By Christine E. Serio, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Wilmington Renaissance Corporation

Many people think parking in any city is a hassle or expensive. But the City of Wilmington and its downtown merchants are making everyone feel like an MVP with the Merchant Validated Parking (MVP) Program.

The City of Wilmington and its many merchants welcome visitors and shoppers to take their time browsing, eating, purchasing items and experiencing everything downtown Wilmington has to offer. To make the off-street parking experience more convenient and appealing, patrons can receive up to two hours of free parking from participating merchants with the MVP program.

“Downtown Wilmington is home to many unique shopping opportunities for everything from quality suits and ties, beautiful jewelry, and fur coats to everyday home goods, artwork and women’s accessories,” said Carrie Gray, managing director of Wilmington Renaissance Corporation.
“Not only does downtown have many shopping options, it also has a variety of quality restaurants and world class cultural and performance venues give people even more reason to stay downtown. The MVP program makes it even easier and convenient for people to park downtown.”

Merchants who display the MVP sign on their front door or window can give customers either one or two stamps that are equivalent to one free hour of parking each. The individual should have the parking ticket from the garage or lot with them to receive the stamps. Minister’s Jewelers, located on 9th Street, is a merchant participating in the MVP program.

When the customer goes to pay the attendant at the garage or lot, the one or two hours of parking will be deducted from the total amount of hours in the parking facility. If the customer is parked in the garage for more than two hours, they are responsible for the remaining balance.

Current participating merchants include:
• DCAD
• 9th Street Books
• Wright and Simon
• Ministers Jewelers
• A.R. Morris
• Bill’s Meat Market
• Divine Fashions by Keiko
• NEIL
• The Rebel
• Al’s Sporting Goods

Participating Garages and lots include:
• Wilmington Parking Authority (www.wilmingtonparking.com)
• Customs House Garage with entrances on King and Walnuts Streets at 7th Street
• Brandywine Gateway Garage entrances on 13th and King Streets
• Train Station Garage entrance on MLK Blvd. between King and French Streets
• 8th Street surface lot entrances on both 8th and Orange Streets
• Colonial Parking (www.colonialparking.com)
• Ships Tavern Garage at 2nd and Market Street entrances on King Street and 2nd Street (pay on foot)
• One Christina Centre garage at 4th and Walnuts Streets
• New Castle County Courthouse at 5th and King Streets (pay on foot)
• Midtown Parking Garage at 9th and Shipley Streets
• HyPark Garage at 9th and Orange Streets (pay on foot)
• PNC Bank Center 222 Delaware Avenue Garage
• 10th and Washington Street surface lot
• Government Center Garage at 9th and French Street
• 7th and Shipley Street surface lot
• 7th and Orange Street surface lot
• 1201 Market Street garage

The program, administered by Wilmington Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), is funded by the participating merchants, the City of Wilmington and the participating garage owners.

“It’s really a fantastic program that relieves the stress some people feel over finding the perfect parking spot,” Gray said. “It’s a great way to park and take your time enjoying all downtown Wilmington has to offer.”

For more information about the MVP program, call 302-425-5500 or visit www.inwilmingtonde.us.