About this Location

Facility Overview

The Phelps Lot is a centrally situated open-air surface parking facility in the heart of downtown Youngstown, Ohio, located at the intersection of Boardman Street and South Phelps Street. Operating as a convenient grade-level parking lot, it provides prompt and uncomplicated vehicle access without the tight turning radiuses, low overhead barriers, or spiral ramps characteristic of multi-level decks. Because the facility is entirely uncovered, it features unobstructed vertical clearance, making it fully accommodating for standard passenger sedans, full-size SUVs, extended cab pickup trucks, and high-roof conversion vans that frequently exceed standard parking garage height restrictions.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned right in Youngstown\'s civic and entertainment epicenter, the Phelps Lot is ideal for visitors attending events, conducting business, or enjoying the local dining and arts scene. Key nearby destinations within direct walking distance include:

Covelli Centre: Located just a 6 to 8-minute walk (0.3 miles) south, making this lot a top choice for hockey matches, live concerts, and touring family shows.
Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre & Wean Park: Situated roughly a 7-minute walk away, providing an easy walk to open-air summer concerts, festivals, and community celebrations.
DeYor Performing Arts Center & Powers Auditorium: Approximately 3 blocks away (a 4-minute walk), ideal for patrons of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and Broadway touring productions.
OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children\'s Center for Science & Technology: Just a 3-minute stroll northward toward West Federal Street.
Downtown Dining & Nightlife: Direct pedestrian access to the vibrant Phelps Street Gateway pedestrian walkway and West Federal Street, hosting popular eateries, microbreweries, and bistros.
Government & Civic Offices: Merely steps from the Mahoning County Courthouse, Youngstown City Hall, and local municipal administration complexes.
Youngstown State University (YSU): Located approximately 0.6 miles north, accessible within a 12 to 15-minute walk.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are configured directly via East and West Boardman Street and South Phelps Street, allowing drivers to bypass the heavier pedestrian congestion along Federal Plaza. Following arena games or major concerts at the Covelli Centre, drivers benefit from rapid exit routes leading immediately to arterial corridors such as Market Street and South Avenue. From there, motorists can directly access Interstate 680, US Route 422, and State Route 711. Public transit travelers are also well served; the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) Federal Station multimodal hub is situated just a short four-block walk away, offering regional bus connections across Mahoning County.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Headroom: Generous open-sky footprint accommodates tall trucks, work vehicles, and roof-racked SUVs without clearance issues.
Straightforward Layout: Wide driving aisles and angled stalls ensure swift parking and painless departures.
Illumination & Visibility: Overhead pole lighting illuminates the lot during evening and late-night hours.
Digital Payment Options: On-site self-service automated pay kiosks alongside mobile payment capabilities via smartphone QR codes or city-approved mobile apps.
Designated Accessible Spaces: Marked ADA accessible stalls positioned on flat, paved ground near primary pedestrian walkways.

Ideal For

Covelli Centre & Amp Visitors: Concertgoers and sports fans looking for a swift exit post-event without arena parking gridlock.
Civic & Legal Professionals: Jurors, attorneys, and county visitors needing reliable day parking near the Mahoning County Courthouse and Youngstown City Hall.
Downtown Diners & Pub Visitors: Patrons heading to the pedestrianized Phelps Street corridor or Federal Street restaurants.
YSU Commuters: Students and staff seeking budget-friendly off-campus parking within walking distance to southern campus halls.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When major arena concerts or events coincide with shows at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, downtown street spots and nearby surface lots can fill rapidly. Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to ticketed start times to secure a space and avoid traffic buildups on Boardman Street. Be sure to note your license plate number before walking up to the pay machine or paying through your smartphone. If traveling during the winter season, exercise caution during heavy snowfall, as open-air surfaces may be subject to drifting snow before plow maintenance occurs.