More than 500 additional spaces for parking are now available

Although there was no official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the University’s much-anticipated parking structure, Steve Beaudoin, Director of Safety & Parking Services, offered warm doughnuts and hot coffee to early bird entrants who parked in the new 1,068-space structure for the first time Tuesday morning.

Steve Beaudoin, Director of Safety & Parking Services, explains to Annie Tilman of the Bursar’s Office, how to apply a transponder to her windshield for access into the new parking structure, which is now open.

No one seemed to mind the lack of trumpets, according to Meredith Mack, Director of Facilities Services.

“People have been waiting for more parking on campus for a long time, and we’re very excited that the garage is open. With the gain of more than 500 parking spaces on campus, we can now meet the needs of all the wait-listed drivers who have waited patiently for a permit space in this area. And with the addition of 80 visitor spots, this structure will alleviate the parking crunch for campus visitors. The weather so far this winter makes it even more valuable to be able to park out of the snow.”

The University’s new parking structure at 55th Street and Ellis Avenue includes permit parking ($65 a month) and visitor parking ($1 per hour for the first four hours and then $2 per hour until 4 p.m.). Parking is free from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. and on weekends and holidays.

“We will continue to work on the offices and retail space on the first floor, some of which will be ready for tenants this spring,” Mack said. “We will begin construction on the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center across the street, on the west side of Ellis Avenue, toward the end of the quarter.”

Beaudoin said the temporary 24-space community lot at the southwest corner of Ellis Avenue and 55th Street will remain open until construction on the Ratner Athletics Center begins. Likewise, the temporary community lot at Phemister Hall will remain open until demolition work begins in April on the Interdisciplinary Research Building.

The other temporary lot, located between 56th and 57th streets at Maryland Avenue will remain open at least until the end of the summer.

To obtain more information on the new University parking structure, drivers may call the Parking Office at (773) 702-8969.