KEY TAKEAWAYS: Universal Parking awarded management contract for Canal Place in downtown New Orleans First deployment of company’s ticketless ParkWithU platform System features mobile payments and AI-powered operational controls Expansion strengthens company’s footprint in Southeast mixed- use markets Universal Parking has been selected to manage parking operations at Canal Place, marking a technology-driven expansion for the company in downtown New Orleans. The parking management firm announced Tuesday that it has secured a contract for Canal Place, a prominent mixed-use development at the foot of Canal Street in the city’s Central Business District. The property, which includes luxury retailers, Class A office space and The Westin New Orleans, overlooks the Mississippi River and sits steps from the French Quarter. It is considered a key anchor in the city’s commercial and hospitality corridor. Under the agreement, Universal Parking will introduce its next-generation ParkWithU platform at Canal Place, representing the first deployment of the system. According to the company, the platform is designed to create a fully ticketless parking experience using automation and artificial intelligence. Neil Anderson, vice president of operations for the Gulf Coast, said in a statement that the company aims to align the parking experience with the stature of Canal Place. “Our goal is to deliver a parking experience that matches the sophistication and energy of Canal Place,” Anderson said. “We’re bringing smarter technology and a seamless parking experience to one of New Orleans’ most recognizable destinations.” The upgraded system will allow drivers to enter and exit without paper tickets and pay via mobile devices. Universal Parking said the platform also includes AI-powered operational controls and real-time reporting capabilities for property managers. Eliminating paper tickets is expected to ease congestion at entry and exit points, particularly during peak shopping periods and major downtown events. The company said the system is designed to improve traffic flow and create a more efficient experience for tenants, hotel guests and visitors. The Canal Place contract expands Universal Parking’s footprint across high-traffic, mixed-use and hospitality properties throughout the Southeast. The company provides parking management services to property owners and asset managers, focusing on complex urban facilities that require technology integration and customer service strategies. Company leaders said the Canal Place partnership underscores a broader push to modernize parking infrastructure in dense urban environments, where demand for frictionless, mobile-enabled access continues to grow. ...read more read less