Most people in Elmhurst know that the City has four parking decks, all of them in the downtown area. I’ve parked in all four many, many times and in my view all four of them have their own “personalities” or “vibes”.

The Adelaide Deck…The only deck south of the Metra tracks. Its energy comes from commuters who park there and make their way to the coffee shops before they board their trains. This deck also provides parking for the many outstanding restaurants and bars in this area. Remember, too, that the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Art Museum are very near. Maybe this is the “cultural” deck?

The First Street Deck…Another commuter deck but the walk is from the west into downtown. Many people forget this deck even exists, but those that remember are treated to a newer feel and get to walk by some public art and high-end apartments and shops to get to their trains. Maybe this is the “get to business” deck?

The Addison Deck…Busy, busy, busy! This deck serves commuters…they all do…but this one also serves FFC and all its members coming to and from…working out, taking classes and doing rehabs. FFC may get one thousand visits a day and most of them will park in the Addison Deck. It’s also the tallest deck to go along with its hectic pace. Maybe this is the “athletic” deck?

The Schiller Deck…Big time “combo” uses here. This deck serves the merchants of City Centre plus all its many great restaurants and bars…and the York Theatre. It’s an ebb and flow deck. Many times it is full to the top…a few hours later…spaces abound. Commuters also use it, daily parkers use it and people from outside find and use it as well. Once you find Commerce Parkway, you’ll find the Schiller Deck. Maybe this is our “shopping” deck?

Parking decks are not to everyone’s liking but I have always found them to be convenient, available and “solid”. A thousand years from now…when they unearth Elmhurst…they will marvel at our “stacked decks”.

Or…maybe they will.