For Immediate Release – March 21, 2026

EJ Gare Parking Garage Partially Closed Starting Monday

NORTHAMPTON – Beginning Monday, March 23, 2026, the city will close access to the upper levels of the EJ Gare Parking Garage (from the 3rd-floor transition to the 4th and 5th floors) following observed signs of concrete deterioration, including spalling and surface damage.

The garage will remain open, with approximately 220 parking spaces available on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels. Leaseholder parking will not be affected. Access to Thornes Marketplace via the pedestrian bridge will remain open. Pedestrians should remain below the closed levels.

The city has engaged Hoffmann Architects to conduct a structural assessment of the garage. The assessment is currently underway, with engineers on site this week.

All vehicles currently parked in the affected upper levels must be moved to a lower level by the end of the day on Monday, March 23. As the assessment progresses, additional spaces on lower levels may be temporarily closed. Drivers are asked to follow all posted signage, barricades, and cones.

Repairs are also underway to the garage’s three stairwells. Beginning Monday, the stairwell near the main entrance (facing the Armory Street lot) will be closed for repairs until further notice. Updates will be provided as work continues.

“The safety of everyone who uses the EJ Gare Parking Garage is our top priority,” said Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. “We recognize this will be an inconvenience, but these steps are necessary as we assess the structure and plan for next steps. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation and will continue to share updates.”

These closures will remain in place until further notice.

For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 413-587-1249 or mayor@northamptonma.gov