Facility Overview

The Parking NW - Unitus Plaza Garage (Lot 38) is a secure, multi-level covered parking structure located at 1301 SW 5th Avenue in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. Positioned beneath the prominent Unitus Plaza commercial office building between SW Columbia Street and SW Jefferson Street, this subterranean facility provides clean, weather-protected parking in the vibrant South End of Portland\'s central business district. The garage features well-marked driving lanes, clear directional signage, and efficient space delineation designed to handle daily commercial traffic and local event attendees. It comfortably accommodates compact vehicles, standard sedans, crossovers, and standard mid-size SUVs. However, drivers of lifted 4x4s, full-size pickup trucks, and high-roof conversion vans must take note of the typical overhead garage clearance limit of 6 feet 6 inches and ensure their vehicle fits within posted clearance barriers upon entry.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated within downtown Portland’s civic and cultural corridor, the Unitus Plaza Garage serves as an exceptional starting point for a wide variety of destinations:

• Keller Auditorium: Located just two blocks east (approx. 4-minute walk), making this garage one of the most convenient parking spots for Broadway shows, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and concerts.
• Portland State University (PSU): The northern edge of the PSU urban campus is merely a 5-minute walk south, perfect for students, faculty, and visiting scholars.
• Portland City Hall & Multnomah County Central Courthouse: Situated 3 to 5 blocks north along 5th Avenue, providing effortless walking access for civic employees, legal professionals, and jurors.
• South Park Blocks: Just two blocks west, offering leafy walkways, seasonal cultural events, and the Portland Farmers Market on PSU\'s campus.
• Tom McCall Waterfront Park: A pleasant 6-minute stroll east brings you to the banks of the Willamette River, host to the Rose Festival, marathon routes, and scenic riverside trails.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicular ingress and egress to the garage is conveniently accessed via SW 5th Avenue or adjacent cross streets, depending on building lane routing. SW 5th Avenue functions as part of the Portland Transit Mall, meaning drivers should be aware of dedicated bus and MAX light rail tracks when turning into the facility. Exiting the garage offers rapid connections to Highway 26 (Sunset Highway) toward Beaverton, Interstate 405 (Stadium Freeway), and direct bridges crossing the Willamette River such as the Hawthorne Bridge and Ross Island Bridge. For public transit users, the garage is virtually on top of TriMet MAX Light Rail lines (Green and Orange lines run directly along 5th and 6th Avenues), and multiple TriMet bus routes stop on the immediate block.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Covered Multi-Level Parking: Complete protection from Pacific Northwest rain and summer sun.
• Modern Mobile Payments: Quick cashless checkout via mobile parking apps (such as Parking NW / Reef / ParkMobile) as well as automated on-site credit card pay stations.
• ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking spaces conveniently situated adjacent to elevator lobbies.
• Elevator & Stairwell Access: Direct elevator service to the street and main lobby of Unitus Plaza.
• Lighting & Surveillance: Bright illumination throughout all decks with routine security patrols.

Ideal For

• Theater & Arts Patrons: Enjoying evening performances, operas, or musicals at the nearby Keller Auditorium.
• Downtown Professionals & Legal Workers: Daily business commuting to surrounding financial institutions, courthouses, and municipal offices.
• PSU Commuters: Students and university staff seeking reliable, covered parking close to campus buildings.
• Waterfront Festival Visitors: Escaping the congested riverfront surface lots during popular weekend civic events.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because the garage is positioned on the SW 5th Avenue transit alignment, always maintain awareness of oncoming light rail trains and TriMet buses when turning into the garage driveway. For high-profile performances at Keller Auditorium, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to curtain call to secure a space and avoid checkout congestion. Pre-paying via supported mobile parking applications will streamline your departure after major events. If you drive a taller vehicle equipped with rooftop ski racks or cargo pods, confirm your total height before descending down the entry ramp.