of parking real estate. Its holdings now include over 2 million square feet of industrial warehouse. 

The company’s holdings include Chavez Properties, FastPark & Relax and Park Place.

“My father would be proud of the growth of our company. My brothers Manuel, Robert and Martin have been instrumental in our growth and success. When the company started 50 years ago, no one knew the parking technology changes that have revolutionized our industry,” said Susana. “My father would be proud of how far we’ve come. Now with the next generation ready to lead our company into the future, we are all looking forward to what the next 50 years will bring.”

The city of Atlanta is expected to issue a proclamation commemorating the company’s 50th anniversary, highlighting the company’s civic contributions, which include scholarships, job readiness and assistance to youth, women, and entrepreneurs. Such organizations include the Atlanta Women Foundation, The Latin American Association, Captain Planet, Families First, CREW Atlanta and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 

In addition to managing Park Place’s Georgia and Tennessee operations, Susana Chavez directs the expansion of the company’s urban properties. She has held several positions, including Park Place General Manager of parking operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a contract the company held for 29 years. The busiest airport in the world, with responsibility for 30,000 parking spaces, over $100 million in parking revenue and over 450 employees. Life in the parking industry continues to change and grow.