City officials said the newest downtown parking ramp was open for business Monday afternoon.
Required changes to the fire-sprinkling system delayed the opening of the 600-stall, $11.5 million ramp at 302 E. First St. by about three weeks. Some minor work continues, but the structure will be finished by Dec. 8.
In the meantime, the garage is open for parking. Spaces can be leased for $75 monthly each. Short-term rates are $1 per hour.
Spaces have been promised for the Voyageur Lakewalk Inn, a Sheraton Hotel and the public.
But the city and officials from SMDC Medical Systems have not come to a long-term use deal. The ramp, which the city is referring to as the Medical District Parking Ramp, is connected via skywalk to SMDC Medical Systems' new First Street Building.
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The hospital has offered to pay $65 monthly per space for 400 spots for employees and patients.
Though a deal doesn't appear imminent, DEDA executive director Tom Cotruvo said the city is working on a validation deal with SMDC for patients.
"The ramp is open now and we'd like to see their patients using it and we'd like to see their employees using it," he said.
Developers of the Sheraton Hotel have agreed to pay $54,600 annually for use of up to 140 spaces, depending on day and time, according to an agreement between Duluth Grand LLC and the Duluth Economic Development Authority, which will operate the ramp.
