Facility Overview

Central Huntington Garage, located at 924 5th Avenue in the heart of downtown Huntington, West Virginia, is an iconic piece of local architectural history and a vital downtown parking asset. Constructed in 1927 behind the historic Hines Building, this multi-level covered parking facility holds the distinction of being Huntington's very first multi-story parking garage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the Downtown Huntington Historic District. The structure is integrated seamlessly into the commercial block, sitting immediately adjacent to the storied Jim's Steak & Spaghetti House. Drivers enter via a street-level portal on 5th Avenue into a multi-deck, weather-sheltered concrete structure that accommodates approximately 254 vehicles.

Regarding vehicle suitability, Central Huntington Garage is tailored primarily for standard passenger sedans, compact crossovers, station wagons, and standard-profile mid-size SUVs. Because this parking facility was engineered during the classic automotive era and features architectural concrete overhead beams and standard internal ramps, overhead clearance is restricted (approximately 6 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 8 inches). Full-size high-roof conversion vans, oversized commercial utility trucks, vehicles with elevated rooftop cargo boxes, and heavily lifted 4x4 pickups exceed these vertical clearances and will not fit. Drivers of standard-height half-ton pickup trucks can navigate the facility with care, but owners of oversized vehicles are encouraged to utilize surface parking lots situated along adjacent downtown blocks.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Central Huntington Garage boasts one of the most convenient, centrally positioned locations in Cabell County, placing motorists within direct walking distance of Huntington’s premier civic, entertainment, and culinary destinations:

• Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center: Located at 925 4th Avenue, this magnificent 1928 atmospheric theater is situated directly behind the garage block—less than a 2-minute walk (under 400 feet). The garage serves as the designated preferred covered parking facility for Broadway shows, Marshall Artists Series performances, and classic cinema events.
• Jim's Steak & Spaghetti House: Located right at 920 5th Avenue, this legendary Huntington dining institution has occupied the Hines Building since 1938. Patrons enjoy parking validation rates during dining visits.
• Pullman Square: Huntington's primary lifestyle, retail, and entertainment center—featuring Marquee Cinemas, diverse restaurants, and boutique shopping—is located just three blocks away (approximately a 5-to-7-minute stroll).
• Mountain Health Arena: Situated at 1 Civic Center Plaza, the city's premier venue for concerts, conventions, wrestling, and family shows is located within a 6-to-8-minute walk (0.4 miles).
• Marshall University Campus: The western edge of Marshall’s historic campus, including Old Main and the visual arts centers, sits approximately 6 blocks east along 5th Avenue (about a 10-to-12-minute walk or a 2-minute drive).
• Government & Civic Centers: Huntington City Hall (800 5th Ave) and the Cabell County Courthouse are within 2 to 3 blocks, making the facility optimal for legal professionals, county employees, and civic visitors.
• Harris Riverfront Park: The scenic Ohio River parkway, walking trails, and boat dock are just a 7-minute walk north across 3rd Avenue.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The facility provides straightforward vehicular access from 5th Avenue (US Route 60 westbound), one of Huntington’s central east-west commercial arteries. The garage ingress is clearly marked along the front façade of the Hines Building between 9th and 10th Streets. The interior features structured driving lanes and concrete support columns, where drivers are advised to maintain slow speeds and observe directional arrows. Exiting onto 5th Avenue connects drivers smoothly onto local traffic grids, avoiding the heavy post-show pedestrian bottlenecks common directly on 4th Avenue or 3rd Avenue.

For regional highway access, the garage sits conveniently near key thoroughfares. Motorists can head south on 8th Street or Hal Greer Boulevard (Route 10) to reach Interstate 64 (Exit 11) within 7 to 10 minutes, or head west across the Nick Joe Rahall II Bridge into Ohio via US Route 52. Public transit users benefit from multiple Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA) bus routes that stop along 5th Avenue and 4th Avenue. In addition, the Huntington Amtrak Station (CSX line serving the Cardinal route) is located only five blocks south at 8th Avenue and 10th Street, allowing seamless multimodal intercity travel.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Full Overhead Cover: Complete multi-tier covered parking protecting vehicles from rain, sleet, snow, and extreme summer sun.
• Direct Validation Program: Special discounted validation rate ($1.50 for up to 1.5 hours) for patrons dining at Jim's Steak & Spaghetti House with an official merchant stamp.
• Digital Event Parking Prepayment: Seamless online reservation and digital ticketing portal offering flat-rate parking passes ($8.00) specifically tied to Keith-Albee show calendars.
• Flexible Tariff Structure: Tiered hourly transient rates starting at $2.00, with a low $5.00 all-day daily maximum through 10:00 PM.
• Monthly Reserved Contracts: Dedicated monthly parking passes tailored for downtown office employees, local business owners, and university affiliates with online registration and renewal.
• Security & Monitoring: Active electronic surveillance cameras (CCTV) and facility access management ensuring vehicle safety and property protection.
• Illuminated Interior: Fully lit driving aisles, stairwells, and pedestrian entryways for enhanced night-time visibility and safety.
• ADA Accessibility: Designated accessible parking spaces situated near ground-level exit points.

Ideal For

• Theater & Concert Attendees: Patrons attending Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center productions seeking reserved, covered parking mere steps from the box office.
• Civic & Corporate Commuters: Professionals working in the Hines Building, Huntington City Hall, Cabell County Courthouse, or local law and financial firms who need reliable monthly or all-day parking.
• Downtown Diners & Shoppers: Visitors enjoying meals at Jim's Steak & Spaghetti House, Pullman Square restaurants, or downtown 4th Avenue eateries.
• Marshall University Affiliates: Commuter students and adjunct faculty seeking affordable covered parking within walking distance of western campus facilities.
• Arena Visitors: Fans attending sporting events, trade expos, and concerts at Mountain Health Arena who want an easy exit without being trapped in arena-adjacent traffic.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Validate Your Jim's Visit: If you are dining at Jim's Steak & Spaghetti House, make sure to ask your server for a parking validation stamp before leaving to receive the discounted $1.50 rate.
• Pre-Book for Keith-Albee Events: Keith-Albee shows frequently draw sell-out crowds, filling nearby street meters quickly. Take advantage of the garage's online prepayment link to secure an $8.00 event parking space and guarantee a spot ahead of curtain call.
• Be Mindful of Operating Hours: Standard public transient parking operates Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The facility is normally closed on Sundays, with exceptions made specifically for scheduled Keith-Albee matinees and special downtown civic events.
• Check Headroom Before Entry: If you drive a pickup truck or an SUV equipped with roof cargo boxes, ski racks, or oversized antennas, confirm your vehicle clearance visually at the entrance portal to prevent accidental contact with overhead structures.
• Prepare Plate Number for Check-In: Digital event reservations and monthly registration forms operate by license plate recognition; have your license plate and vehicle information ready when completing forms online.