Overview & Suitability
The Whitaker Street Parking Garage is a state-of-the-art subterranean parking facility located beneath the beautifully restored Ellis Square in the heart of downtown Savannah's Historic Landmark District. Opened in 2009, this facility features four underground levels and accommodates up to 1,065 vehicles. It is ideally suited for standard passenger cars, SUVs, and compact trucks looking for a safe, climate-sheltered parking option. Because it is a subterranean deck, it is not suitable for oversized RVs, large motorhomes, or trailers, which should instead utilize surface lots like the nearby MLK Visitor Center Lot.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
Access to the garage is exceptionally convenient, with vehicles entering directly off Whitaker Street (southbound traffic) between Bay Lane and Bryan Street, as well as an entrance/exit ramp adjacent to Ellis Square. Being an underground facility, the maximum vertical clearance is restricted to approximately 6 feet 8 inches for standard vehicles, with dedicated van-accessible spaces and vehicular routes providing a vertical clearance of at least 8 feet 2 inches (98 inches). Navigating the garage is relatively straightforward with wide driving ramps, though drivers of large SUVs or trucks should remain cautious during tight turns on subterranean ramps and narrow parking spots.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
The garage operates on a highly structured tariff system managed by the City of Savannah:
- Weekday Rates (Monday through Friday): $2.00 per hour or portion thereof, with a maximum daily rate of $24.00.
- Weekend Flat Rates: A flat rate of $10.00 per day applies on Saturdays (5:00 AM to Sunday 5:00 AM) and Sundays (5:00 AM to Monday 5:00 AM), though this can vary seasonally from $5.00 to $10.00.
- Monthly Rates: Options include a Monday-Friday daytime pass (5:00 AM - 9:00 PM) for $85.00, an unlimited 24/7 access pass for $100.00, and a dedicated reserved space with unlimited access for $280.00. A budget-friendly Night Owl / Overnight monthly rate of $35.00 is available for parking between 3:00 PM and 6:00 AM daily.
- Special Events: Special event pricing ranges from $10.00 to $25.00, which preempts standard rates.
- Payment Methods: This is a strictly cash-free facility. Payment must be made via major credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) at the exit verifiers and kiosks, or digitally via the ParkSavannah mobile app. Pre-booking is generally not available for daily parking, operating on a pay-on-arrival basis.
Security & Amenities
The Whitaker Street Parking Garage prioritizes vehicle and passenger safety. It is equipped with dedicated police patrols, continuous CCTV security cameras throughout all levels, and well-lit pedestrian pathways. Key amenities include:
- Elevator access serving all subterranean floors up to the surface of Ellis Square.
- 4 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, maintained by Tesla Destination.
- ADA-compliant, van-accessible parking spaces.
- Clear overhead directional signage.
Strategic Alternative
Positioned directly underneath Ellis Square, the garage serves as a premier alternative to high-priced hotel valet parking and chaotic on-street parking in the Historic District. It places visitors steps away from top Savannah landmarks, including the bustling Savannah City Market, River Street, the American Prohibition Museum, and the Hyatt Regency Savannah. Additionally, a free downtown DOT shuttle stops conveniently close to the garage, offering fare-free transit to 24 stops throughout the downtown area, making it a perfect base for exploring the entire city without moving your car.
