About this Location

Facility Overview

The Centertown Parking Garage (also operated in partnership with LAZ Parking as Centertowne Garage) serves as the primary municipal covered parking hub in the heart of downtown Elmira, New York. Situated at 101 W Gray Street, this multi-level concrete parking deck offers hundreds of sheltered parking bays designed to shield vehicles from upstate New York’s harsh winter snow and hot summer sun. The garage features well-marked two-way driving aisles, easy-to-navigate ramp systems connecting floors, designated pedestrian stair towers, and elevator service. The multi-story facility is ideally suited for compact vehicles, sedans, crossovers, standard full-size SUVs, and standard light-duty pickup trucks. However, due to standard overhead concrete clearances typical of multi-level garages (generally under 7 feet), high-roof commercial cargo vans, oversized lifted trucks, camper vans, and vehicles equipped with tall roof-rack cargo boxes should verify posted clearance signs at the entrance before entering.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically situated in Elmira’s civic and cultural core, Centertown Parking Garage is the premier parking destination for downtown events, dining, and professional business:

First Arena / LECOM Event Center: Located just a short 2-minute walk away (less than two blocks), making this the top parking choice for Elmira Aviators hockey games, indoor arena sports, conventions, and major concert tours.
The Clemens Center: Elmira’s premier performing arts venue hosting touring Broadway shows, orchestral performances, and community theater, situated mere steps across Clemens Center Parkway.
Centertown Social & Downtown Dining: Adjacent to vibrant dining, casual eateries, cafes, and entertainment venues along West Gray Street, Water Street, and Church Street.
Wisner Park: A scenic community park just two blocks north, home to seasonal farmers' markets, outdoor movie nights, and community festivals.
Chemung County Government Complex: Within easy walking distance of the Chemung County Courthouse, Elmira City Hall, and county administrative office buildings.
Elmira College: Situated roughly one mile north, making downtown easily reachable for visiting families and alumni exploring historic Elmira.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Centertown Parking Garage provides seamless vehicular access with an entrance off West Gray Street between North Main Street and Clemens Center Parkway. Its central positioning ensures smooth arrival and exit flows even when major events wrap up at the nearby arena or theater. For regional commuters and travelers, the facility offers immediate access to Clemens Center Parkway (Route 14) and State Route 352 (Church Street / Water Street), both linking quickly to Interstate 86 (the Southern Tier Expressway). Additionally, the garage sits directly adjacent to the Chemung County Transportation Center (CCTC), providing instant foot access to C-TRAN local bus routes and regional coach connections.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Sheltered Multi-Level Parking: Keeps vehicles dry and protected from snowstorms, freezing rain, and summer heat.
Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-compliant parking spaces located adjacent to pedestrian access points and stairwells.
Illumination & Security: Built with high-visibility lighting throughout driving lanes, security monitoring, and regular municipal/police patrols.
Flexible Payment Systems: Automated ticketing and kiosk payment machines supporting cash and credit cards, alongside management and reservation systems managed through LAZ Parking.
Exceptional Affordability: Recognized as one of the most budget-friendly parking garages in the region, offering very low short-term rates and discounted monthly business or residential permits.

Ideal For

Hockey Fans & Concertgoers: Visitors attending events, matches, and performances at the LECOM Event Center or The Clemens Center.
Downtown Employees & Business Commuters: Professionals working in Chemung County judicial offices, corporate buildings, and downtown banks.
Local Diners & Nightlife Guests: Patrons visiting local brewpubs, Centertown Social, and downtown restaurants on weekend evenings.
Winter Weather Parking: Local residents and visitors seeking covered off-street shelter during municipal snow emergencies and alternate-side parking restrictions.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When attending high-profile events at the arena or Clemens Center, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before showtime to secure a lower-level space and minimize ramp driving. Keep your entrance ticket in a safe, dry place inside your vehicle so you can pay at the walk-up payment kiosk before returning to your car. During winter storms, Elmira frequently encourages off-street parking in the Centertown Garage to facilitate street snowplowing; be aware of temporary municipal parking advisories. Lastly, if you require elevator access, check local municipal advisories as elevators may occasionally undergo routine service.