Downtown Parking Structure

After driving through several lots/​parking structures looking for parking during the lunch rush I came upon this garage which get this had TONS of parking on the top level! I couldn’t believe it based on how crowded all the other lots were. It’s a little further down Castro street so you might have to hoof it a few blocks but to me it’s worth it to not spend 20 minutes vulturing for a spot.

Spacious, Clean and well maintained! Good Option if you want to roam around castro st for couple of hours.

If it’s free, it’s for me.
I don’t see what’s not to love about this downtown Mountain View parking structure.
*It’s tucked down an alley so most people don’t notice it’s there.
*Immaculate. From the structure itself to the elevators to the stairwell. No pee smells whatsoever.
* Spaces that actually fit cars. None of that compact or less sh*t.
* Well lit. You could probably film a movie in here… but not this one because then it would be 3-​stars at most:
* Apparently it’s solar powered (WE LIVE IN THE FUTURE)
*It’s free! Which, from my very limited experience with living in California, is a hot commodity.
I’ve got more meetings in Mountain View this week and I’m actually really excited to plug this into my GPS and for once have a stress-​free parking situation.

The streets were over crowded with people so I went to the California & Bryant parking lot in hopes of one of the the 100s of space would be free. I have to restate how poor this lot was designed. It may be fine on a slow night when there are spaces open but if not there is only one lane that is shared up and down (Fire Hazard!) A line of cars were ahead of me, each slowing down in hopes someone would leave. That slowed the clime to the top to several minutes as every pedestrian cause the traffic to stop. There is no way to pass or turn around, you are stuck finding a space or ending up on the roof. Unfortunately once their you get to performing a 5 point turn in front of the cars behind then it back down 5 floors slowing again in hopes you can beat out the drivers going up. If there were an electronic parking space counter it would save some people from taking the drive to the top.
PS there are 2 lots in Mtn View the other which people seem to like, The other lot on Villa with left side driving, it is strange but flows in and out with multiple ramps and exits. This one has the artsy blue glass windows which no one seems to notice.

British-​inspired driving.
SAFETY (3 stars): Brightly lit garage, but super dark outside on the street-​side entrance as well as the alley-​way entrance.
SPACES (3 stars): Average size, but a little on the small side.
NAVIGATION (2 stars): Someone please tell me, WHY must we drive on The Left? It’s bizarre and rather dangerous, as I’ve seen drunk people not quite sure how to handle those turns. Even sober it can be daunting. It’s not a big deal as long as no one is going in the opposite direction. But as soon as you add someone else to the mix, everyone tenses up. You can see the fear in their eyes.
PRICE /​HOURS (4 stars): Free, but a 2-​hour time limit and NO parking from 2:00 — 6:00 am, unless you are a permit holder.
VERDICT:
1. I really don’t like playing with death in this British-​inspired parking lot. I’ve adapted to driving on The Left for this parking lot, but what about newbies who unknowingly park here? Scary.
2. Who designed this place?! Perhaps Sunnyvale’s parking lot designers somehow got their paws on this project. That would explain a lot.

The new city parking structure in downtown MV just off of Castro st. It’s got space for 400 vehicles, is solar powered (lights/​elevators/​electric vehicle ports), and even serves as a public art structure with painted glass installations. It also houses the brand new Longs Drugs on the first floor below.