About this Location

Facility Overview

Lot 61 is an open-air surface parking facility situated in Clayton, Missouri (ZIP 63105), strategically positioned on the eastern edge of the bustling Downtown Clayton commercial district and directly adjacent to the Washington University West Campus corridor. Laid out with efficient perpendicular and angled stalls, the lot is designed for straightforward maneuvering and hassle-free ingress and egress. Because Lot 61 is a grade-level, open-sky lot, there are no restrictive overhead height bars or multi-level ceiling clearances, making it an outstanding parking option for taller passenger vehicles, full-size pickup trucks (such as Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado), high-profile SUVs, and commercial vans that frequently exceed the low clearance thresholds of nearby underground and structured parking garages.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located in the heart of St. Louis County’s premier business and governmental center, Lot 61 offers exceptional walkability and transit access to prominent regional landmarks and attractions:

Washington University in St. Louis (West Campus): Located immediately adjacent, making it premier parking for university faculty, staff, researchers, and campus visitors heading to the West Campus library annex, offices, and conference facilities.
Downtown Clayton Business District: Less than a 5- to 10-minute walk west to central Clayton’s corporate towers, the St. Louis County Justice Center, Clayton City Hall, and major corporate offices.
Dining & Nightlife on Central & Forsyth: A short stroll of 5 to 10 minutes leads to Clayton’s acclaimed culinary scene, including premier spots like Pastaria, Cafe Napoli, 801 Chophouse, and City Coffeehouse & Crêperie.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis: Situated just minutes away, offering convenient off-site overflow parking during major banquets, galas, and conferences.
Shaw Park: Approximately 15 minutes on foot or a 3-minute drive, featuring an outdoor aquatic center, ice skating rink, tennis courts, and peaceful walking trails.
Forest Park & Cultural Institutions: Just 1.5 miles east down Forest Park Parkway, placing the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and The Muny within a quick 5-minute drive.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Lot 61 features straightforward vehicle access via local connectors linking directly to Forest Park Parkway and Forsyth Boulevard. Drivers traveling east or west across the St. Louis metropolitan area benefit from quick access to Interstate 170 (Inner Belt Expressway), located just 1 mile to the west, connecting effortlessly to I-64/US-40 and I-70. For public transit riders, the facility is within easy walking distance of the Clayton MetroLink Station (Blue Line) as well as the Forsyth MetroLink Station, offering seamless, traffic-free rail transit east to the Central West End, Downtown St. Louis, and west toward Shrewsbury, along with convenient bus connections via MetroBus routes running along Forsyth and Central Avenue.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Headroom: Zero height restrictions, accommodating lifted trucks, roof-racked vehicles, and high-top passenger vans.
Modern Mobile Payments: Supports quick digital payments via mobile parking platforms and local pay-by-plate digital stations.
ADA Accessible Stalls: Clearly designated accessible parking spaces located close to primary pedestrian access points and sidewalks.
Nighttime Illumination: High-efficiency exterior pole lighting providing visibility and driver safety during evening and early morning hours.
Paved Surface & Clean Markings: Well-maintained asphalt surfacing with distinct white-stripe stalls and directional driveway arrows.

Ideal For

Clayton Business Commuters: Professionals seeking reliable weekday parking near Clayton\'s corporate headquarters and legal centers.
Washington University Staff & Visitors: Convenient access for appointments and business on the university\'s West Campus.
MetroLink Park-and-Ride Commuters: Drivers looking to bypass highway traffic by leaving their vehicle near light rail before heading into Downtown St. Louis or the Medical Campus.
Evening Diners & Event Guests: Visitors exploring Clayton’s bustling evening dining corridor and local hotel events.

Visitor & Driver Tips

If visiting during typical morning commute hours (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM), arrive early to secure the most convenient spots, as spaces can fill quickly with district employees and campus personnel. Always check posted signage at the lot entrance for current permit designations, hourly restrictions, or event rates, as campus and municipal enforcement is active on weekdays. For the smoothest navigation, enter via the primary roadway access points off Forsyth Boulevard or Forest Park Parkway access roads.