Facility Overview
Situated in the heart of Washington, DC's vibrant Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, the Safeway Retail Office Parking facility (officially operating as the 1100 4th St. SW Garage) provides subterranean, weather-protected vehicle parking for shoppers, office commuters, and neighborhood visitors. Located directly beneath the Waterfront Station commercial and retail complex, this modern multi-level underground parking deck serves anchor tenant Safeway, adjacent retailers, and nearby District government offices.
The facility features a maximum vertical vehicle clearance of 6 feet 8 inches (6'8"), accommodating standard passenger sedans, crossovers, station wagons, and standard-height SUVs and pickup trucks. Drivers operating lifted 4x4 vehicles, full-size commercial vans, high-roof cargo transporters, or passenger vehicles equipped with high-profile rooftop cargo boxes must seek alternative surface parking, as they exceed the garage's overhead structural thresholds.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned along 4th Street SW between I Street and M Street SW, this parking facility serves as an economical and accessible staging ground for Southwest DC and Capitol Riverfront destinations:
- Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater: Just a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) west along M Street, making this garage a prime destination for theatergoers.
- The Wharf DC & The Anthem: Located 8 to 10 minutes away on foot (0.4 to 0.5 miles), offering quick walking access to dozens of waterfront restaurants, concert venues, docks, and the historic Municipal Fish Market without Wharf-level parking premiums.
- Audi Field: A convenient 12 to 15-minute walk (0.7 miles) southeast, offering soccer and sports enthusiasts an easy alternative to stadium-side traffic bottlenecks.
- Nationals Park: Located approximately 15 to 18 minutes on foot (0.8 miles) east via M Street, ideal for Washington Nationals baseball fans seeking a quick exit post-game.
- Fort Lesley J. McNair: Less than 10 minutes on foot south along 4th Street SW.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress to the garage is accessed from the east side of 4th Street SW, set slightly back between the streetfront retail stores and open greenspace. The entrance features dedicated ticketing and automated gate lanes clearly labeled for daily and monthly visitors. Upon departure, motorists enjoy direct access to 4th Street SW, allowing rapid dispersal north toward the Southwest Freeway (I-395 / I-695) or east toward South Capitol Street and the Anacostia Freeway corridor.
For commuters combining driving with public transportation, the facility sits directly adjacent to the Waterfront Metro Station entrance, served by the Metrorail Green Line. Multiple WMATA Metrobus routes (including lines 74, P6, and V4) stop along 4th Street and M Street SW, providing effortless transfers across the District.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Covered Multi-Level Deck: Complete protection from summer heat, winter snow, and rain.
- Automated & Contactless Technology: Managed by Metropolis / SP+ with camera-enabled license plate recognition and frictionless mobile entry.
- Mobile App Reservations: Pre-booking supported through ParkMobile, SpotHero, and Parking.com.
- ADA Accessibility: Designated accessible spaces situated near elevator lobbies and pedestrian exits.
- Safety & Monitoring: Well-lit subterranean drive aisles, video surveillance, and periodic attendant monitoring.
- Retail Convenience: Direct pedestrian elevator and escalator links to Safeway, local pharmacies, banks, and casual dining spots.
Ideal For
- Event & Game Days: Fans heading to D.C. United matches at Audi Field or Nationals games looking to bypass congested stadium garages.
- Performing Arts Patrons: Attendees visiting Arena Stage for matinee and evening performances.
- Wharf Visitors: Diners and concertgoers seeking convenient, competitively priced parking within an easy stroll of District Wharf.
- Local Commuters & Shoppers: Daily workers at Waterfront Station office complexes and neighborhood residents completing grocery and retail errands.
Visitor & Driver Tips
When pulling in from 4th Street SW, bear straight ahead into the gate lane marked for daily and monthly parkers. Although exterior signage on the retail level may mention customer restrictions, pre-paid pass holders (via SpotHero or ParkMobile) are fully permitted to park in any open, unreserved stall. Ensure your vehicle license plate is entered accurately in your mobile booking to prevent ticketing or gate delays under the Metropolis automated plate-scanning system.
Please note that the garage closes at midnight; overnight parking is permitted only if your vehicle is parked and retrieved within operational gate hours (6:00 AM to 12:00 AM). If visiting during major events at Audi Field, Nationals Park, or The Anthem, reserve your stall in advance to secure standard rates and avoid event-based drive-up pricing.