Let’s be honest. Finding a spot in downtown Ann Arbor on a Saturday night is usually a nightmare. You’re circling the block, dodging students on e-scooters, and watching the meter maids like a hawk. Most people immediately gravitate toward the Maynard deck or the Forest Avenue structure because they’re "easy." But if you actually live here or work in the tech corridor, you know the First and Washington parking structure is often the smarter play.
It’s tucked away.
Right at the intersection of First Street and West Washington Street, this massive concrete beast serves as the gateway to the West Side and the bustling tech hub of the city. While the Main Street crowds are fighting over parallel spots that are too small for a modern SUV, the First and Washington parking structure quietly sits there with over 800 spaces. It’s managed by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) through Republic Parking, and it’s arguably the most functional piece of infrastructure in the 48104 zip code.
Why the First and Washington parking structure is more than just concrete
People think a parking garage is just a place to leave a car. It's not. In Ann Arbor, it's a strategic asset. If you’re heading to the Blind Pig for a show or grabbing a burger at Old Town Tavern, parking here saves you a twenty-minute walk from the fringe neighborhoods.
The structure itself is a multi-level facility that actually has some history behind its utility. It was built to handle the overflow from the booming downtown revitalization in the early 2000s. Unlike some of the older decks in town—looking at you, Fourth and William—the clearances here are generally better for larger trucks. It doesn't feel like a dungeon. There's actual light.
One thing most drivers miss is the layout of the entrances. You’ve got access points on both Washington and First Street. This is key. When the post-work rush hits and Washington gets backed up toward Main, savvy locals loop around to the First Street entrance. It’s a small move, but it saves five minutes of idling.
The price of convenience in a college town
Let's talk money. Nobody likes paying for parking, but Ann Arbor isn't exactly a bargain bin. Currently, the DDA sets the rate at roughly $1.20 per hour. It’s consistent. You aren't going to get hit with "event pricing" just because there’s a random lecture at Rackham Auditorium, though football Saturdays are a completely different animal.
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During those U-M home games, the First and Washington parking structure transforms. It fills up hours before kickoff. If you aren't in by 9:00 AM for a noon game, forget about it. The flat rate usually jumps to something like $20 or $30 for the day. Is it steep? Sure. But compared to the $60 people charge for their front lawns on Stadium Boulevard, it’s a steal. Plus, your car isn't getting baked in the sun or parked on a patch of dead grass.
Realities of the "Smart" Parking System
Ann Arbor has been trying to push the "e-Park" system for years. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The First and Washington parking structure uses automated pay stations. You take a ticket. You keep the ticket. You pay at the machine before you leave or at the exit gate.
- Don't lose that ticket. Seriously. The "lost ticket" fee is usually the maximum daily rate, which can sting if you were only there for an hour.
- The machines take credit cards and coins, but they can be finicky with bent dollar bills.
- There's a mobile app (Parkman or similar DDA-integrated apps), but half the time, people find it easier to just use the physical ticket.
The tech inside is supposed to show "Space Availability" on those digital signs outside. A word of advice: don't trust them implicitly. If the sign says "10 spaces," it might actually be zero by the time you spiral up to the fifth floor. The sensors sometimes miss motorcycles or small cars parked deep in a stall.
Safety and the "sketchy" factor
Every parking garage has a bit of a reputation after midnight. It’s the nature of the beast. However, the First and Washington parking structure is surprisingly well-lit. There are security cameras, and the DDA patrols the area fairly regularly.
Is it silent? No. You’ll hear the hum of the nearby transformers and the occasional roar of a modified exhaust. But it’s generally considered one of the safer decks in the city. It’s close enough to the nightlife on Liberty and Main that there’s usually "eyes on the street," a concept urbanist Jane Jacobs talked about extensively. When there are people around, crime tends to stay down.
Pro-tips for navigating the daily grind
If you’re a commuter working at one of the startups in the Ashley Terrace building or the nearby tech offices, you shouldn't be paying daily rates. The DDA offers monthly permits. They’re expensive—often hovering around $200 a month—and the waiting list can be longer than the line at Zingerman’s on a holiday weekend.
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But here’s what nobody tells you: the "off-peak" permits are a golden ticket for service industry workers. If you work at a bar or restaurant and only need to park from 3:00 PM to 4:00 AM, the rates are significantly lower.
- Electric Vehicle Charging: There are EV stalls here. They are usually taken by 8:30 AM. If you’re counting on a charge for your Tesla to get back to Northville, have a backup plan.
- The "Secret" Exit: During heavy traffic, exiting onto First Street is almost always faster than trying to turn left onto Washington.
- Height Restrictions: If you have a roof rack with a cargo box, check the clearance bar at the entrance. It’s standard, but some lifted trucks have had "intimate encounters" with the low-hanging pipes on the lower levels.
The Impact of Local Development
The area around the First and Washington parking structure is changing fast. With the new developments on the old YMCA site and the constant shuffling of businesses on Liberty, the demand for this specific deck is skyrocketing. We’ve seen a shift from retail shoppers to long-term office parkers.
This shift matters because it changes the "vibe" of the garage. In the morning, it's all caffeine-fueled developers and lawyers. By 6:00 PM, it's couples headed to dinner. By 11:00 PM, it’s the college crowd. This rotation keeps the facility profitable, which means the city actually has the budget to fix the elevators when they inevitably break down.
Speaking of elevators—they're the weakest link. They’re slow. They smell like damp concrete and old raincoats. If you’re parked on level two or three, just take the stairs. It’s faster and you’ll avoid the awkward silence of standing two inches away from a stranger.
Common Misconceptions
People think because it’s a "city" deck, it’s free on Sundays. Wrong. Well, mostly wrong. Most street meters in Ann Arbor are free on Sundays, but the parking structures often maintain their gates. Always check the posted signage before you assume you’re getting a free ride.
Another myth is that it's always full. Even during the Art Fair—which is absolute chaos—the First and Washington deck often has a turnover rate that allows for spots to open up every few minutes. You just have to be patient.
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How it compares to other Ann Arbor decks
| Deck Name | Best For | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| First and Washington | Tech workers, West Side dining | Can be breezy/cold in winter |
| Maynard | State Street shopping, Students | Tight turns, very crowded |
| Forest | South University access | Far from downtown proper |
| Fourth and William | Main Street access | Old, cramped spaces |
As you can see, First and Washington hits the sweet spot for balance. It’s not as claustrophobic as Maynard, and it’s not as far out as Forest.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the machine eats your ticket or the gate won't lift, there’s an intercom button. Use it. The dispatchers are usually sitting in a central office and can remotely vent the gate if you can prove you’ve paid. Don't be the person who tries to tailgate the car in front of you to get out. The gates are heavy, and the cameras will catch your plate. It's not worth the $250 fine from the Ann Arbor Police Department.
Actionable Steps for your next visit
If you're planning to use the First and Washington parking structure, follow this checklist to ensure you don't end up frustrated:
- Download the Map: Familiarize yourself with the one-way streets surrounding the deck. First Street is one-way (heading South), which catches a lot of out-of-towners off guard.
- Check the DDA Website: Before you head in for a big event, check the Ann Arbor DDA real-time parking map. It gives a rough estimate of how many spots are left in each structure.
- Take a Photo of Your Level: It’s a big deck. Every floor looks the same after two margaritas at a local restaurant. Note the pillar color or the floor number.
- Enter via First Street: If you’re coming from the north side of town, this is the path of least resistance.
- Have a Backup: If the "Full" sign is lit, head immediately to the Kline Lot (on Ashley) or the Fourth and William deck. Don't idle in the street waiting for a spot; the AAPD will move you along.
The First and Washington parking structure isn't a landmark like the Michigan Theater, but it’s the backbone of the downtown experience. Treat it like a tool—know how it works, understand the costs, and use the side entrances to beat the crowd.
Next Steps for Parking Success:
Verify the current hourly rates on the Ann Arbor DDA official website as they are subject to annual adjustments. If you are a daily commuter, apply for the parking permit waitlist immediately, as the turnaround time can exceed six months. For those attending a game at the Big House, arrive at the structure at least four hours before kickoff to secure a spot before the "Full" signs are deployed.