Overview & Suitability
The MLK Car Park, officially known as the Chatham County Parking Garage, is a multi-level public parking facility situated at the Chatham County Courthouse Annex complex in historic downtown Savannah. This facility is highly suitable for standard passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Because it is a structured deck, it has vertical clearance limitations and is not suitable for RVs, motorhomes, or trailers. Visitors with oversized vehicles should instead use the nearby outdoor Savannah Visitor Center Lot.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
The primary vehicle entrance is conveniently located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near the intersection of West York Street and West Broughton Street. The garage features structured multi-deck parking, with public spaces primarily allocated on the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors. Drivers should expect standard multi-level ramps and tight-angle turns. The vertical clearance is standard for municipal decks (approximately 6 feet 8 inches), meaning high-profile vehicles with roof racks should proceed with caution.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
Operated by Chatham County, this deck offers some of the most competitive rates in downtown Savannah:
- Hourly Rate: $1.50 per hour.
- Daily Maximum: $12.00.
- Weekend Rate: $12.00 flat rate per day (Saturday and Sunday).
- Special Events: Flat rates ranging from $25.00 to $35.00 may apply during major city festivals (such as St. Patrick's Day).
- Monthly Rates: Standard non-reserved monthly parking for non-county employees starts at $85.00.
No advanced reservation is required. Drivers pull a ticket at the gate upon entry and pay at the automated stations upon exit. Pay stations accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). Jurors reporting to the courthouse can have their parking tickets validated for free parking on designated upper floors.
Security & Amenities
The garage offers a highly secure parking environment. It is equipped with surveillance cameras (CCTV) monitored by security personnel, features bright lighting across all levels, and receives regular patrols from the Chatham County Sheriff's Department and courthouse security staff. Amenities include designated ADA-compliant handicap spaces, fully accessible elevator systems servicing all decks, and close proximity to clean restrooms inside the courthouse annex during business hours.
Strategic Alternative
The MLK Car Park serves as an exceptional and economical parking alternative for tourists and visitors looking to explore downtown Savannah. It is situated within a short walking distance of major local attractions, including City Market, the shopping district along Broughton Street, the Savannah History Museum, and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Furthermore, it is positioned directly along the route of the free DOT Downtown Shuttle, making it easy to park cheaply and ride transit to other points of interest in the Historic District.
