Theater district parking garage reopens for Thanksgiving Day Parade

HOUSTON – Three underground parking garages are reopening after they flooded during hurricane Harvey. They will reopen for the Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Houston, then expand their hours to accommodate businesses downtown.  

What happened to the garages?  

Nearly 90 days ago, about 270 million gallons of floodwater poured into three of the parking garages operated by the Houston First Corp.  The flood destroyed about 150 cars. Eighteen blocks of underground parking garages were left full of water, muck and mud.  

Houston First chief development officer Peter McStravick said, "It's just incredible we've been able to completely empty this area, clean it up, sanitize it, put lights in here, get the ventilation system running and ready for our parking ... our customers."

How have workers cleaned up the garages? 

Houston First Corp. said the workers have worked around the clock.  McStravick said, “It's huge.  The parking in this area not only serves the corporate accounts that we have around this area.  But more importantly it serves all of the resident companies that perform in the Wortham, Jones Hall, Alley Theater, over just all over the areas we have."

How many parking spaces will open up?

More than 3,300 parking spaces will open up in three separate garages downtown.  McStravick said, "We welcome everyone back.  Especially with the Thanksgiving Day Parade, beginning the first week in December, we have the Christmas tree lighting at City Hall.  So this really is a way to support and showcase and show off the resilience that Houston has."

What are the hours, costs and plans going forward?

Parking on Thanksgiving Day 6 a.m. - Noon.
Parking November 24 – 26   Noon - 11 p.m.
Parking November 27 – 28   6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parking November 29 – 30   6 a.m. – 11 p.m.  

Cost of parking is $12; hourly parking is not available until further notice. 
Garage elevators are not operable; customers with special needs should notify parking attendant to utilize garage tram service. 

No overnight parking allowed without prior permission from garage management.  
Garage tunnels to 611 Walker, Alley Theatre, Wortham Theater Center and Bank of America remain closed until further notice.

Current contract parking customers will be notified when they can return to the Theater District garages.