Facility Overview
The Parking Permit Sales Store and Town Square Garage (Montgomery County Garage 61) facility, situated at 801 Ellsworth Dr in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring, MD, serves as a central public parking and municipal permit center. This expansive, multi-level covered parking structure is integrated into the vibrant Downtown Silver Spring civic and retail core. Designed to accommodate high volumes of daily shoppers, local office workers, event attendees, and residents, the garage features clearly marked stalls, multi-floor elevator service, and generous lane widths. Standard passenger vehicles, crossovers, compact cars, and mid-size SUVs can comfortably navigate the facility. Drivers of full-size pickup trucks and high-profile commercial vans should verify the overhead clearance indicator at the entrance—typically set between 6 feet 8 inches and 7 feet—before driving into upper and underground levels.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned directly adjacent to Veterans Plaza and the Silver Spring Civic Building, this facility offers immediate pedestrian access to the community\'s premier cultural and entertainment hub. Visitors are steps away from:
- Veterans Plaza & Silver Spring Civic Building: Located directly above/adjacent to the garage, hosting community festivals, outdoor farmers markets, and seasonal ice skating.
- Downtown Silver Spring Promenade & Ellsworth Place: Steps away from popular retail shops, casual eateries, and entertainment venues including Regal Majestic Cinemas.
- The Fillmore Silver Spring: A premier live music and concert hall located less than a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) away.
- AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: Legendary historic film venue situated just two blocks away on Colesville Road.
- Montgomery College (Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus): Situated approximately 1 mile south, easily reachable via local transit or a short ride.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicle ingress and egress are positioned along Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, allowing drivers to smoothly transition into the garage from Georgia Avenue (US-29) and Colesville Road (MD-29). During major weekend festivals on Veterans Plaza or evening concert dismissals, traffic marshals and multi-lane exits keep vehicle flow steady. For regional travelers and commuters, the Silver Spring Metro Station (serving the WMATA Red Line, MARC Brunswick Line, and local Ride On bus depots) is located approximately 0.4 miles west (about an 8-minute walk), providing swift access across Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Convenient multi-level covered parking protecting vehicles from weather elements.
- On-site municipal Parking Sales Store assisting patrons with monthly parking convenience passes, residential permits, and contractor passes.
- Designated ADA accessible parking spaces strategically positioned near elevator banks and pedestrian exits.
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations available for eco-conscious drivers.
- Integrated pay stations accepting major credit cards, alongside ParkMobile app digital payment functionality.
- Well-lit stairwells, elevator towers, emergency call boxes, and routine security monitoring.
Ideal For
- Event & Concertgoers: Visitors attending performances at The Fillmore Silver Spring or AFI Silver Theatre.
- Civic & Community Gatherings: Families and attendees participating in events at Veterans Plaza and the Silver Spring Civic Building.
- Shoppers & Diners: Patrons visiting Ellsworth Place, Downtown Silver Spring dining spots, and local retail outlets.
- Commuters & Permit Holders: Local professionals and downtown residents obtaining and utilizing Montgomery County monthly parking passes.
Visitor & Driver Tips
When visiting on peak Friday and Saturday evenings or during outdoor community festivals on Veterans Plaza, plan to arrive early to secure lower-level spaces close to the elevator core. Note your parking zone and stall number or use the ParkMobile app to initiate and extend your parking session remotely without needing to visit physical pay machines. If you are visiting specifically for permit transactions, note that county office operational windows may differ from the general 24/7 public garage access.