Facility Overview
Lot 731 (operated by Colonial Parking) is a secure, professionally managed multi-level subterranean parking facility situated at 1210 Marion Barry Ave SE (formerly Good Hope Road SE) in the heart of Historic Anacostia in Southeast Washington, DC. Providing dedicated direct access beneath the prominent District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) building at 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, the garage features three underground levels accommodating approximately 117 vehicles. The facility is well-lit, fully paved, and configured with clear lane markings and painted bay dividers to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
Regarding vehicle suitability, Lot 731 is optimized for standard passenger vehicles, compact cars, crossovers, and standard mid-size SUVs. Because this is a covered subsurface garage, drivers operating full-size lifted pickup trucks, commercial cargo vans, high-roof conversion vans, or vehicles equipped with high overhead ski racks or rooftop cargo boxes should heed posted low-clearance entryway warnings (standard garage clearance is approximately 6 feet 6 inches). Drivers with oversized or tall commercial vehicles should consider nearby open-air surface lots or street-level parking along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Conveniently located at the bustling intersection gateway where Marion Barry Avenue SE meets Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Lot 731 positions visitors at the commercial and cultural core of Ward 8's Historic Anacostia:
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Cedar Hill): Located just an 8- to 10-minute walk (0.4 miles) south, the preserved Victorian home of Frederick Douglass offers panoramic hilltop vistas of Washington, DC, and guided historical tours.
- Anacostia Arts Center & Honfleur Gallery: Situated just across the street (a 2-minute stroll), these cultural venues host indie black-box theater performances, local art exhibits, artisan retail, and community cafés.
- The Big Chair: Standing at the intersection of MLK Jr. Ave and V Street SE (less than 4 minutes away on foot), this 19-foot Bassett Furniture company artifact is Anacostia’s most recognized landmark.
- Anacostia Park & Riverfront: Situated about 0.5 miles west across the I-295 corridor, offering walking trails, an outdoor roller skating pavilion, sports fields, and riverfront greenspaces.
- Navy Yard & Capitol Riverfront: Located just over the 11th Street Bridge (a rapid 5-minute drive or rideshare), making this an affordable satellite staging point for events at Nationals Park and Audi Field.
- Local Dining & Community Hubs: Steps away from beloved local staples such as Busboys and Poets Anacostia, Turning Natural juice bar, and the newly established Marion Barry Avenue Market & Cafe.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicular ingress and egress to Lot 731 are direct and convenient via Marion Barry Avenue SE between 12th and 13th Streets SE. The ramp provides clean sightlines to oncoming traffic when leaving the garage. Drivers arriving from Maryland or elsewhere in DC benefit from swift regional road links:
- Highways: The garage sits less than one minute from Interstate 295 (Anacostia Freeway) and Suitland Parkway, as well as the 11th Street Bridge connecting directly into the I-695 Southeast Freeway and Capitol Hill.
- Metrorail: Anacostia Metro Station (serving the Green Line) is located approximately 0.6 miles south (a 10- to 12-minute walk or 3-minute bus transfer), providing direct rail transit to L'Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place-Chinatown, and downtown DC.
- Metrobus & Circulator: Several major bus routes stop within steps of the garage on MLK Jr. Ave and Marion Barry Ave, including the A33, B2, 90, 92, and P6 lines.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Underground Covered Parking: Shields your vehicle from harsh weather, summer sun, and winter precipitation across multi-level subterranean decks.
- Automated & Contactless Payment: Compatible with ColonialFlex and mobile reservations through digital platforms such as SpotHero and ParkMobile, alongside on-site automated payment equipment.
- ADA Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces positioned closest to the elevator lobby and pedestrian exits.
- Security & Monitoring: Professional facility management, bright LED lighting across all drive lanes, and integrated security protocols aligned with municipal building standards.
- Elevator & Stair Access: Rapid pedestrian egress leading directly to street-level corridors on Marion Barry Ave SE and the DHCD lobby.
Ideal For
- Municipal & Office Commuters: Professionals, civil servants, contractors, and visitors attending meetings at the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and adjacent government agencies.
- Cultural & Heritage Visitors: Tourists exploring Historic Anacostia landmarks, the Frederick Douglass home, and Anacostia Playhouse.
- Local Shoppers & Foodies: Guests dining at neighborhood eateries along Martin Luther King Jr. Ave or shopping at local boutiques and market stalls.
- Budget-Savvy Commuters: Drivers looking to bypass downtown or Navy Yard event congestion by parking east of the river and taking transit across the bridge.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Operating Schedule: This garage primarily caters to business hours and operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; it remains closed to general daily parkers on weekends and District holidays. Make sure to retrieve your vehicle before evening closing.
- GPS Address Guidance: When entering directions into GPS navigation apps like Apple Maps or Waze, input "1210 Marion Barry Ave SE" (or note legacy street signage for "Good Hope Rd SE") to drive straight to the garage entrance gate rather than the front pedestrian entrance of 1800 MLK Jr Ave.
- Pre-Book Your Reservation: Peak morning hours between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM can experience high occupancy due to government business; booking in advance through online parking apps guarantees your spot.
- Vehicle Clearance: Always verify that rooftop luggage, ladder carriers, or bike mounts are removed prior to descending down the entrance ramp.