About this Location

Facility Overview

The Jacobs Center Garage (historically recognized as the CH2M Hill Center Garage) is a modern, multi-level covered parking facility situated at 317 SW Lincoln Street in the vibrant South Downtown and University District of Portland, Oregon. Nestled on the north side of SW Lincoln Street between SW 1st Avenue and SW 4th Avenue, this structured garage provides sheltered, weather-protected parking designed to accommodate daily commuters, university faculty and students, and evening theater patrons. The garage features an efficient one-way circulation pattern, wide drive lanes, clearly delineated stalls, and dedicated pedestrian egress via elevators and stairwells. Drivers should note the maximum vertical clearance restriction of 6 feet 8 inches (6'8" / 2.03 m). Standard passenger sedans, compact hatchbacks, crossovers, and stock full-size SUVs and pickup trucks comfortably navigate the ramps and parking decks. However, lifted off-road trucks, cargo carriers exceeding the height bar, and high-roof conversion or commercial vans cannot be accommodated and should seek open-air surface parking nearby.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Boasting a strategic position at the southern gateway of downtown Portland, this garage puts visitors within easy walking distance of cultural, academic, and recreational landmarks:

Keller Auditorium: Located just 0.34 miles (a comfortable 6- to 8-minute walk north along SW 3rd or 4th Avenue), making it one of the most reliable and convenient parking choices for Broadway in Portland touring shows, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and Portland Opera performances.
Portland State University (PSU): Just 2 to 4 blocks west, providing direct foot access to the Urban Center, Shattuck Hall, Campus Recreation Center, and the Branford Price Millar Library.
Halprin Open Space Sequence: Only two blocks away, visitors can explore the world-renowned urban landscape architecture featuring Lovejoy Fountain Park, Pettygrove Park, and the Source Fountain.
University Place Hotel & Conference Center: Situated directly across the street on SW Lincoln, serving conference delegates and visitors who require secure daily or overnight parking.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park & South Waterfront: A brief 5- to 10-minute stroll connects visitors to the Willamette River Greenway trails, RiverPlace Marina, and scenic riverfront dining.
Cultural District Venues: The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Newmark Theatre, and Portland Art Museum are easily reached within a 12- to 15-minute walk or a brief 3-minute ride on the adjacent MAX Light Rail.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle access to the garage is exceptionally straightforward, though drivers must note that the facility entrance is reached exclusively while traveling westbound on SW Lincoln Street between SW 1st and SW 4th Avenues. Egress directs vehicles smoothly back onto SW Lincoln Street, granting swift connectivity north into the city center along SW 4th Avenue or east toward SW Naito Parkway. From Naito Parkway, motorists have immediate arterial connections to the Ross Island Bridge (US-26 East), the Marquam Bridge (I-5), and the Sunset Highway (US-26 West) via the I-405 freeway loop, allowing drivers to completely bypass core downtown traffic during peak post-event hours.

For multi-modal transit travelers, transit connectivity could hardly be better: the SW Lincoln & 3rd / SW Lincoln & 4th MAX Light Rail stop sits directly adjacent to the facility, serving the MAX Orange Line with seamless connections to the Green and Yellow lines. Additionally, stops for the Portland Streetcar (NS and CL lines) and key TriMet bus routes are located within one to two blocks, facilitating car-free journeys throughout the metro area.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Covered Parking Structure: Fully sheltered multi-deck facility shielding vehicles from Pacific Northwest rain and inclement weather.
EV Charging Stations: On-site Level 2 electric vehicle charging points for EV owners needing a battery top-up during work or show hours.
ADA Accessibility: Dedicated accessible parking bays located in prime positions close to elevator banks and ramp exits.
Convenient Digital Payments: Multiple payment options including on-site automated kiosks, pay-by-plate mobile integrations, and advance online reservations through platforms like SpotHero and ParkABM.
Security & Lighting: Bright energy-efficient lighting, perimeter coverage, and routine professional patrols operated by ABM Parking.
Round-the-Clock Access: Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for flexible self-parking anytime.

Ideal For

Keller Auditorium Eventgoers: Avoid the intense gridlock and high surge pricing directly around the theater plaza by parking just three blocks south.
PSU Faculty, Students & Visitors: A dependable commuter garage for daily classes, guest lectures, and campus conferences.
Business Commuters: Professionals working in South Downtown, the Jacobs Center commercial suites, or the 200 Market building corridor.
Conference Attendees & Hotel Guests: An accessible parking option across the street from the University Place Hotel & Conference Center.
Waterfront Visitors & Diners: Convenient base for walking along the Willamette River, exploring RiverPlace, or dining along SW Montgomery and SW Naito.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Westbound Approach Only: Remember that entry is only possible when heading westbound on SW Lincoln Street; plan your GPS route via SW 1st Ave or SW Naito Parkway to turn directly onto Lincoln.
Pre-Book for Popular Shows: During sold-out weekend Broadway runs at Keller Auditorium or PSU commencement exercises, garage spaces fill quickly; reserving in advance via SpotHero is highly advised to lock in standard rates.
Mind the 6'8" Clearance: Check your vehicle’s total clearance if you have roof cargo boxes, bike racks, or rooftop tents mounted, as the 6'8" limit is strictly enforced by hanging clearance bars.
Note Your Stall Level: Multi-level layouts can look similar; take a quick photo of your parking space number and pillar color before taking the elevator down to the street level.