Details About Warren Towers Garage Parking Changes
Throughout early fall, a number of spaces in the garage will be unavailable due to ongoing construction
As part of the ongoing renovation of Warren Towers and its parking garage, Boston University officials have announced several parking changes, including the temporary loss of a number of spaces in the garage.
Details About Warren Towers Garage Parking Changes
Throughout early fall, a number of spaces in the garage will be unavailable due to ongoing construction
As critical renovations of the Warren Towers residence and garage move ahead in the coming months, Boston University officials announced some important changes to garage parking capacity. Throughout early fall, 160 parking spaces will be unavailable so construction crews can complete necessary structural repairs, create a new fuel storage room, and otherwise support ongoing updates to the garage and residence.
The parking changes, which went into effect on August 15, will continue through mid-November, when 60 spaces will become available again. The remaining 100 spaces will be unavailable through the duration of the project, which is expected to be in fall 2028.
Part of a $550 million renovation project, the work at Warren Towers will be a major overhaul of Boston University’s largest residence—and the second largest nonmilitary dormitory in the country. The work represents a reimagining of the living and learning experience for the more than 1,800 BU students who call one of the three towers home. Students will see major enhancements to living spaces, bathrooms, common spaces, and dining areas—including the addition of air-conditioning in the dorms. In the long run, this work will improve parking, safety, and convenience for the entire BU community for years to come.
Still, BU officials acknowledge that this sort of undertaking can cause growing pains. “We know that changes to your daily commute can be disruptive, and we appreciate your patience,” wrote Kris Klinger, vice president for auxiliary services at BU, in a message sent to the University community on August 19. “This period will take some adjustment, and we’re committed to supporting you throughout the project. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we make essential improvements for the future of our campus.”
Here’s everything you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the partial garage closure start?
It just began, as 160 parking spaces in the garage will be unavailable from August 15 through mid-November. At that point, 60 of those spaces will be available again. The remaining 100 spaces will be unavailable for the duration of the project.
BU Today: I normally park at Warren Towers. Where should I go now?
Faculty and staff who typically park at Warren Towers Garage should use other East and Central Campus lots. The Essex Street Garage & Lot will have increased capacity to help offset the change.
For those with Student Commuter and Student Flex permits:
Before 3 pm on weekdays, students should park at the Agganis Arena or Langsam garages instead of the Essex Street Garage & Lot, which will be designated for displaced faculty and staff vehicles.
After 3 pm, those with Student Commuter permits can access specific parking lots; a list of these is available on the Student Commuter permit page.
Those with Student Flex permits can also access specific parking lots after 3 pm, and a list of these is available on the Student Flex permit page.
NOTE: Student permit holders with an ADA placard or license plate may park in lots on East and Central Campuses (including the Essex Street Garage & Lot) before 3 pm on weekdays.
For visitors, guests, and campus events, the limited availability near East and Central Campus locations may require parking at the Agganis Arena garage.
BU Today: Are there other planned Warren Towers Garage closures?
Yes. The Warren Towers Garage will fully close between Commencement and Move-in weeks in 2026, 2027, and 2028—which means a loss of all 422 spaces during those periods.
BU Today: What is BU doing to make this transition easier in the meantime?
To help meet increased demand and reduce commuting times, BU is adding a second Comm Ave loop shuttle, starting Monday, August 25. The shuttle will operate weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm between West and East/Central Campuses.
BU Today: What other commuting and/or transportation options do I have?
University officials encourage members of the BU community to make use of mass transit options tailored to the BU community. Download the Terrier Transit app, take advantage of the MBTA Trip Planner, or reach out for personalized commuting assistance.
Through BU’s MBTA Pass Benefit, faculty and staff get a 50 percent subsidy on their monthly T passes. Regular BU faculty and staff members who enroll in the BU MBTA Pass Benefit are also eligible for the Transit Station Parking Benefit. People who enroll may set aside pretax dollars from their paycheck to pay for work-related parking costs at MBTA transit stations (up to $160 per month) and BU will match that election dollar-for-dollar.
BU Today: I’m interested in biking. Are there any resources available?
Yes! BU students, faculty, and staff receive discounts on Bluebikes. For those who own a bike or scooter, BU offers secure bike rooms and showers, repair stations, and air pumps; employee bike commuter reimbursements; and access to the BU Cycle Kitchen (BUCK) for classes, rides, and events.
BU Today: Where can I find construction updates for the Warren Towers residence hall and garage project?
Boston University Campus Planning & Operations staff provide weekly construction updates on their website. You can also find an overview of the project, along with renderings, on the Campus Planning & Operations page.
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