Overview & Suitability

The Oakbar Lot is an off-street surface parking lot located in the heart of historic downtown Rome, Georgia, right next to 101 E 2nd Avenue. This facility is owned by Rocky Huffman and professionally managed by Hardy Realty & Development Company in partnership with the City of Rome's Parking Services, under an agreement extending through 2032. Consisting of approximately 20 to 22 parking spaces, this intimate lot is primarily reserved for monthly permit holders and local business employees looking for convenient downtown parking. It is ideally suited for standard passenger vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and standard light trucks. Due to its limited layout and size, the Oakbar Lot is strictly prohibited for RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, and large commercial vehicles.

Access, Dimensions & Clearance

As an open-air, street-level surface lot, the Oakbar Lot does not have any overhead clearance limits, making it a great option for standard vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers. Access is directly via East 2nd Avenue, providing straightforward entry and exit. However, drivers of long-wheelbase vehicles or trucks with trailers should navigate with caution, as the interior turnaround area is compact and can become tight during peak business hours. There are no height barriers, but standard city curb widths apply.

Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking

The Oakbar Lot serves primarily as a permit-only location for local businesses and long-term downtown workers, making it one of the most cost-effective off-street parking options in Rome. The current rates and booking structures include:

• Monthly Permit Parking: Typically priced at a discounted rate of approximately $25.00 per month, offering a cheaper alternative to the larger parking decks. Permits can be secured and managed online through the City of Rome's digital parking portal.
• Daily & Transient Parking: General public parking is highly restricted during enforcement hours (typically Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), but open parking is often accessible after hours and on Sundays.

Security & Amenities

While the Oakbar Lot does not feature active gates or an on-site security booth, it benefits from several community-based safety elements:

• Lighting & Visibility: Well-lit by municipal street lamps and building exterior lights, offering safe navigation after sunset.
• Enforcement & Safety Patrols: Regularly monitored by Rome's Parking Enforcement officers, ensuring only permitted vehicles utilize the designated spaces and discouraging unauthorized parking.
• Downtown Amenities: The lot's solid asphalt paving and clear space markings guarantee hassle-free parking within walking distance of downtown's primary amenities.

Strategic Alternative

Positioned just one block east of the bustling Broad Street corridor, the Oakbar Lot is a strategic alternative to the heavily congested on-street spaces and the busier 3rd Avenue Parking Deck (Forum). It offers a peaceful, lower-traffic staging point for visitors heading to local offices, the nearby Rome Floyd Chamber, or those embarking on a walk along the scenic Heritage Trail system and local riverfront paths. Additionally, patrons can easily connect to the Roman Chariot, the city's free downtown shuttle service, which runs on weekend evenings for seamless access to dining and retail hotspots.

Event & Venue Access: Traveling for an event? Check out full guide and rates for parking near Barron Stadium.