By Eric Beidel, The Winchester Starrn
The new George Washington Autopark is officially open, and parking is free through this weekend. Contractor Howard Shockey and Sons Inc. built the garage for $7.68 million, about $14,222 per parking space. The garage is between Kent and Cameron streets, flanked by the Frederick County Government Complex and The George Washington Hotel.rnrnThe garage’s proximity to the hotel, restaurants, banks, and other businesses will provide a great benefit to anyone visiting downtown Winchester, said Mayor Elizabeth A. Minor before cutting a ribbon Friday afternoon at the Cameron Street entrance of the garage. The Rev. Clyde Nelson of Market Street United Methodist Church led dozens of community leaders in a prayer during the ceremony. He asked that “the glory and beauty of Winchester be upon all who park here.”” rnrnThe mayor and Winchester Parking Authority Chairman Bill Bayliss took the first car into the garage – a Ford Cobra replica that Bayliss borrowed from a friend. He recognized members of the City Council