Facility Overview
The Cornish Parking Garage is a multi-level covered parking structure centrally positioned at 70 Union Street in the historic core of downtown New London, Connecticut. Situated just one block off State Street and parallel to Bank Street, the garage offers sheltered, dependable parking in a dense, walkable city neighborhood. Designed to handle steady urban traffic, the facility accommodates standard passenger vehicles, compact cars, sedans, crossovers, and standard SUVs. While typical passenger trucks and sport utility vehicles clear the garage ramps with ease, operators of oversize commercial trucks, high-roof conversion vans, or vehicles with elevated roof racks and exterior accessories should carefully heed the posted clearance signs at the Union Street entrance.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Conveniently planted in the center of New London\'s Historic Waterfront District, this parking garage serves as an anchor destination for arts, entertainment, maritime travel, and civic business. Within easy walking distance, visitors will discover:
- Garde Arts Center: Located just a 4-minute stroll (approx. 0.2 miles) away along State Street, making this garage a top destination for concertgoers, theatrical attendees, and film festival patrons.
- Cross Sound Ferry & Block Island Express: Accessible within a 7-minute walk down to the Thames River waterfront and ferry terminals, ideal for travelers voyaging to Long Island or Block Island.
- New London Union Station: Situated roughly 0.3 miles away, offering regional Amtrak rail and Shore Line East commuter connections.
- Waterfront Park & Thames River Boardwalk: Merely 3 blocks east, delivering scenic shoreline strolls, historic monuments, and seasonal outdoor festivals.
- Bank Street Dining & Nightlife: Immediate access to New London\'s premier culinary stretch, featuring award-winning seafood bistros, craft breweries, art galleries, and lively cafes.
- Civic & Legal Institutions: Steps from New London City Hall, the Regional Probate Court, and New London Superior Court.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicular ingress and egress to the garage are smoothly facilitated via Union Street, accessible from Gov. Winthrop Boulevard, State Street, and Huntington Street. Drivers arriving from Interstate 95 (Exits 83 or 84) or Route 32 can reach the garage in under five minutes. When leaving after major performances at the Garde Arts Center or rush-hour train arrivals, the surrounding grid pattern allows quick distribution onto Eugene O\'Neill Drive and back toward regional highway corridors. In addition to regional Amtrak and commuter trains at Union Station, local Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) bus lines run regular routes along nearby State and Bank Streets.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Multi-story covered parking decks safeguarding vehicles from snow, rain, and summer heat.
- Well-illuminated stairwells, pedestrian walkways, and interior driving lanes.
- Designated ADA-accessible parking stalls conveniently located near elevators and pedestrian portals.
- Automated on-site pay kiosks accepting major credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments.
- CCTV surveillance monitoring and periodic municipal security patrols.
- Direct sidewalk egress to Union Street and immediate connectivity to downtown shopping and dining.
Ideal For
- Theater patrons and arts enthusiasts attending evening shows and weekend matinees at the Garde Arts Center.
- Commuters taking Amtrak, Shore Line East, or maritime ferries out of New London Harbor.
- Diners and shoppers spending an afternoon or evening along vibrant Bank Street and State Street.
- Attorneys, jurors, and citizens conducting daily business at New London City Hall or nearby court facilities.
- Local downtown employees seeking dependable, covered monthly parking.
Visitor & Driver Tips
When attending high-profile events at the Garde Arts Center or boarding busy weekend morning ferries to Long Island, aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to curtain call or departure to ensure seamless parking and avoid curb queues. Keep your physical ticket or payment confirmation readily accessible when returning on foot. If traveling in a larger SUV or full-size pickup truck, consider parking on upper levels where driving aisles offer broader turning margins and spacious stall clearance.