About this Location

Facility Overview

Lot AHA is an expansive, well-maintained open-air surface parking facility situated at 5251 California Avenue within the prestigious UCI Research Park in Irvine, CA 92617. Established in a master-planned commercial and academic hub adjacent to the University of California, Irvine (UCI), this facility directly serves commercial tenants, including the American Heart Association (AHA) Orange County division, alongside regional research, medical, and technology organizations. The lot layout is designed with wide two-way drive aisles, clear lane striping, pedestrian walkways, and perimeter landscaping that creates a calm, campus-like setting.

Because Lot AHA is a completely open-air grade-level parking lot, there are no low-hanging structural ceilings, hanging pipes, or overhead clearance restrictions. This open headroom design makes the lot universally accessible to virtually all standard passenger automobiles, high-profile pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, executive vans, and specialized ADA wheelchair-accessible transport vans. Commercial service and courier vehicles can also navigate and maneuver through the facility without height concerns.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned at the southwestern edge of the UCI academic and innovation zone, Lot AHA provides effortless access to corporate campuses, university departments, and local entertainment:

American Heart Association Orange County Chapter: Located immediately on-site at 5251 California Avenue (Suite 230), making this the primary parking destination for meetings, community outreach events, and administrative visits.
UCI Health Sciences Quad & Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences: Situated less than 0.5 miles east, hosting the Sue Gross Auditorium, public health conferences, and medical educational forums.
The Commons & Kinetic Fitness at UCI Research Park: Walking distance within the business park, offering outdoor collaborative workspaces, dining options, and recreational athletic courts.
UC Irvine Main Campus & Aldrich Park: Located approximately 1 mile northeast, granting access to central campus lecture halls, Langson Library, and university administration.
Irvine Barclay Theatre: Situated about 1.2 miles away near the campus edge, hosting dance performances, symphony concerts, and stage productions.
University Town Center (UTC): Less than a 5-minute drive (1.3 miles), offering a bustling collection of casual eateries, coffee houses, grocery shopping, and retail services.
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary: Just 2 miles west, offering over 300 acres of protected coastal wetlands, birdwatching areas, and peaceful walking trails.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Lot AHA provides seamless ingress and egress via California Avenue and Theory Drive, connecting smoothly into the well-orchestrated arterial road network of Irvine. Multi-lane entrances ensure quick dispersal of vehicles even during peak morning arrival and evening departure hours.

Freeway and regional highway access is exceptionally convenient. The property is located just moments from the California State Route 73 (SR-73 / San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor toll road) via the Bison Avenue or University Drive interchanges. In addition, Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) is directly accessible within a few minutes via MacArthur Boulevard or Culver Drive, streamlining commutes across Orange County, coastal South Bay, and toward John Wayne Airport (SNA), which sits only 4 miles northwest.

For public transit commuters, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates regular bus lines along California Avenue and Campus Drive. The Anteater Express campus shuttle loops run nearby during academic sessions, linking UCI Research Park with major student housing and campus complexes.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Level-grade stalls offering unlimited vertical clearance suitable for trucks, vans, and utility vehicles.
Accessible ADA Stalls: Designated ADA-compliant parking spaces with leveled access ramps leading straight to building entrances.
EV Charging Infrastructure: Select Level 2 charging stations available within the corporate office complex for electric vehicles.
Professional Lighting & Security: Bright LED lighting throughout aisles and walkways, complemented by campus and business park patrol security.
Pedestrian Connectivity: Integrated sidewalks, crosswalks, and landscaped pathways leading directly to neighboring office suites and campus paths.

Ideal For

AHA Visitors & Volunteers: Direct access for employees, program participants, CPR trainees, and attendees visiting the American Heart Association.
UCI Research Park Tenants & Clients: Corporate executives, research associates, biomedical consultants, and technology contractors working in surrounding facilities.
University Health Sciences Visitors: Guests attending seminars, public lectures, and symposiums at the adjacent UCI Health Sciences complex.
Business Commuters: Professionals seeking streamlined access to SR-73 and the Irvine Business Complex corridor.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Check Business Signage: Ensure you park in standard designated visitor or tenant spaces; avoid stalls marked reserved for specific tenant suites or corporate fleet vehicles.
Plan for Peak Commutes: Traffic on California Avenue can see moderate congestion between 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM; planning arrival outside these windows ensures an effortless parking experience.
GPS Navigation Guidance: Set your navigation system directly to 5251 California Ave, Irvine, CA 92617 for optimal routing into the parking court.
Electric Vehicle Drivers: If you intend to charge your vehicle, arrive earlier in the morning as charging plugs in the park tend to fill quickly during regular weekday office hours.