Facility Overview

Situated in the bustling heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Sears Lot (operated by Ellis Parking Company) at 116 Pearl St NW is one of the city core's most strategically positioned parking facilities. Nestled directly between the historic Ledyard Building and the iconic McKay Tower, this open-air surface parking lot provides immediate street-level access to the city's premier commercial, financial, and cultural districts. Unlike downtown parking ramps and subterranean garages that enforce tight vertical clearances and tricky turning spirals, this surface lot features an open-sky layout with no overhead clearance restrictions. Consequently, it easily accommodates everything from compact sedans and luxury electric vehicles to full-size pickup trucks, oversized SUVs, conversion vans, and vehicles outfitted with roof boxes or bicycle racks.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The Sears Lot boasts an unbeatable walkability score, placing visitors within steps of downtown Grand Rapids' top landmarks and entertainment hubs. Located just paces from the pedestrian-friendly Monroe Center promenade and Rosa Parks Circle, drivers are within a 2-minute walk of outdoor concerts, winter ice skating, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). DeVos Place Convention Center, DeVos Performance Hall, and the historic Amway Grand Plaza Hotel are an easy 4-minute walk (0.2 miles) to the north along Monroe Avenue. For sports fans and concertgoers heading to Van Andel Arena or GLC Live at 20 Monroe, the arena district is a comfortable 7- to 8-minute stroll (0.3 to 0.4 miles) south down Ottawa Avenue. Crossing westward across the Pearl Street Bridge over the Grand River brings visitors directly to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Grand Rapids Public Museum in under 8 minutes, making the facility a prime choice for tourists, delegates, and theater patrons alike.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Entering and leaving the Sears Lot is straightforward, with primary vehicular access located on Pearl Street NW between Ottawa Avenue NW and Monroe Center. Because Pearl Street functions as a central east-west arterial connecting across the Grand River, drivers enjoy direct and expeditious access to the US-131 freeway via the Pearl Street ramps, as well as rapid connections to I-196 (Gerald R. Ford Freeway) via Ottawa Avenue or Michigan Street. For those utilizing public transit, the location is exceptionally well served: the complimentary DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) circulator stops along Monroe Center and Ottawa Avenue, linking drivers to surrounding neighborhoods and satellite business areas. Additionally, regional bus routes operated by The Rapid intersect at nearby downtown stations, offering seamless multi-modal transit options across Kent County.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-air surface parking configuration with zero height restrictions, accommodating high-profile SUVs, trucks, and vans
• Clear pavement striping with wide drive aisles and designated ADA-accessible parking spaces
• Modern automated entry and exit gate systems equipped with barcode scanners and payment kiosks
• Accepts major credit and debit cards, along with digital mobile reservations via Ellis Parking and ParkMobile
• Bright overhead floodlighting covering the entire lot footprint for superior visibility and pedestrian safety at night
• Integrated help intercom system on ticket terminals connected 24/7 directly to Ellis Parking central dispatch

Ideal For

• Attendees and bridal parties attending events at The Ballroom at McKay Tower or surrounding historic venues
• Concertgoers and theater lovers heading to DeVos Performance Hall, Van Andel Arena, and Civic Theatre
• Convention delegates and trade show visitors attending multi-day conferences at DeVos Place
• Downtown office commuters and corporate clients doing business along Pearl Street, Ottawa Avenue, and Monroe Center
• Weekend shoppers, diners, and tourists exploring downtown restaurants, local breweries, and Rosa Parks Circle

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because the Sears Lot sits adjacent to premier event venues and wedding destinations like McKay Tower, spaces fill quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as during arena games and convention trade days. Drivers are encouraged to pre-book their space online through Ellis Parking or arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to ticketed curtain times to secure a prime spot. While evening flat rates are routinely offered during major events, standard weekday visits are billed in half-hour increments up to the daily maximum. When setting your GPS navigation, enter '116 Pearl St NW' and watch for the Ellis Parking signage on the north side of the block between Ottawa and Monroe.