Thornton Park Parking Garage

Parking on the street is difficult in Thornton Park, so this is where we usually end up parking. It give you easy access to the shops and restaurants in the bottom of the building, that’s for sure. It is usually fairly easy to find a spot to park in this facility, and the elevators work well.

First world problem… complaining about a parking garage. I did not encounter any of the «weirdness» about this garage. Typical male, made a note of what floor I’m on, what elevator I took, found my way back. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
I thought this garage was so cool. It is hidden in plain sight. I never knew it was there. It looks like another office building.
The cash only policy does not bother me, I always have a few bucks on me. Although I was not aware of a «cash only» payment when I arrived.
When in Thornton Park, this will be a parking option for me.

Probably a 2.5 stars for me — primarily because the first time parking here, it was a bit cumbersome trying to get back to my vehicle.
Otherwise it is a decent sized parking lot — honestly I didn’t know this was here until a week ago. If you are in Thornton Park and will be longer than 2 hours, then this is probably where you should park. Note: the first 30 minutes are free. After that it is $ ²⁄₃₀ minutes.
I think this is rather expensive, however, if you pre-​pay after 8 pm it is just $ 5.
I dislike parallel parking but for now, I think I’d prefer to parallel park on the street rather than bother with the cumbersomeness of this garage.

I love parking here. I’ve parked here for 10 years probably. (Has it been there that long? Haha.) I always manage to find a spot on the first level by the elevator. Call me lucky. Or I get a spot on the other end and walk right out. The cash-​only policy doesn’t bother me, I always have a few bucks on me. You never know! :)

Since I’d rather drink Folger’s Coffee Crystals than Starbucks, the free 30 minute offer for Starbucks don’t do me no good.
Otherwise, the TTPG is where I park most often when going downtown. It’s convenient to Thornton Park (duh), Eola Heights, Lake Eola and more.
I have to agree about the cash-​only policy. It can be a bother.

So yes, free 30 minute parking for Starbucks but it’s just so much easier to park on the street. I usually drive around till I can find free parking on the street. It’s cash only which screws me most of the time and Rhea is right, the layout is all messed up.

What drew my attention to the garage is that it’s free for Starbucks for ½ hour.. .it’s actually free for anything for ½ hour. Every hour after that is $ 2.
What’s really cool? Pre paid parking after 8pm? I believe. $ 5 flat!
What is frustrating? If you park in an upper level and exit the stairs, when you return, you have to walk into the interior of the building and ride the elevator to gain access to your car.
AND
The floor levels are labeled weird. All the levels say stair 4, even on the second level. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I just remember how many flights of stairs I walk on my way out.

This is an attached 340 space parking garage with entrances on North Eola Drive and East Washington Street. If you are heading anywhere in Thornton Park this is the place to go. But it is also perfect for any of the many events held at Lake Eola Park as the Eola Drive entrance is right across the street from this popular park. Plus its only $ 5 which isn’t bad for downtown. If you are heading west to Wall Street or Church St. its a bit of a hike from here but not more than 15 minutes so it is doable. And less congested on the cobble stoned neighborhood streets of this area so you’ll get a scenic stroll while advancing to your destination.