About this Location

Facility Overview

Market Square - Lot #85 is an open-air surface parking facility strategically situated at 545 SW Market Street in the bustling southern edge of Downtown Portland, directly bordering the Portland State University (PSU) campus. Because this facility is a flat, unobstructed ground-level lot, it features no overhead clearance restrictions, making it an exceptional parking choice for standard sedans, large SUVs, lifted pickup trucks, work utility vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers that typically cannot enter low-clearance underground garages. The lot offers clear lane striping, spacious turning radii, and direct sightlines, allowing drivers to enter, park, and exit quickly without navigating tight garage ramps or spiral decks.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along the vibrant SW Market Street corridor between SW 5th and SW 6th Avenues, Lot #85 offers immediate walking access to key academic, civic, cultural, and entertainment hubs in Portland:

Portland State University (PSU): Located merely steps away (1 to 3 minutes on foot), providing unmatched convenience for students, visiting lecturers, university staff, and visitors to the PSU Urban Center and campus halls.
Keller Auditorium: Located just three blocks east (approx. 4 to 5 minutes walk), making this lot a premier parking destination for Broadway in Portland touring shows, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Opera performances, and major concerts.
South Park Blocks: A scenic 3-minute stroll west, hosting lush tree-lined walkways, cultural monuments, and the popular PSU Portland Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park & Willamette River: Located five blocks east (approx. 7 minutes walk), offering easy access to riverside festivals, jogging trails, and seasonal events like the Waterfront Blues Festival.
Portland City Hall & Government Center: Approximately 5 to 7 minutes walking distance north, ideal for city business, municipal appointments, and civic events.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers enjoy straightforward ingress and egress directly from SW Market Street, an eastbound thoroughfare that connects smoothly across central downtown. Exiting the facility provides immediate connections to SW 5th and 6th Avenues, which link directly to major arterial routes. Motorists can quickly access Interstate 405 (I-405 Stadium Freeway), US-26 via the Sunset Highway interchange, and Highway 99W (SW Naito Parkway) for effortless travel across the Willamette River via the Hawthorne, Morrison, or Ross Island Bridges. Additionally, public transit connectivity is world-class: the MAX Light Rail Green and Orange lines stop on the adjacent transit mall along 5th and 6th Avenues, and the Portland Streetcar stops within two blocks, facilitating car-free exploration throughout the Portland metro area.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Headroom: Zero height restrictions, accommodating high-roof vans, tall trucks, and rooftop ski/bike racks.
Touchless & Mobile Payments: Fast payment processing via automated on-site pay stations accepting credit and debit cards, as well as pay-by-phone mobile parking apps.
24/7 Accessibility: Continuous round-the-clock availability for early morning commuters, late-night theatregoers, and overnight parkers.
Night Illumination: Well-lit parking surface with perimeter lighting to enhance visibility and security during evening and early morning hours.
Designated ADA Parking: Accessible parking bays situated near street-level egress points for level, curb-free mobility.

Ideal For

Theatre & Performing Arts Attendees: Exceptional parking venue for avoiding the exit congestion of multi-deck garages following evening performances at Keller Auditorium.
PSU Commuters & Visitors: A dependable daily parking option for university students, faculty, adjuncts, and campus guests.
Downtown Business Travelers: Quick-in, quick-out surface lot perfectly situated near southern downtown corporate towers and public offices.
Weekend Shoppers & Event Visitors: Convenient base for Saturday PSU Farmers Market visits and waterfront festivals.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When attending high-attendance shows at the Keller Auditorium or weekend festivals at Waterfront Park, arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to curtain call to secure a prime stall before the lot reaches capacity. Always note your license plate number before approaching the automated pay station, as digital enforcement systems link your transaction directly to your vehicle\'s registration. As with all downtown urban surface lots, remember to roll up windows, lock vehicle doors, and keep all personal items and valuables out of sight.