BUFFALO, N.Y. — John Gallagher Ramp off Elmwood Avenue provides an alternative to street parking on the popular strip, but with its proximity the old Women and Children's Hospital that's since closed, many are unaware that it's open to the public. 

"It's easy to park in there and get up and down the blocks of Elmwood that surround that area and I think people today perceive that lot as private,” said Thomas Mooney, Fourth Idea CEO.

In attempt to remedy that Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, the structure's operator started a competition, looking for a design that would bring attention to the ramp while promoting the city of Buffalo. 

Local ad agency Fourth Idea submitted the winning bid, with a design that would transform the ramp itself into a giant turntable and a tribute to the area's local music scene. 

"You've got Ani DeFranco and the Goo Goo Dolls,” said Mooney. “There's so many uncelebrated aspects of the music culture in Buffalo and we wanted to bring that to life in a meaningful way." 

The original plan would replace a parking sign with a neon sign featuring Buffalo native Rick James.

However, just hours after speaking with Spectrum News, Mooney says the group has decided to go away from the James design and focus on a sign that would incorporate all Buffalo musicians. 

"We want to hear from people and their thoughts on this idea and we're very open to how we might mold this and really create a fitting tribute to Buffalo's music history," said Mooney. 

The concept is in the hands of the Buffalo Arts Commission. Once it is reviewed, it will go into a final design and budget phase.