Facility Overview
Managed by Denison Parking, the Multnomah County Building Garage is a covered, multi-level municipal parking structure located at 508 SE Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland's bustling Central Eastside District. Situated directly adjacent to the Multnomah County administrative headquarters, the garage features a structured deck encompassing approximately 325 total parking stalls, with around 50 dedicated spaces allocated for public daily and hourly visitors alongside reserved county employee parking. The garage maintains a posted vertical clearance height of 6 feet 6 inches (6'6"), making it well-suited for standard compacts, sedans, crossovers, and standard-height SUVs. However, raised 4x4 trucks, full-size commercial conversion vans, rooftop luggage carriers, and high-clearance utility vehicles should seek surface parking alternatives to avoid height limit conflicts.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Strategically positioned at the eastern landing of the historic Hawthorne Bridge, this facility places motorists within easy walking distance of government administration offices, scenic parks, and vibrant inner-eastside neighborhoods:
- Multnomah County Government Building: Immediately adjacent, providing hassle-free parking for board hearings, public records, recording and assessment offices, marriage licensing, and county administration visits.
- Eastbank Esplanade & Willamette River: Located just a 6-minute walk (0.3 miles) west, connecting to Portland’s renowned multi-use riverside pedestrian and cycling path.
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park & Downtown Portland: Situated just across the Hawthorne Bridge, accessible via a picturesque 10 to 12-minute walk (0.5 miles) into the heart of downtown.
- OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry): Approximately a 12 to 14-minute walk (0.6 miles) south along SE Water Avenue, offering science exhibitions, a planetarium, and the USS Blueback submarine.
- Central Eastside Industrial District Dining & Brews: Steps away from popular neighborhood dining spots, cafes, and local craft breweries situated along SE Grand Avenue, SE MLK Jr. Boulevard, and SE Hawthorne Boulevard.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Drivers can access the garage entrance on SE Hawthorne Boulevard just east of SE Grand Avenue. Because Hawthorne Boulevard carries heavy one-way eastbound traffic off the Hawthorne Bridge and Grand Avenue carries northbound traffic along Highway 99E, navigation into the parking deck is direct and swift. Leaving the garage provides instant access toward inner Southeast Portland or straightforward routing to regional freeways, including Interstate 5 (I-5 northbound and southbound ramps) and Interstate 84 (I-84). Public transit links are exceptionally convenient: the Portland Streetcar B Loop stops right along Grand Avenue adjacent to the building (Stop ID 13616), while TriMet bus lines 2, 6, 10, and 14 offer frequent service within one block.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Covered Multi-Level Parking: Protects vehicles and passengers from Pacific Northwest rain and inclement weather.
- Clear Clearance Limit: A standard 6'6" clearance height suitable for passenger sedans, minivans, and small-to-midsize SUVs.
- ADA Accessible Parking: 12 dedicated accessible stalls, including 5 van-accessible spaces marked near facility elevators and pedestrian exits.
- Economical Pricing Structure: Highly affordable hourly parking tiers starting at just $1.45 per hour, making it one of the most cost-effective parking choices on Portland's close-in east side.
- On-Site Payment Options: Walk-up automated pay station accepting major debit and credit cards, alongside monthly parking permit options through Denison Parking.
- Professional Management & Surveillance: Maintained under professional oversight by Denison Parking with lighting, signage, and regular facility patrols.
Ideal For
- County Visitors & Public Appointees: Citizens attending Multnomah County administrative proceedings, committee meetings, or clerk services.
- Central Eastside Commuters: Weekday professionals seeking economical, covered parking within walking distance to businesses along Grand Avenue and Hawthorne.
- Downtown Portland Walkers: Drivers seeking to avoid high downtown core parking garage rates by parking on the east bank and walking across the bridge.
- Riverfront & Esplanade Recreators: Daytime walkers and runners exploring the Eastbank Esplanade and adjacent river greenways.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Please note that this facility operates strictly under weekday business hours, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The facility is closed on weekends. Motorists should be extremely mindful of the evening closing time: vehicles remaining inside after 6:00 PM are locked in until 7:00 AM the following business morning and will incur a mandatory after-hours release penalty fee. If you plan to attend evening concerts, late-night dinners, or weekend events, look for on-street meter options or nearby 24-hour commercial surface lots instead.