
GVSU Commuter Parking on the West Side of Pew Campus
The GVSU Winter Lot is a surface car park owned and operated by Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as part of its downtown Pew Campus parking system. The name “Winter Lot” is an informal designation; its official name may vary, but it is known by this name because of its role in the university’s winter parking plan. The primary purpose of this lot is to provide permit-based parking for GVSU students, faculty, and staff. Due to its location on the western edge of campus, it may also serve as an overflow lot during periods of high demand or when other lots are closed for maintenance or events.
Open: 24/7 (for GVSU Permit Holders)The lot is accessible 24/7 for students and staff with a valid GVSU parking permit. It is not intended for general public parking, and access is restricted, particularly during peak academic hours on weekdays.
Rating: N/A (Private University Facility)As a facility dedicated to the GVSU community, it does not have public ratings. For students with the appropriate commuter permit, it is a functional, albeit slightly remote, parking option.
Pricing & PermitsAccess is controlled exclusively through the GVSU parking permit system. Students and staff must purchase a permit for the semester or academic year to park here. The lot is typically designated for specific tiers of student commuter permits. There are no public pay stations, and public parking is not permitted. Enforcement is handled by GVSU Parking Services.
Capacity & Physical FeaturesThe Winter Lot is a large surface lot with a substantial capacity, designed to accommodate a large number of university commuters. It is a paved, open-air lot. One of its key features during the winter months is that overnight parking may be restricted during heavy snowfall to allow for efficient and complete snow removal, with permit holders being directed to park in the large ramps instead.
AccessibilityThe car park is fully ADA-compliant, offering designated accessible parking spaces for permit holders in convenient locations.
EV InfrastructureIt is possible that GVSU has installed a number of Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in this lot as part of its campus-wide sustainability initiatives for the university community.
Peak Times & OccupancyThe lot is busiest and operates at or near full capacity on weekdays during the academic year, particularly between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. As it is slightly further from the central campus buildings than other lots, it may have more availability than the most prime locations.
Walkability Score and Locations: 88 (Very Walkable)The location is on the GVSU Pew Campus. It is a 5-10 minute walk to the main academic buildings like the Seidman College of Business and the DeVos Centre. It is also a moderate walk (15-20 minutes) to the central downtown core across the river.
Nearby AmenitiesThe primary amenities are the facilities of the GVSU Pew Campus. It is also close to the Seward Parking Ramp and is a short walk from the businesses on the west end of Fulton Street.
Alternative Parking ComparisonThis is not a public parking option. For GVSU students, the alternatives are other designated commuter lots and ramps across the Pew Campus, depending on their permit type. The Winter Lot is a ground-level option, which some drivers prefer over the multi-storey ramps. For the public, the nearby DASH lots are the recommended alternative.
Important NoticesThis is a GVSU permit-only car park. Do not park here without a valid permit. During winter snow emergencies, all permit holders must adhere to the university’s specific parking directives, which may require moving vehicles from this lot to a designated ramp to facilitate ploughing.
MaintenanceThe lot is maintained to a high standard by GVSU Facilities Services, with a particular focus on efficient and timely snow removal during the winter months to ensure campus safety and accessibility.
Expert TipsIf you are a GVSU student with a commuter permit, be sure to familiarise yourself with the university’s winter parking plan. Knowing when you need to move your car from the Winter Lot to a ramp can save you from getting a ticket or being towed during a snowstorm.
The future use of this land will be determined by GVSU’s campus master plan. As the university grows, surface lots like this one are often prime candidates for the construction of new academic buildings or parking structures.