Good Question: Is there still parking underneath Parcel 5?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — This good question is about what’s beneath the heart of downtown Rochester. It’s been nearly 15 years since Midtown Plaza closed up for good. But part of the Midtown legacy still remains and it’s just as busy as ever.

Bob says: “I have an unusual good question. I drove around downtown yesterday. I saw a Midtown parking entrance. I am curious. What is under Parcel 5? Is there still parking under the grassy area?”

Yes, there is. It’s been there for decades, since the days of Midtown Plaza.

There are actually a couple of public entrances to the Midtown Garage. One on East Broad Street and one on South Clinton Avenue.

Those entrances lead to an underground, three-level, 16-hundred space parking garage that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It stretches from Parcel 5 over to the Xerox Tower and connects directly to Tower 280, the Seneca building, 260 East Broad Street, and Legacy Tower.

It’s also used for special event parking at Parcel 5. The first 15 minutes are free to the public. After that, it goes up to $2 for the first two hours and $2 per additional hour after that.

There are sections of the garage that are reserved for businesses and residents but most of it is open to the public. You will need a parking tag to enter. You can see a map of the garage and register for public parking here.

If you have a good question, send it to us at goodquestion@whec.com