What is AirGarage? New Parking Popping Up Around Grand Rapids

One of the biggest gripes that I hear from people when it comes to visiting downtown Grand Rapids is about parking. They can't find anywhere to park, parking is too expensive, and they never know when the meters will be enforced.

But, there's a new parking option popping up around town, that might make things a little easier.

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Walking into work the other day, I noticed a new sign next to the parking lot for Gimme's Par and Grill and it made me curious. The sign, at the entrance to a formerly gated parking lot, says "PUBLIC PARKING" and above that there is a logo for AirGarage.

To which my initial thought was, "What the heck is an AirGarage?" Because, frankly, it sounds like a place to park planes. Turns out, it's not. And it's something that's being utilized by a few different businesses in Grand Rapids.

How Does AirGarage Work?

Essentially, when you pull into one of these lots and park, there will be a sign with a scannable QR code where you can enter payment details, OR a number for you to text the word "PAY" to. They also have an app.

The lots are monitored by license plate recognition cameras - so they know when you're there even if you don't check in via the code, a text, or the app. (But it's in your best interest to check in so you aren't charged a fee.)

READ MORE: Is There a Parking Scam Going on in Downtown GR?

Looking into the particular lot that I noticed, the rates are pretty reasonable. This lot has hourly rates starting at $4 per hour, but also offers multi-day and monthly rates.

Now, the AirGarage lots aren't new to Grand Rapids - but I've noticed a lot of talk surrounding them lately.

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AirGarage Locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan

In addition to the lot next to Gimme's, there's also one on Bridge St. across from Butcher's Union and Pide and Stick, on Bridge St. across the street from New Holland (it's called the "Red Lion Lot" because the Red Lion sign is there), the Swift Printing Lot located on Mt. Vernon, and the "Golden Saint" lot on First St. NW (the lot for St. Mary Catholic Church).