Downtown Grand Junction parking just got real.

And by real, we mean pricier and more complicated.

Because nothing screams “good time” like feeding another meter.

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Grand Junction's Meter Madness: What’s New

The City of Grand Junction is tweaking most of the rates and rules in its downtown parking system, officially “to support local businesses and visitors,” unofficially because people kept leaving their cars there all day.

Short-term street meters now run $1.30 per hour for the 2-hour spaces, and $1.20 for 4-hour zones and parking garage ground level. Monthly parking permits? They’re now $50 a month. Want a reserved spot? Surface spaces go for $55, covered for $80. Yep. That’s real.

The City says shuffling time limits on 3rd through 7th Streets will boost turnover “near high-demand areas.” Don’t expect to nab that sweet meter right outside your fave latte joint for a whole afternoon nap.

Downtown Grand Junction Park Map
Downtown Grand Junction
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Free Time Isn’t a Dirty Word in Grand Junction

Before you throw your wallet into the Colorado River, hear this: parking is free outside of enforcement hours. Weekdays before 8 a.m., after 4 p.m., weekends, and federal holidays. Handicap placards? Still free at meters and lots.

Read More: They Called it ‘The Rag’ but Las Colonias was the Heart of Grand Junction

Payment options are old-school (coins), slightly modern (credit/debit cards with fees), and fully modern (Passport app with a fee) because nothing says convenience like another app telling you when your meter’s about to expire.

Downtown Grand Junction Businesses of Yesterday

If you stop and think about it, several of the business pictured above are still up and running. Most of these photos were taken in the 1950s. Almost 70 years later, many are still going strong. Sure, some have moved to new locations, but others, Quincy's for example, are right where they've always been.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

Remembering Some of Grand Junction's Downtown Art on the Corner Pieces

These works have been on display in downtown Grand Junction for two years. During the Grand Junction Art on the Corner event coming up October 1-3, 2021, these pieces will make way for new works to be displayed for 2021-2022.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

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