Facility Overview

The Plaza Garage (historically recognized as the South Garage) is a major multi-level covered parking structure located at 3 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza Drive on the prestigious Washington University Medical Campus in St. Louis, Missouri. Serving as the primary parking facility for the Barnes-Jewish Plaza Tower (formerly Barnes-Jewish Hospital South) and the Plaza West Tower, this modern deck offers safe, weather-protected vehicle storage directly integrated into the healthcare complex. Vertical clearance is strictly limited to 6 feet 8 inches (6'8"), accommodating standard passenger vehicles, minivans, crossovers, and stock full-size SUVs. Drivers of lifted trucks, oversized commercial vans, conversion campers, or vehicles with tall roof cargo carriers must seek designated oversized or surface-level hospital parking.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the bustling Central West End neighborhood, the garage provides exceptional convenience for medical visitors, university affiliates, and urban explorers. Directly adjoining the campus to the west is St. Louis's crown jewel, Forest Park (less than a 5-minute walk across Kingshighway Boulevard), home to world-class free destinations such as the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and The Muny outdoor amphitheater. To the east and northeast, visitors can easily reach the bustling Euclid Avenue corridor, brimming with award-winning dining, sidewalk cafes, boutique shopping, and historic architecture. The garage also places drivers within walking distance of the St. Louis Children's Hospital, Siteman Cancer Center, and the Washington University School of Medicine campus.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are situated off Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza Drive, accessible via South Kingshighway Boulevard and Parkview Place. The garage is strategically positioned near major arteries, offering swift access to Interstate 64 (I-64 / US-40) just a half-mile to the south, facilitating effortless regional travel across the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Direct pedestrian navigation is seamless: a covered, climate-controlled skybridge links the garage directly to the Main Level and information desks of the Plaza Tower, allowing patients and guests to reach appointments and patient rooms without braving the outdoor elements. Public transit users benefit from the Central West End MetroLink Light Rail Station located only two blocks north, connecting riders directly to Downtown St. Louis, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Seamless pedestrian access via a covered, climate-controlled enclosed skyway into the Plaza Tower.
• Dedicated accessible (ADA) parking bays conveniently grouped on Level 2 (Blue Level).
• Automated ticket dispensers at entry and convenient pre-pay pay-on-foot kiosks alongside exit gate terminals.
• Accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash payments.
• 24/7 hospital public safety patrols, bright energy-efficient illumination, and active CCTV camera surveillance throughout all tiers.
• Elevator vestibules with well-marked stairwells and campus wayfinding signage at every tier.
• Discounted multi-day exit pass cards available through campus gift shops and information desks for inpatient families.

Ideal For

• Patients and families visiting Barnes-Jewish Plaza Tower, Plaza West Tower, or specialized clinics.
• Visitors attending academic lectures, medical conferences, and clinical research centers on the Washington University Medical Campus.
• Overnight hospital guests and caregivers requiring secure, multi-day covered vehicle storage.
• Central West End diners and Forest Park visitors seeking secure, monitored garage parking within walking distance of major institutions.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Due to steady patient and clinical staff traffic throughout the morning and early afternoon, arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled medical appointment to allow ample time to park and navigate through the pedestrian bridge. Outpatients should always present their parking ticket at clinic reception desks, as most departments provide up to a 50% outpatient validation discount. Visitors expecting multi-day stays should consider purchasing a 5-exit hospital pass card at the Plaza Tower gift shop or valet desk to dramatically lower parking costs. Take note of your assigned color and level marker upon parking, and adhere strictly to the 6'8" clearance bar when entering.