Facility Overview

The Sennott Parking Lot is a centrally located, open-air surface parking facility situated at 220 Oakland Ave in the heart of Pittsburgh\'s lively Oakland neighborhood. Serving as an essential parking destination for the University of Pittsburgh campus community, medical professionals, and visitors, this ground-level facility features clearly marked stalls and smooth asphalt paving. Because it is an open-air surface lot without an overhead ceiling or restrictive height barrier, it provides generous, unrestricted vertical clearance. This makes it an ideal parking solution not only for compact sedans and standard passenger cars, but also for full-size SUVs, high-profile pickup trucks, lifted utility vehicles, and passenger vans that exceed typical underground garage clearance limits.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the educational and cultural epicenter of Pittsburgh, the Sennott Parking Lot puts drivers within effortless walking distance of Oakland\'s premier institutions and entertainment venues. Sennott Square, housing Pitt\'s Department of Computer Science and Psychology, is directly adjacent. The iconic Cathedral of Learning, Heinz Memorial Chapel, and the Stephen Foster Memorial are just a 7 to 10-minute walk away. Health care visitors will find UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Montefiore, and Western Psychiatric Hospital within a 5 to 10-minute walk. Additionally, popular leisure and gathering spots such as Schenley Plaza, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh main branch, and the lush trails of Schenley Park are all accessible within a 10 to 12-minute walk. Food and nightlife on Forbes Avenue and Fifth Avenue—featuring diverse dining, coffee shops, and student eateries—are merely steps from the lot entrance.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Oakland Avenue, with easy transitions to two of Oakland\'s main arterial thoroughfares: Forbes Avenue (eastbound) and Fifth Avenue (westbound). For drivers arriving from further afield, Interstate 376 (the Parkway East) can be quickly reached via the Bates Street interchange (Exit 73B), located less than a mile south. Public transportation connectivity is exceptional: major Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) bus lines run constantly along Fifth and Forbes Avenues (including the 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and the 28X Airport Flyer), allowing drivers to easily park their vehicles and transfer to express buses heading toward Downtown Pittsburgh, Shadyside, or Pittsburgh International Airport.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-air ground-level surface layout providing unlimited vertical clearance for high-roof vehicles and roof-rack accessories.
• Clearly designated standard and accessible (ADA) parking spaces located near pedestrian exits.
• Well-illuminated premises with comprehensive perimeter lighting for evening and late-night safety.
• Flexible electronic payment methods, including on-site pay kiosks and mobile payment app compatibility (such as ParkMobile).
• Smooth pedestrian egress directly onto the sidewalks of Oakland Avenue and Sennott Street.
• Close proximity to campus security escorts and frequent University of Pittsburgh shuttle loops.

Ideal For

• University of Pittsburgh students, faculty, and administrative staff attending classes or meetings in Sennott Square, Posvar Hall, and David Lawrence Hall.
• Patients, family members, and medical personnel visiting nearby UPMC hospital facilities.
• Visitors touring the Cathedral of Learning, Carnegie Museums, or Schenley Plaza.
• Foodies and shoppers exploring the dynamic dining scene along Forbes and Atwood Streets.
• Game-day and event attendees looking for convenient parking near campus auditoriums and Oakland sports complexes.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Oakland is one of the highest-density districts in the Pittsburgh metro area, which means parking demand peaks heavily on weekday mornings between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM while university classes and clinic hours are in full swing. To secure a stall during the workweek, early morning arrival is strongly recommended. When paying at the automated pay-by-plate meter or via the mobile payment app, ensure you accurately input your license plate number to prevent citations. If you are attending evening lectures, campus theater events, or weekend museum exhibits, rates often drop or transition to flat-rate evening tariffs, providing affordable, hassle-free parking in a prime location.