Santa Monica Place Makes Parking Easier with Park Assist

Breakthrough New Camera-based Parking System Offers First “Find Your Car” Capability in the U.S. and Guides Drivers to Open Spaces in City Parking Structures 7 and 8

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan.11, 2011 – There is good news for Santa Monica shoppers: Santa Monica Place has introduced a new, camera-based system developed by Park Assist that enhances the parking experience at the two adjacent City of Santa Monica-owned parking structures (7 and 8). This system, which uses new digital imaging technology, allows for the nation’s first “Find Your Car” capability.

Drivers now see new, highly visible green and red lights that indicate exactly which parking spaces are available, as well as reader boards and end-of-aisle arrows that show the number of open spaces in each direction. The new M3 from Park Assist is a state-of-the-art system – the first of its kind in the United States – that uses imaging technology versus the more common ultrasonic systems currently in use in other parking garages.

The breakthrough new “Find Your Car” feature uses kiosks, located in the parking structures, to conveniently help drivers locate their vehicles using their license plate numbers.

“We want every aspect of the Santa Monica Place experience to exceed our visitors’ expectations, and we know parking throughout Santa Monica can be challenging,” said Doug Roscoe, senior manager, property management, Santa Monica Place. “We’ve made this investment in the two, City-owned parking structures at Santa Monica Place so that our guests can park more conveniently. These improvements, along with our two, Valet Parking areas on 2nd and 4th streets, make getting to Santa Monica Place easier than ever.”

Santa Monica Place is a three-level, all-open-air shopping and dining destination located just two blocks from the beach in Santa Monica. Opened in August 2010, Santa Monica Place features Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, CB2, Nike, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Love Culture, AllSaints Spitalfields and many other exciting retail attractions. The third-level Dining Deck offers spectacular ocean and city views, and stars six, chef-driven restaurants and a modern, all-glass food court for casual dining.