Essential Guide to Maynard Street Parking Garage 2025

You wouldn’t think a parking garage could be worth writing about, right? But — hear me out — Maynard Street Parking Garage is different. Not fancy, not flashy, just… reliable in that comforting, central, kind-of-everything-is-around-the-corner way.

Especially in 2025, when downtown Ann Arbor feels busier than ever, finding good parking has become its own little victory.

From the moment your tires roll across the garage floor, you notice it’s not just another dull structure. Clean, well-lit, and surprisingly easy to navigate, the layout itself saves you from the frustration that usually comes with tight ramps and weird angles.

Nestled near the heart of the University of Michigan and practically hugging Main Street’s lively stretch of shops and restaurants, this garage is more than just a place to leave your car. It’s where your day in Ann Arbor actually begins.

And if you’re like me — someone who’s circled downtown one too many times — you start to appreciate how much stress a good parking spot saves you. So, if you’re here for campus events, casual shopping, or just visiting, this guide will make parking less of a puzzle.

Why Maynard Street Parking Garage Is Your Go-To Spot in 2025

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You’ve got options when it comes to parking in downtown Ann Arbor — Liberty Parking Garage, Thompson Street Parking Structure, even the Fourth and Washington Parking Structure. But there’s something about the Maynard Street Parking Garage that consistently pulls people in.

Maybe it’s location. Maybe it’s the fact that you can walk out and be near the State Theatre or sipping a latte at one of those quirky cafés just steps away. It’s central — like actually central — not the kind of “close to downtown” some garages promise but end up feeling like a trek.

This one’s legit. It also happens to sit smack in the middle of a vibrant pocket of town, which makes it ideal for both students and tourists. Plus, the Maynard Street Parking Garage rates are competitive, which — let’s be honest — matters when you’re juggling dining, events, and possibly a parking ticket if you guess wrong.

Pro Tip: If you’re parking during a University of Michigan game or an art fair, get there early. Like, really early. Or better yet, check the live availability tools (we’ll get into that later).

1. Where Is Maynard Street Parking Garage Located?

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Exact Address and Map Access

The Maynard Street Parking Garage sits right at 324 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 — a location that honestly feels like the city built everything else around it. Search for “parking garage near me” while strolling through downtown, and chances are, this one’s topping the list.

Here’s why: You’re within a 2-minute walk of the Michigan Theater, Nickels Arcade, State Street, and yes — the University of Michigan Central Campus. That means classes, coffee shops, museums, and late-night bites are all within reach. Even better, you can pull it up easily on Google Maps if you’re unfamiliar with Ann Arbor’s maze of one-way streets and cozy alleys.

And the good news? It’s not tucked away or hidden. The signage is clear. The garage door are wide and visible from a block away — no weird angles or dead ends. There’s no second-guessing if you’re in the right place (unlike some garages around here… looking at you, River Street).

Pro Tip: If you’re using public transit, multiple city buses stop just a short walk away — or hop on one of the U-M Buses if you’re campus-bound.

Nearby Attractions

It’s not just the parking spot — it’s where it lets you step out into. From Maynard Street, you’re surrounded by some of the best Ann Arbor has to offer. Here’s a quick list of what’s within walking distance:

🏙️ Top Spots Within 5–10 Minutes on Foot:

• University of Michigan Central Campus – including UHS South Entrance, School of Nursing, 426 North Ingalls Building, and more
• State Theatre and Michigan Theater – for film buffs and live performances
• Main Street Restaurants – think Ann Arbor’s buzzing food and retail core
• Downtown Retail District – boutique shops, art galleries, quirky bookstores
• Palmer Parking Structure / Fletcher Parking Structure – useful if Maynard fills up

Even niche places like the Bike House, Bicycle & Moped parking areas, or even Electric Vehicle Spaces are all located in or around this core zone. For many students and tourists, it’s a launchpad — not just a garage.

One time, I parked here just to grab a quick bite at a place around the corner — ended up losing track of time wandering through Nickels Arcade. That happens a lot here.

2. Parking Rates & Payment Options in 2025

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Parking in downtown Ann Arbor can be tricky, especially when you’re comparing a dozen options and trying to avoid a surprise $40 ticket (we’ve all been there). But at Maynard Street Parking Garage, things feel… fair? Predictable, even.

As of 2025, the garage is operated by PCI Municipal Services under the City of Ann Arbor Parking Services, and rates are set to be competitive with nearby structures like Thompson Street Parking Structure and Liberty Parking Garage.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Rate Type	Cost (Estimated 2025)	Notes
Hourly Parking	$1.30/hour	Billed per 30-minute increments
Daily Maximum	$16.00	May vary on event days
Evening Flat Rate	$5.00 after 5 PM	Great for dining or shows
Weekend Rates	Same as weekday	No weekend surcharge (rare in other cities)
Monthly Parking Pass	$160–$180/month	Best for commuters, students, or nearby workers
Validation Parking	Varies by business	Available at select downtown retailers

Maynard Street Parking Garage rates are generally considered affordable parking in Ann Arbor, especially given the prime location.

Pro Tip: Planning to stay for several hours or visiting frequently? Consider the monthly parking option. It may save you a surprising amount over time — especially if you’re commuting to the University of Michigan campus or the Clinical Learning Center nearby.

Payment Methods Accepted

Nobody carries quarters anymore. Okay, maybe your grandma. But in 2025, Maynard Street Parking Garage has moved entirely into the age of convenience.

Accepted options include:

• 💳 Credit/Debit Cards – via Easy Pay Parking machines
• 📱 Mobile Apps – including ParkMobile and the Ann Arbor DDA’s preferred systems
• 🧾 Validation Parking – offered by participating shops and restaurants
• 🪙 Metered Parking Payments – near entrances and walkways for short stops

While metered parking surrounds the garage along Maynard Ave. S and side streets like Nason Street and Walnut Street, the structure itself is a more secure and budget-friendly bet for longer stays. Plus, metered zones are strictly enforced, often tied to the city’s parking reservation service and special parking restrictions — easy to miss if you’re rushing.

Small detail, but I once parked in a surface lot nearby — forgot about a special University ordinance notice for event closure. Came back to find a “lot/space closed” sign and a not-so-small fine. So… yeah, garages like Maynard are just safer bets for peace of mind.

3. Garage Features and Amenities

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Let’s talk about what’s actually inside the Maynard Street Parking Garage. Because while a lot of structures in the Ann Arbor parking system just feel like plain concrete boxes, this one has… well, stuff that matters — especially if you’re rolling in with more than just your car (bikes, electric vehicles, strollers, etc.).

From the moment the garage door lifts and you pull inside, there’s a subtle sense that someone actually thought through the design. It’s not luxurious, but it’s functional — wide lanes, logical floor plans, and a setup that doesn’t feel like it’s punishing you for choosing to drive today.

Capacity and Parking Structure Details

The garage spans multiple levels with over 800 total spaces, making it one of the most reliable options when other parking locations are full. It has:

• Multiple entrances/exits – reduces bottleneck traffic
• Height Restriction: ~6 feet 10 inches – tall enough for most SUVs but not oversized vans or rooftop racks
• Well-marked floors and signage – actually easy to navigate (rare!)
• Connected pedestrian walkways – to nearby Downtown retail district and University Health Service

Whether you’re a first-timer or a daily commuter, the space feels intuitive — you won’t end up driving in loops trying to find a ramp or wondering if you’re going the wrong way (it happens more often than you’d think in older garages).

Accessibility Features

It checks the boxes — and not just the legal ones. For visitors who need accessible parking or ADA-required spaces, Maynard Street Parking Structure includes:

• ✅ Elevators on multiple levels
• ✅ Well-lit parking areas
• ✅ Clearly designated ADA-compliant parking spots
• ✅ Close proximity to campus core buildings like 400 North Ingalls, U-M School of Nursing Auditorium, and University of Michigan’s School of Public Health

The structure’s design is straightforward and doesn’t force long walks or confusing detours — which, again, isn’t always the case elsewhere. There’s also decent signage for relocated spaces if there are closures due to construction or snow removal.

Pro Tip: During the winter months, the upper levels can get icy — but the lower decks stay safer. Opt for lower floors if mobility or icy ramps are a concern.

EV Charging Stations and Bike Parking

Ah, the 2025 essentials — because if you’re driving electric or biking around town, you know how frustrating it is to find places that actually accommodate that.

Here’s what you’ll find at Maynard Street Parking Garage:

• ⚡ Electric Vehicle Parking – several charging stations available; operated through standard national networks (check app availability)
• 🚲 Bicycle & Moped parking – secure racks near entrances
• 🚪 Access to the Bike House – perfect for U-M students and downtown employees looking for long-term bike storage

If you’re used to Fletcher Street or Palmer Parking Structure, you’ll notice that Maynard feels a little more user-friendly when it comes to eco-conscious commuting.

One time, I plugged in my EV here, grabbed lunch at Main Street… and lost track of time. Car was charged before I even finished dessert. Not bad for a mid-afternoon recharge.

4. Safety, Security & Operating Hours

You wouldn’t think safety is a big deal when choosing a garage — until you’re walking back to your car late at night or leaving it overnight during a weekend trip. Maynard Street Parking Garage holds up well when it comes to both safety and convenience.

Open Hours and Peak Times

⏰ Open 24/7 – no lockouts, even on holidays
🚧 Enforcement Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (metered zones outside may vary)
🚗 Peak times: Weekdays 11 AM – 2 PM and 5 PM – 7 PM
🎟️ Event Parking: Fills up quickly during U-M football games, festivals, and Michigan League conferences

The garage door opener system here isn’t flashy, but it’s smooth and reliable — one of those things you don’t really notice until you’ve had a bad experience elsewhere (you know, the kind where you tap your card three times and the door still won’t lift). Here, it just works. No fuss.

If you’re planning overnight parking in Ann Arbor, Maynard is a relatively low-stress option. Just be mindful of posted special parking restrictions — sometimes they temporarily close levels for maintenance or events, as listed in the parking reservation service or the parking system alert page run by the City of Ann Arbor.

Security Measures in Place

This isn’t a dimly lit maze with sketchy corners — Maynard Street Parking Structure has a solid safety setup that makes it feel like a secure parking garage. Here’s a quick checklist:

🔐 Security Features at Maynard Street Parking Garage:

• ✅ Bright LED lighting on every level
• ✅ Security cameras throughout the garage
• ✅ Emergency intercoms at strategic points
• ✅ Regular PCI Municipal Services patrols
• ✅ Clearly marked pedestrian exits
• ✅ Easy Pay Parking machines near exits with lit signage

If something goes wrong (say, a flat tire or a dead battery), there’s usually someone you can call. It’s not just “park at your own risk” — which, in other garages, let’s be honest, is kind of the norm.

Pro Tip: If you’re a solo visitor or arriving late, try to park closer to the elevator or stairwell entrances — they’re better lit and often monitored more directly.

5. Best Times to Park & Traffic Tips

It’s no secret that downtown Ann Arbor can get hectic — especially when the University of Michigan is in full swing or when Main Street hosts one of its famous summer events. So yeah, timing really matters.

Avoiding Congestion

If you’re aiming for a stress-free parking plan at Maynard Street Parking Garage, try this:

• 🕗 Arrive before 10 AM – easiest time for commuter parking or long appointments
• 🎭 Avoid event hours – check Ann Arbor Event Calendar 2025 for conflicts
• 🚶‍♀️ Park & Walk – if traffic is jammed, find parking just outside the core (e.g., Palmer Structure) and walk in

Also, the garage connects well with city buses and is in a Shopper Zone, so you can park once and hit multiple downtown stops without moving your car.

Alternative Parking When Full

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Let’s be honest — sometimes Maynard Street Parking Garage fills up. Fast. But don’t panic, you’ve got a few strong backups.

🅿️ Top Nearby Alternatives:

Garage Name	Distance from Maynard	Good For
Liberty Square Parking Garage	2 blocks	Shopping, Main Street dining
Fourth and Washington Parking Garage	3 blocks	Evening events, easy weekend parking
Thompson Street Parking Structure	4 blocks	Campus visits, UHS south entrance access
Fletcher Parking Structure	6–7 blocks	University concerts, U-M museum visits
Surface Meter Lots	Scattered nearby	Short-term or quick drop-offs

One tip? Union Station Parking Garage is decent, but it fills even faster during sports events — Maynard holds its own much better in terms of total spaces and turnover.

6. How to Reserve or Track Availability Online

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Let’s face it: in 2025, if you can’t check availability or reserve online, it already feels outdated. Luckily, Maynard Street Parking Garage is in step with modern tools — and for busy commuters or stressed-out visitors, that makes all the difference.

Real-Time Availability Tools

The garage is plugged into Ann Arbor’s Parking System, offering real-time data on available public parking spaces. If you’re tired of circling for 20 minutes — or worse, arriving at a “FULL” sign — this tool is your new best friend.

Also Read For More Information: 5 Easy Steps To Fix a Garage Door Off Track – DIY Guide

🔍 Here’s how to check availability before you go:

1. Visit the Ann Arbor Parking Map by the DDA.
2. Select Maynard Street Parking Garage from the list or map overlay.
3. See live data on open spots, level capacity, and enforcement hours.
4. Optional: Filter by features like EV parking, accessible parking, or bike spaces.
5. Pro Tip: Save the parking page as a home screen shortcut on your phone. Makes checking availability feel like checking the weather.

Reservation Options

Can you actually reserve a spot? Well, kind of.

While the City of Ann Arbor doesn’t offer traditional reservations like a hotel, some events use a parking reservation service in partnership with national parking firms — especially during high-traffic weekends (think Ann Arbor Art Fair, game days, or Board Meetings at nearby university facilities).

Here’s what’s currently offered:

• 📲 Digital check-in for monthly renters
• 🛂 Rental ID tie-ins through validated accounts
• 🔐 Privately owned firms offering temporary reservations during events (typically at a premium)

It’s not full-blown reservation capability just yet — but we’re getting close. And the tech keeps improving.

7. Parking for Students and Visitors

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This is where Maynard Street Parking Garage really shows its flexibility — it works for just about everyone. Whether you’re a freshman dragging a rolling cart into the dorms or a weekend explorer trying to find parking near Main Street, it fits.

University of Michigan Students

Students have a love-hate relationship with parking in Ann Arbor — mostly love for Maynard. It’s one of the few garages that hits the sweet spot between campus core proximity and daily affordability. Here’s why:

👩‍🎓 Why U-M Students Use Maynard:

• 5-minute walk to UHS south entrance, School of Nursing, and North Ingalls Street
• Ideal for commuters who don’t live on campus
• Works well with student schedules — open 24/7
• Connected with Commuter Parking and Type Non-restricted plans for semester access

During finals, I saw someone parked here for what felt like 18 hours straight — living off granola bars and Red Bull. And yes, it was me. Worth it.

Tourist Parking & Weekend Visitors

Out-of-town guests often search “parking garage near me” only to end up in metered zones with strict parking regulations. That’s why Maynard Street Parking Garage makes weekend exploring easier. Whether you’re shopping, eating, or gallery-hopping downtown, this garage offers:

• Flat evening and weekend rates
• Walking distance to restaurants, bookshops, museums
• ADA-compliant accessible spaces for families or older travelers
• Safe environment with security and lighting for nighttime returns

🚗 Perfect For:

• Weekend brunch at Main Street cafés
• Visiting the University of Michigan Art Museum
• Evening shows at State Theatre
• Day trips to the Downtown retail district

8. Reviews and What Locals Say

So, what do actual drivers think of Maynard Street Parking Garage? Well, it’s not perfect — what garage is? — but it scores pretty high in all the places that matter: location, consistency, and cost.

Public Feedback on Parking Experience

From local commuters to University of Michigan students, most reviews mention how Maynard Street Parking Garage has become their go-to, especially when other lots are under special parking restrictions or completely full. Common praise includes:

• “You can almost always find a spot — even during busy hours.”
• “I like the lighting here — it doesn’t feel creepy walking to your car after class.”
• “It’s not the cheapest, but for the location? Totally worth the parking garage price.”

Of course, you’ll see occasional complaints about:

• Tight turning radius on upper levels
• EV stations being full during peak times
• Minor confusion with payment machines (though Easy Pay Parking has improved a lot)

Pro Tip: If you park here frequently, keep an eye on lot/space closures listed through the parking plan notifications by the City of Ann Arbor. That’s how locals avoid surprise detours.

Compare to Other Garages

If you’re deciding where to park in the city, here’s how Maynard Street stacks up against some nearby options:

Garage	Pros	Cons
Maynard Street Parking Garage	Central, walkable, decent rates, EV spots	Tight spaces on top levels
Liberty Square Garage	Close to bars/restaurants, newer feel	Can fill quickly on weekends
Thompson Street Garage	Good for campus visits	Less convenient for downtown dining
Fourth & Washington Garage	Great evening spot near Main Street shows	Not ideal for U-M campus visits
Palmer Structure	More long-term parking, EV-friendly	Further from Main Street retail

If you’re asking, “Is it the best parking garage in Ann Arbor?” — well, for many locals and visitors, it’s at least the most balanced option.

Final Thoughts

Parking might not be glamorous, but it can make or break your visit — especially in a lively, walkable city like Ann Arbor. The Maynard Street Parking Garage isn’t trying to be fancy. It just works. You get in, you find a spot, and you’re minutes away from your class, your date night, or your favorite used bookstore on Main Street.

In 2025, where tech meets convenience and downtown is more crowded than ever, this garage offers what people actually want:

• 📍 A location that connects all the dots (campus, shopping, dining)
• 🕓 24/7 access with safety features
• 💵 Consistent pricing without surprise surge rates
• 🔌 Smart features for EV drivers, bikers, and weekend visitors

So whether you’re a student running late for lecture, a weekend shopper, or a visitor trying to decode Ann Arbor’s parking map, Maynard might just be your answer.

Bookmark this guide. Or share it with someone who always asks, “Where do I park when I visit you in Ann Arbor?”

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