Grand Valley State Reserved Parking Garage 505 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Michigan, USA
Reserved Parking for the GVSU Pew Campus Community
Type: University Permit-Holder Garage
This is a modern, multi-storey parking garage that is an integral part of Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids. It is primarily a reserved facility, intended for use by GVSU faculty, staff, and students who hold a valid university parking permit. While it may offer limited public parking during specific off-peak hours or for special events, its main function is to serve the university community. The structure is architecturally integrated with the L. William Seidman College of Business and other campus buildings.
Open: 24/7 (for Permit Holders)
Access for registered permit holders is available 24/7. Public access is not guaranteed and is typically restricted, especially during peak academic periods (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM during term time).
Rating: N/A (Primarily a Private Facility)
As a private university facility, it does not have public ratings in the same way a commercial car park does. Student and faculty feedback generally acknowledges its prime location for classes and work on the Pew Campus.
Pricing & Permits
The primary cost structure is based on GVSU’s permit system, with students and staff purchasing permits on a semesterly or annual basis. Any available public parking would be charged at an hourly rate via a pay station, but this is secondary to its permit-based operation. Rates for public parking, when available, would be comparable to other downtown options.
Capacity & Physical Features
The garage offers a large capacity to accommodate the significant number of commuters to the downtown campus. It is a modern, clean, and well-lit facility with lifts and clear directional signage. It may also feature connections to university buildings, providing sheltered access for students and staff.
Accessibility
As a modern university facility, the garage is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It includes numerous designated accessible parking bays on all levels, located near lifts, along with accessible pathways to and from the campus buildings.
EV Infrastructure
In line with GVSU’s sustainability initiatives, this garage is equipped with Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. These are typically intended for use by the university community and may require a specific network account (like ChargePoint) in addition to a valid GVSU parking permit.
Peak Times & Occupancy
The garage is extremely busy and often at or near capacity during the academic year on weekdays, particularly between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Demand drops significantly during evenings, weekends, and university holidays (such as summer and Christmas breaks), which is when public parking is most likely to be permitted.
Walkability Score and Locations: 92 (Walker’s Paradise)
Situated directly on the GVSU Pew Campus, it offers immediate walking access to all downtown university buildings. It is also a short walk to major civic attractions like the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the riverfront at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Nearby Amenities
The primary amenities are the GVSU campus facilities themselves. Beyond the campus, it is close to the aforementioned museums, the Amway World Headquarters, and is a moderate walk across the river to the heart of the city’s entertainment and dining district.
Alternative Parking Comparison
For the general public, the nearby city-operated DASH Area 9 or Scribner surface lots are the recommended alternatives, offering guaranteed public access and more straightforward payment options. For GVSU permit holders, this garage’s only rivals are other GVSU-owned lots, which may be less convenient but potentially assigned to different permit tiers.
Important Notices
This is not a general public parking facility. Non-permit holders should not rely on this garage for parking, especially during the academic term. Always check signage at the entrance for any specific restrictions, public access hours, or payment requirements before entering.
Maintenance
The facility is maintained to a high standard by GVSU Facilities Services, ensuring it remains clean, safe, and fully operational. This includes regular servicing of lifts and prompt snow clearance.
Expert Tips
If you are visiting the GVSU Pew Campus for an evening or weekend event, this garage may be open to the public and offers incredible convenience. However, for any other purpose, it is best to choose a designated public car park to avoid the risk of being unable to park or receiving a citation.
Future Developments
Any future changes to this structure would be dictated by the Grand Valley State University campus master plan and future expansion needs of the downtown campus.
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