SLO is finally starting work on new downtown parking garage. What to expect
After nearly 20 years without a new parking structure, the city of San Luis Obispo is ready to start construction on its next long-anticipated downtown garage.
According to a Monday news release, the city is expected to begin phase 1 of the plan to build a 163,000-square-foot parking structure at Monterey, Palm and Nipomo streets this week.
That will include demolishing vacant buildings adjacent to the existing parking lot where the multi-story structure will go.
The second phase of construction, which will include the groundbreaking for the new parking garage, is expected to begin in the fall, according to the release.
“We know many in our community are excited that this project is officially beginning,” San Luis Obispo city manager Derek Johnson said in the release. “The city is happy to build the first new parking structure in downtown SLO in 20 years and help set the stage for a new SLO Rep theatre.”
The structure is expected to serve the developing Cultural Arts District downtown. This would include San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, which is in the process of building a brand-new theater complex adjacent to the planned structure.
The Cultural Arts District Parking Structure project, which is expected to cost $52 million, will add 396 parking spaces to support nearby planned housing, downtown employees, visitors and SLO Rep, the city said.
It will also feature electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle storage, as well as overnight parking options for downtown residents.
“By investing in important pieces of public infrastructure like this one, we are one step closer to realizing our community’s vision for this part of the downtown core,” Johnson added.
It is expected to be completed in 2025.
According to the release, the existing parking lot at Monterey, Palm and Nipomo streets will have only minor impacts to some spaces during this first week of work.
Starting May 8 through the end of the month, the lot will be closed to allow for the building demolition, the city said.
Construction is expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information about this project, visit slocity.org/CulturalArtsParking.
This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 12:10 PM.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story gave the incorrect cost of the parking garage. It is expected to cost $52 million.
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