Facility Overview

The 70 Union St Garage (also accessed via 190 Governor Winthrop Blvd) is a vital multi-level covered parking facility serving the heart of historic downtown New London, Connecticut. Designed to accommodate daily commuters, regional ferry travelers, theater patrons, and local diners, the garage offers sheltered, multi-tiered parking spaces that protect vehicles from coastal New England weather year-round. The garage features well-marked two-way driving aisles, clearly delineated parking bays, and accessible pedestrian stairwells and elevators. Standard passenger sedans, crossovers, and full-size SUVs can comfortably navigate the ramps and parking stalls. Drivers operating lifted trucks, commercial cargo vans, or rooftop-equipped vehicles must observe posted vertical overhead clearance limits (typically 6 feet 8 inches to 7 feet depending on entry ramps) and should verify overhead clearance upon approach.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Centrally situated along Governor Winthrop Boulevard between Union Street and Eugene O\'Neill Drive, the facility places drivers within effortless walking distance of New London\'s premier cultural, transit, and maritime destinations:

• Garde Arts Center: Located just 2 to 3 blocks away (a 4-minute walk), this historic restored 1920s movie palace hosts Broadway tours, symphonies, stand-up comedy, and headliner concerts.
• New London Union Station & Ferries: A brief 6 to 8-minute stroll (approx. 0.3 miles) connects passengers to Amtrak Northeast Regional/Acela trains, Shore Line East regional rail, the Cross Sound Ferry terminal (to Orient Point, Long Island), and the Fishers Island Ferry.
• Historic Bank Street & Waterfront District: Just minutes away on foot, visitors can browse waterfront antique shops, indie bookstores, and dine at popular riverside seafood restaurants and craft brewpubs.
• Custom House Maritime Museum & City Pier: Approximately 6 minutes walking distance, offering harbor views, seasonal sailing charters, and maritime history exhibits.
• Higher Education & Military Academies: Connecticut College, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and Mitchell College are all within an easy 5 to 10-minute drive north along Route 32 and Mohegan Avenue Parkway.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Navigating to and from the garage is straightforward due to its direct proximity to major regional arteries. Motorists arriving via Interstate 95 can take Exit 83 or Exit 84 to connect directly with Downtown New London via Governor Winthrop Boulevard. Drivers traveling south on Connecticut Route 32 from Norwich or Mohegan Sun merge smoothly into downtown streets leading straight to the garage entrance. Egress onto Governor Winthrop Boulevard allows quick dispersal back to I-95 North/South or the Gold Star Memorial Bridge across the Thames River to Groton. For those continuing on public transportation, SEAT (Southeast Area Transit District) local buses stop directly adjacent on Governor Winthrop Blvd and State Street.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Covered Parking Decks: Multi-story covered structure providing reliable shelter against rain, snow, and summer heat.
• ADA Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking bays situated near stairwells and elevator cores for convenient, step-free access.
• Modern Lighting & Safety: Well-lit interior decks, exterior pedestrian visibility, and round-the-clock municipal monitoring.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Convenient pay stations and mobile app integration (such as ParkMobile or on-site automated kiosks) accepting major credit and debit cards.
• Ferry & Commuter Friendly: Long-term and daily multi-hour parking options tailored for travelers taking inter-state ferry trips or Amtrak trains.

Ideal For

• Cross Sound & Block Island Ferry Passengers: Leave your car securely parked while boarding the ferry for day trips or weekend getaways to Long Island.
• Theater & Concert Attendees: Stress-free parking for evening performances at the nearby Garde Arts Center.
• Amtrak & Regional Commuters: Convenient covered staging area close to New London Union Station.
• Downtown Diners & Shoppers: Direct access to the bustling State Street and Bank Street restaurant and pub scene.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Drivers traveling during summer weekends or major holiday ferry travel periods should arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to vessel departure to guarantee convenient parking and allow time to walk to the docks. When visiting for evening shows at the Garde Arts Center, entering via Union Street or Governor Winthrop Blvd shortly before door times will help you avoid the brief rush that forms right before curtain call. Keep your ticket handy or record your license plate accurately when paying via digital kiosks or mobile parking apps before heading out into the city.