Inside Royal Oak's New Parking Structure

ROYAL OAK, MI —With bars, restaurants, shops and more, downtown Royal Oak is known as a Metro Detroit destination place. Now locals will find plenty more parking as a new structure has opened up amidst the city's downtown transformation known as Rethink Royal Oak.

The structure opened this weekend at 11 Mile offering 581 spaces.

Here is what you need to know about the new addition and welcome parking relief:

1. City officials say the deck is clean, well lit and easy to navigate. There are no steep inclines, tight spaces or columns to worry about opening a door into.
2. There are 20 handicap spaces and most are on the first floor. The remainder are near elevators on each floor.
3. From the seventh floor, you can see the skyline of Downtown Detroit and there are plenty of interesting vantage points to view the Star Dream Fountain or all the various construction projects in the area.
4. The structure is free during market hours. The rest of the week, guests get two hours of free parking if they arrive before 5 p.m. - enough time to grab an early dinner, shop at a favorite store or enjoy happy hour downtown.
5. The city is planning a community celebration for the structure's opening on June 15. The event will take place on the rooftop, offering yoga, kids pop-up activities, raffles, refreshments and other activities.

To read more about the structure and free parking offers in June,click here.