Facility Overview
Situated in the heart of downtown Youngstown, the parking lot at 316 W Boardman Street (historically associated with Valley Drug) serves as a convenient and accessible open-air surface parking facility. Positioned along West Boardman Street between South Hazel Street and South Chestnut Street, this paved lot provides straightforward ground-level parking with direct visibility and drive-in access. Because it is a surface lot without multi-level overhead decks, drivers do not face vertical clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally well-suited for full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, commercial vans, and passenger vehicles alike.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
This central location places motorists within easy walking distance of downtown Youngstown\'s premier entertainment, civic, and cultural hubs:
- Covelli Centre: Located roughly 0.4 miles away (an 8- to 10-minute walk), making it a prime destination for Youngstown Phantoms hockey games, major touring concerts, and arena events.
- The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre & Wean Park: Situated less than a 5-minute stroll south, providing an effortless parking option for outdoor summer concerts and community festivals.
- Mahoning County Courthouse & Youngstown City Hall: Just 2 to 3 blocks east along Boardman and Market Streets, ideal for jurors, attorneys, and municipal visitors.
- DeYor Performing Arts Center & Powers Auditorium: Located approximately 3 blocks away on West Federal Street, hosting the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and theatrical productions.
- Downtown Dining & Nightlife: Direct pedestrian access to popular restaurants, craft breweries, and bistros along West Federal and North Phelps Street.
- Youngstown State University (YSU): Located less than a mile north, reachable within a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via West Boardman Street, which experiences steady, manageable urban traffic flow. After high-profile arena events or concerts, the lot provides swift routing away from crowd congestion compared to immediate venue-adjacent garages. Motorists benefit from fast arterial connections to Interstate 680 (via the South Avenue or Market Street exits) and State Route 711, allowing for quick transitions toward the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) and regional suburbs. Public transit users are just a few blocks from the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) Federal Station hub, facilitating easy transfers to regional bus routes.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air surface layout with no overhead clearance limits, suitable for high-profile vehicles.
- Wide driving lanes and clearly delineated standard parking stalls for straightforward maneuvering.
- Designated ADA accessible parking spaces located near the primary entrance.
- Surrounding street lighting and municipal lighting providing visibility during evening hours.
- Convenient proximity to downtown event venues, municipal offices, and entertainment districts.
Ideal For
- Eventgoers: Visitors attending hockey games, family shows, and headline concerts at the Covelli Centre or amphitheatre.
- Civic & Court Visitors: Individuals attending proceedings or business at the Mahoning County Courthouse, City Hall, or nearby administrative offices.
- Downtown Commuters & Diners: Professionals working in downtown commercial buildings or weekend visitors enjoying downtown dining and entertainment.
- Truck and SUV Drivers: Owners of oversized passenger vehicles seeking reliable parking free from low-clearance parking garage ceilings.
Visitor & Driver Tips
When attending high-profile events at the Covelli Centre or the amphitheatre, plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to start time to secure a spot and avoid brief pedestrian surges. Have digital payment or small bills prepared, as event-day rates may be implemented during arena sellouts. Use GPS navigation pointing directly to 316 W Boardman St to approach smoothly from either South Chestnut Street or South Hazel Street.