Published on Morgan Hill Life’s website May 9, 2016

By Staff Report

"The Tarantula" being installed on the Fourth Street side of the new parking garage structure. Morgan Hill Life file photo

“The Tarantula” being installed on the Fourth Street side of the new parking garage structure.
Morgan Hill Life file photo

Morgan Hill’s long awaited downtown parking garage is now open and available for public use. It has more than 270 free parking spaces, unique public art, electric vehicle charging stations, and a roof top built to hold celebrations.

 City Manager Steve Rymer  thanked the community for its patience and understanding in the delay of the garage opening as final details were worked out between the contractor and the state of California.

“F&H Construction has delivered  a safe, complete, unique, and quality parking garage to the Morgan Hill community.  We are very pleased to present the garage to the our residents, businesses, and visitors,” Rymer said.

“The one of a kind poppy jasper inspired stairwell glass enclosure and tarantula, will be illuminated every evening beginning tonight,” said Maureen Tobin, the city’s communication and engagement manager. ” The illuminated art on the north and south sides of the parking garage is quite spectacular in the evening, adding a significant sparkle to the new lighting effects throughout Morgan Hill’s downtown.”

Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate commented: “The opening of the garage is significant to the new redevelopment of downtown that has already begun and the upcoming $50 million of new private investment that will bring exciting restaurants, retail shops, entertainment, housing and a boutique hotel. We are so pleased that the garage is now open.”

A  community celebration of all the completed Downtown Placemaking Investment Projects, including the parking garage, is being planned for the near future.