Facility Overview

Steeped in automotive lore as the historic starting line of the legendary Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash (the Cannonball Run), the Red Ball Garage at 142 East 31st Street is a premier multi-level parking facility in Manhattan\'s vibrant Murray Hill neighborhood. Situated on East 31st Street between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue, this covered, multi-story garage provides secure, fully sheltered valet parking managed by professional attendants. The facility accommodates standard passenger vehicles, compact cars, and crossovers with ease. Full-size SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks are generally accepted subject to an oversize vehicle fee, though high-roof commercial vans and lifted trucks exceeding the standard indoor clearance height (approximately 6 feet 8 inches) will not be able to enter due to interior ceiling limitations.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The Red Ball Garage offers an unbeatable strategic home base for exploring Midtown South, Kips Bay, and the Flatiron District. Major landmarks, cultural venues, and medical complexes are accessible within a short stroll:

• Empire State Building & Herald Square: Just an 8 to 12-minute walk west (approx. 0.5 miles), ideal for sightseeing, visiting the observation deck, or shopping along 34th Street.
• Madison Square Park & Flatiron Building: A pleasant 8-minute walk southwest, offering lush green spaces, public art installations, and world-class dining.
• Koreatown: Located around 32nd Street and Broadway, under a 10-minute walk away, packed with 24/7 barbecue restaurants, bars, and dessert spots.
• NYU Langone & Bellevue Medical Center: Roughly a 10-minute walk east along 1st Avenue, making the facility a dependable option for medical appointments and visiting relatives.
• Grand Central Terminal: Just 10 blocks north (about a 12-to-15-minute walk), providing swift access to transit and midtown corporate headquarters.
• Baruch College (CUNY): Only 6 blocks south, making it convenient for faculty, students, and campus event attendees.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Positioned along East 31st Street—a one-way eastbound corridor between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue—Red Ball Garage is straightforward to access from the west side or Midtown via 5th or Park Avenues. Exiting onto 3rd Avenue provides quick northbound flow, while turning onto 2nd Avenue takes drivers swiftly downtown. For highway connections, drivers can access the FDR Drive via the 34th Street or 23rd Street on-ramps in under five minutes during normal traffic conditions. Public transit connections are exceptional: the 33rd Street subway station (serving the 6 train) is only two blocks away at Park Avenue South, while the N, R, and W lines can be boarded at 28th Street and Broadway just four blocks west.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Fully covered multi-level parking structure offering complete protection from rain, snow, and urban grit.
• Attendant-operated valet service ensuring quick drop-off and professional vehicle retrieval.
• Well-illuminated interior bays equipped with comprehensive round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.
• Digital reservation and contactless mobile payment integration via popular apps such as SpotHero, ParkMobile, and Icon Parking.
• Convenient 24/7 operating schedule accommodating early morning commuters and late-night nightlife visitors.
• Designated ADA-compliant accessible parking options and elevator access.

Ideal For

• Midtown Commuters & Professionals: Reliable daily parking for those working in Murray Hill, Midtown South, and the Grand Central corridor.
• Tourists & Sightseers: Safe vehicle storage while exploring iconic New York City attractions like the Empire State Building and Koreatown.
• Healthcare Visitors: Stress-free parking within easy walking distance of the East Side medical centers.
• Automotive Enthusiasts: A legendary landmark for Cannonball Run aficionados wanting to park where automotive history was made.

Visitor & Driver Tips

East 31st Street experiences concentrated traffic during weekday rush hours, so leaving a few extra minutes for drop-off and pick-up is recommended. Because this is a high-demand Midtown facility, reserving your spot in advance through online parking reservation platforms can lock in significantly discounted rates compared to drive-up drive-in posted rates. Large crossover, SUV, or truck drivers should anticipate a standard NYC oversize surcharge applied at check-in. When departing, present your claim ticket to the cashier 10 to 15 minutes before you need to leave to give attendants sufficient time to bring your car to the staging bay.