DESIGN SUMMARY

CONCEPT DESIGN AND FRAMEWORK PLAN

FOR SEATTLES CENTRAL WATERFRONT
JULY 2012

DESIGN SUMMARY
CONCEPT DESIGN AND FRAMEWORK PLAN
FOR SEATTLES CENTRAL WATERFRONT
JULY 2012

Prepared for:
Central Waterfront Committee,
The Seattle Department of Transportation,
Department of Planning and Development,
and Department of Parks and Recreation

Prepared by:
James Corner Field Operations
CH2MHill, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Inc.
SHoP Architects, Mithun, Berger Partnership, Nelson/ Nygaard, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Parametrix, EnviroIssues,
Creative Time, Mark Dion, Erik Fredericksen, Tomato

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Waterfront Seattle Concept Design and Framework Plan reflects the
culmination of a nearly two year public process to establish the communitys
vision for the future waterfront.

Central Waterfront Committee

Charley Royer, co-chair
Maggie Walker, co-chair
Tom Bancroft
Carol Binder
Mahlon Clements
Toby Crittenden
Bob Davidson
Bob Donegan
Rollin Fatland
Erin Fletcher (Slayton)
Ben Franz-Knight
David Freiboth
Gary Glant
Patrick Gordon
Craig Hanway
Gerry Johnson
Greg Johnson
Bob Klein
Alex Kochan
Ed Medeiros
Dave Meinert
Nate Miles
Cary Moon
John Nesholm
Jan OConnor
Vlad Oustimovitch
Mark Reddington
Catherine Stanford
Brian Steinburg
Tony To
Ron Turner

1:4

Todd Vogel
Maiko Winkler-Chin
Martha Wyckoff
Rebecca Barnes, Advisor
Maud Daudon, Advisor
Liz Dunn, Advisor
John Finke, Advisor
Matt Griffin, Advisor
Jeff Hou, Advisor
Kate Joncas, Advisor
William Justen, Advisor
Derek Mason, Advisor
Chris Rogers, Advisor
Julie Bassuk, Design Commission
Diana Kincaid, Board of Park
Commissioners
Leslie Miller, Planning Commission
Peter Hahn, SDOT (Ex-Officio)
Joe McWilliams, Port (Ex-Officio)
David Moseley, WS Ferries (Ex-Officio)
Diane Sugimura, DPD (Ex-Officio)
Christopher Williams, Parks (Ex-Officio)

City of Seattle
Mike McGinn, Mayor
Sally Clark, City Council President
Sally Bagshaw, City Council
Tim Burgess, City Council
Richard Conlin, City Council
Jean Godden, City Council
Bruce Harrell, City Council
Nick Licata, City Council
Mike OBrien, City Council
Tom Rasmussen, City Council
Seattle Department of Transportation
Peter Hahn, Director
Goran Sparrman, Deputy Director
Bob Chandler, Assistant Director for Strategic Projects
Jon Layzer, Major Projects Director
Hannah McIntosh, Waterfront Program Coordinator
Steve Pearce, Waterfront Seattle Project Manager
Mike Johnson, Waterfront Seattle Technical Lead
Seattle Department of Planning and Development
Diane Sugimura, Director
Marshall Foster, City Planning Director
Dennis Meier, Urban Designer
Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation
Christopher Williams, Acting Superintendent
Nathan Torgelson, Policy and Development Manager
David Graves, Senior Planner
Mayors Office of Arts + Cultural Affairs
Vincent Kitch, Director
Ruri Yampolsky, Director of Public Art Program

Stakeholders Group
Pike Place Market
Washington State Ferries
Port of Seattle
Downtown Seattle Association
Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau
Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Public Facilities District
Waterfront property owners and tenants
Seattle Parks Foundation
Seattle Aquarium
Individuals representing the following interests:
Freight

Environmental issues
Labor

Urban design

Parks and open space

Public art
Cycling

Pedestrian mobility

Historic preservation
Representatives from following
neighborhoods:

Pioneer Square
Belltown
Waterfront

West Edge

Queen Anne

West Seattle
Ballard
Magnolia

Design Summary

CONTENTS
BOOK 1
DESIGN SUMMARY
BOOK 2
FRAMEWORK PL AN
BOOK 3
CONCEPT DESIGN
BOOK 4
ART PL AN
BOOK 5
APPENDICES

1. Introduction
2. Guiding Principles
3. Public Engagement and Program Development
4. Three Concepts at Three Scales

The City Scale

The Urban Scale

The Waterfront Scale

Long-term Vision
5. Core Projects

Continuous Elements and Roadway
Places:

Pioneer Square Beach and Festival Pier

Colman Dock

Historic Pier Walk

Union Street Pier

Aquarium Plaza

Pier 62/63

Overlook Walk

Belltown Bluff
6. Access and Mobility
Pedestrians
Bicycles
Transit

Street Design

Regional Traffic and Freight

Local Freight and Access

Parking and Loading
7. Framework Strategies

Urban Frontages
Sustainability
Art

6
7
8
12

20

44

50

Implementation

1:5

1. WATERFRONT SEATTLE
The central waterfront extends nearly 2 miles along the shores of Elliott Bay, from

This planning and design document, Waterfront Seattle Design Summary,

the Stadium District in the south to Olympic Sculpture and Myrtle-Edwards Parks

summarizes the ideas put forth during the Planning and Concept Design phases

in the north. This stretch of urban public waterfront is a unique and quintessential

of the Central Waterfront Project. These ideas have been compiled in a larger

part of the city at the intersection of urban development, industry and spectacular

document that includes a Framework Plan, a Concept Design, an Art Plan, and

views of big nature.

Appendices. This is not a legal or binding document, but a summary of conceptual

ideas for Seattles new waterfront. Developed by the Waterfront Seattle planning

The removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall

and design team, the ideas are based on a detailed planning-level analysis of the

present a tremendous opportunity to re-imagine Seattles central waterfront and

site, as well as on an extensive outreach effort that engaged civic groups, property

reconnect it to the rest of the city, while respecting its local icons and history as

owners, stakeholders and the relevant city, state and federal agencies.

a working waterfront.

Port of Seattle
Elliott Bay

Bell Harbor

Olympic Sculpture Park

Seattle Aquarium

Colman Dock

Century Link Field

WATERFRONT SEATTLE
Pike Place Market

King St. Station

S.A.M.
Benaroya Hall

Central Waterfront Project Area

Partner and Long Term Projects
City Destinations

1:6

0.5 MILE

Design Summary

2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The following guiding principles were created by a group of citizens working with

5. Improve access and mobility.

the city and adopted by the City Council (Resolution #31264), to capture the key

The waterfront is and remains a crossroads. The future waterfront should

civic goals and objectives that should shape the creation of new public spaces

accommodate safe, comfortable and efficient travel by pedestrians, bicyclists,

on the Central Waterfront project. They expand on established principles from

vehicles and freight.

existing city policies and civic efforts.

6. Create a bold vision that is adaptable over time.
1. Create a Waterfront for all.

The vision for the waterfront should clearly define how the waterfront will take

The waterfront should engage the entire city. It should be a place for locals

shape and the essential character of key elements. At the same time, the vision

and visitors alike a place where everything comes together and co-mingles

must be flexible to adapt over time.

effortlessly.
7. Develop consistent leadershipfrom concept to construction to operations.
2. Put the shoreline and innovative, sustainable design at the forefront.

It is necessary to have strong leadership tasked with realizing the Waterfront

The waterfront will bring people to the waters edge to experience the water

vision. This leadership needs to ensure design excellence and root the process in

and ecology of Elliott Bay. It will improve shoreline ecology while preserving

a broad and transparent civic engagement.

and enhancing maritime activities, and will reflect

Seattles commitment to

sustainability and innovation.

3. Reconnect the city to its Waterfront.
The waterfront should provide a front porch to the downtown neighborhoods and
the City. It will build a network of public spaces that connect the waterfront to
important destinations, nearby neighborhoods, the city and region.
4. Embrace and celebrate Seattles past, present and future.
The waterfront is a lens through which to understand Seattle from its natural
history and early Native American settlements, to the rich variety of maritime,
industrial, commercial and recreational activities today. The Waterfront should
tell these stories in ways that are authentic and bring them to life.

1:7

3. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

What does it mean to create a partnership between the City of Seattle and the entire

PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES The tremendous energy and interest around these

community? In its mission to transform the future of Seattles Central Waterfront,

new spaces includes a desire for flexibility - a mix of places to gather and be

the Waterfront Seattle program has committed to innovative and robust public

quiet, and places to run, play and be active. Flexibility also means spaces that

engagement seeking input from many voices, inviting open and direct dialog, and

take advantage of the sun and also compliment the variety of weather in the Pacific

encouraging participation throughout the design process. This level of community

Northwest.

engagement is what is needed to fulfill a principle goal of Waterfront Seattle

creating a Waterfront for All.

HABITAT The waterfront is also habitat, and many people connected to the idea of
opportunities to interact with and see in-water and upland habitat, and create a
shoreline edge with access to beaches, tide pools and places to walk and sit along

TURNING COMMENTS INTO CONCEPTS

Throughout the conceptual design phase, thousands of people from the
greater Seattle Community contributed ideas at public meetings, workshops,
briefings, via the project website, by e-mail and many other ways. The
diversity and creativity of these community-generated ideas was a key source
of insight and priorities for the design team and truly made Seattles mark
on the concept design. The following are just some of the most common

the water.
ARTS AND CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT To activate a public space, it must
attract activity, including places to eat, drink and picnic, outdoor concerts, street
markets, festivals, cultural celebrations, and large and small performances. This
could also mean showing artists at work, and including art that is interactive
and evolving, both temporary and permanent art to create a more dynamic
environment.

themes and ideas that emerged:

VIEWS Elliott Bay and the waterfronts outstanding view of this public treasure

We also heard valuable feedback on what the design should avoid, such as

connect with many people. Whether its elevated views simulating current views

structures that block views, too much roadway space, or retail that doesnt feel

from the Viaduct, or opportunities for reviews between the historic piers - the view

authentic to Seattle. This input, as much as what the public wants to see, was

is a community asset to cherish.

critical to shaping the design.

CONNECTIONS The future waterfront is envisioned as a place of movement

In addition, comments not only highlighted the kinds of spaces that people want to

movement of all types of transportation, including vehicles, parking, pedestrian,

see, but also the spaces they already enjoy such as Pike Place Market, and parks

bicycle and public transport to better serve those traveling east, west, north and

like Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park. These reference points of

south.

beloved Seattle spaces were also instrumental in creating a truly Seattle design.

PATHWAYS The waterfront should feature active movement spaces, including

pathways for running, walking, biking and other activities, as well as in-water
activities like kayaking or places that let people touch the water.
1:8

Design Summary

Soliciting Input at Public Events

1:9

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

PUBLIC SPACE PROGRAM

An extensive public engagement initiative coupled with a detailed site analysis

Continuous and Event-Based Program

informed the development of a rich and diverse program for public spaces along

The waterfront program includes continuous and event-based activities.

the waterfront. Existing destinations and areas of interest were identified and

Strolling, jogging, biking, driving, and parking are supported along the entire

synergies between them were evaluated. At the same time, opportunities for

length of the waterfront, whereas event-based programs will happen in strategic

expanding the linear waterfront promenade, both horizontally and vertically, were

locations to maximize synergies with existing destinations. Diverse yet open-

considered for adding generous civic and gathering spaces with elevated views of

ended, activities and events have the capacity to change and adapt over time to

Elliott Bay.

reflect the needs and desires of all visitors to the waterfront. The waterfront
program inspires and informs the design and will continue to evolve over the life
of the project.

CONTINUOUS PROGRAM

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1:10

Cherry St.

Driving and Parking

3rd Ave.
James St.

Strolling and Jogging

Biking

Bell

2nd Ave.

Vine

1st Ave.

0.5 MILE

Design Summary

RAILROAD WAY +
STADIUM PLAZA
Eating
Street Festival
Game Day

PIONEER
SQUARE
Sitting
Jogging
Fishing
Boating
Sunning
Touch the Water

COLMAN DOCK
TRANSIT
Ferrying
Commuting
Touring
Shopping
Viewing
Exhibiting

HISTORIC PIER
WALK
Eating
Dining
Shopping
Strolling
Boating
Touring

UNION ST. PIER +

AQUARIUM PLAZA
Festival
Concert
Eating
Event
Water Fountain
Display

ACTIVITIES AND EVENT PROGRAM

PIER
62/63

OVERLOOK
WALK

Rollerskating
Sunning
Concerts
Ice Skating
Swimming
Events
Market
Views to the Bay

Views to the Bay

Childrens Play
Climbing
Sliding
Events
Shopping
Market

BELLTOWN
BLUFF
Views to the Bay
Community Events
Urban Agriculture

Cruise Ship
Terminal
Pier 48
Stadium
Plaza

Tideline
Promenade

Pier 62/63

Colman
Dock
Historic Piers

Ferris Wheel

Bell
Harbor

Seattle
Aquarium

Bell St.
Bridge

Firehouse
Slip

Lenora St.
Bridge

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0.5 MILE
1:11

4. THREE CONCEPTS AT THREE SCALES

Waterfront Seattle is a comprehensive vision which considers the planning and
design of the central waterfront across a range of scales: the city scale, the center
city scale, and the waterfront scale. Each scale carries a particular thematic
concept that will transform the image, character and identity of the central
waterfront and redefine its relationship to the city as a whole.

1. THE CITY SCALE

PUGET SOUND

1 MILE

1:12

ELLIOTT
BAY

SEATTLE

Design Summary

2. THE CENTER CITY SCALE

ELLIOTT BAY

1 MILE

3. THE WATERFRONT SCALE

SEATTLE

ELLIOTT BAY

SEATTLE

1 MILE

1:13

THREE CONCEPTS AT THREE SCALES

THE CITY SCALE

At the city scale, the central waterfront can be seen as part of a larger ring
circling Elliott Bay. The central waterfront needs to be connected to trails,
neighborhoods and destinations along the shores of Elliott Bay, both north of
Broad Street and south of King Street, to complete the journey around Seattles
Elliott Bay waterfront. Echoing Olmsteds Green Ring of parks encompassing
central Seattle, the waterfront Bay Ring will provide a continuous public amenity
that embraces Elliott Bay as the heart of the city.

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Design Summary

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1 MILE
1:15

THREE CONCEPTS AT THREE SCALES

THE CENTER CITY SCALE

At the center city scale, eight character zones distinguish themselves along the

Key east-west streets are identified as vital links between existing destinations

waterfront. These zones are defined by physical characteristics of the site, such

within the center city and attractions along the waterfront. An extensive mobility

as converging grid systems, topography, and urban form, as well as the cultural

and access network will allow pedestrians, cyclists, transit and vehicles to access

characteristics of the working waterfront and its adjacent neighborhoods. Hence,

and move along the waterfront easily and safely. The removal of the viaduct and

the waterfront character zones are named, from south to north, Port & Stadiums,

the re-orientation of the center city towards the water, will unify and open the

Pioneer Square, Colman Dock, Historic Piers, Public Piers, Bell Harbor, Belltown

central waterfront, establishing it as Seattles front porch on the bay.

Bluff, and the North End.

1:16

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Design Summary

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PIONEER SQUARE

S. MAIN
S. JACKSON
S. KING

THE PORT + STADIUMS

Existing Destination
Proposed Destination

1 MILE
1:17

THREE CONCEPTS AT THREE SCALES

THE WATERFRONT SCALE

At the waterfront scale, the concept establishes a continuous public waterfront,

to form synergies of audience and program. Together, these elements create a

connecting the Stadium District and Pioneer Square to Belltown, the Olympic

dynamic urban district, filled with cultural, social and recreational activity on the

Sculpture Park and Myrtle-Edwards Park. The continuous waterfront includes a

waterfront.

new surface street, pedestrian promenade, and bike path. Overlaid on this urban
fabric are a series of open spaces, ranging in scale from small and intimate to
large and civic, which will draw visitors to the waterfront for a variety of events and
activities throughout the year. These places relate to nearby existing destinations

Cruise Ship
Terminal

Pier
48
Festival
Pier
Colman
Dock

Railroad Way

Seattle
Aquarium

Historic Piers

Bell
Harbor

Colman Gallery

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Pike St.

Union St.

University St.

Seneca St.

Spring St.

Madison St.

Marion St.

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

Existing Destination
Transit Routes

3rd Ave.
James St.

New Destination

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Historic Pier Walk

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Park
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Station

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Union St Pier

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Olympic
Sculpture
Park

Bell Harbor Boardwalk

Ferry Fold

Century
Link Field

S.K

Pier
62/63
Pier
62/63

The North End

Waterfront Public Realm

Bike Path
Alaskan Way and Elliott Way

1:18

0.5 MILE

Seattle
Center

Design Summary

A LONG-TERM VISION FOR SEATTLES WATERFRONT

Together, the three scales create the Framework Plan, a long term vision for
Seattles waterfront that will be realized over the coming decades.
Within the Framework Plan, are several Core Projects that collectively make up
an early phase of waterfront redevelopment, likely to be complete in the next 5 to
8 years. These projects can move forward more quickly because they are owned
by the City, have identified funding sources and are directly related to the removal
of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall.

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2N A

AD S

ELLIOTT WAY

ALASK AN WAY

ST
.

ST
.
ST
.

PINE ST.

PIKE ST.

UNION ST.

UNIVERSITY ST.

SENECA ST.

SPRING ST.

MARION ST.

COLUMBIA ST.

JAMES ST.

ER
SL
YE

CHERRY ST.

S.

WA

SH

IN

GT

WA

ON

MA

ST
.

IN

SO
CK
JA
S.

S.

S T.

MADISON ST.

NG
KI
S.

T.

.
L ST

S T.

AR S

.
Y ST

CED

V IN E

WA L

.
Y ST

.
L ST

TER

BEL

A RD

.
T ST

S T.

WA R

IN IA

S T.

V IR G

STE

OR A

NCH

LEN

BL A

2 ND AVE.

B AT

1ST AVE.

CL A

WESTERN AVE.

0.5 MILE
1:19

5.

THE CORE PROJECTS

Port of Seattle

El

lio

tt B

ay

Tr
a

Railroad
Way

il

Pier 48

Colman Dock
Ferry Terminal
AL

AS

KA

WA
Y

Washington
St. Boat
Landing

Firehouse Slip
Seawall
Beach

S. Main St.
Improvements

Century Link
Field

1 ST

OC

CI

DE

NT
AL

AV
E

.S

Colman Retail
Gallery

Marion St.
Pedestrian
Bridge

Tideline
Promenade

ALASKAN WAY

S. Washington St.
Improvements

Columbia St.
Improvements
WESTERN AVE.

AV
E

.S

S.

KI

NG

ST
.

Occidental
Park

SPRING ST.

MADISON ST.

MARION ST.

COLUMBIA ST.

CHERRY ST.

JAMES ST.

WA
Y
YE

SL

ER

NG
HI
WA
S
S.

S.

MA

IN

ST
.

ON
KS
JA
C
S.

King
Street
Station

TO

ST
.

ST
.

1ST AVE.

2ND AVE.

1:20

Design Summary

ELLIOTT BAY
Bell Harbor
Roof
El li

Bell Harbor

Pier Walk

Great
Wheel

Argosy
Tours

ELL

Pier 62/63

Aquarium
Expansion

Blanchard
Overlook
Lenora St.
Bridge

Union St.
Pier
Aquarium
Plaza

Pier
Slips

ELL

Overlook
Walk

.
L ST

E.

ST.

PINE ST.

PIKE ST.

ST.

UNION ST.

Existing Destinations
Core Project Area

Partner Project

ST.

UNIVERSITY ST.

Core and Partner Projects

Long-term Project

T
WAR

SENECA ST.

INIA

STE

S.A.M.

VIRG

V E.
1ST A

ST.

ORA

Harbor
Steps

N AV

ARD

Pike
Place
Market

TER

NCH

WES

LEN

Seneca St.
Escalator+
Elevator

BLA

Union St.
Escalator +
Elevator

Bell St.
Improvements

Belltown
Interim
Improvements

Victor
Steinbrueck
Park

PC-1
Pike Place
Market PDA

Pike St.
Hillclimb

.
AVE

Development
Site

Blanchard
Square

WAY
IOTT

IOTT

BEL

Seneca St.
Walk

r ail

ay T

Bell St. Bridge

Barge
Pool

Seattle
Aquarium

ott B

Seawall Project
.
D VE
2N A

0.25 MILE
1:21

THE CORE PROJECTS

CONTINUOUS ELEMENTS: STREET AND PROMENADE

At the heart of the new waterfront are a great urban street and pedestrian

TIDELINE CONCEPT

promenade. As the spine of the waterfront, they connect existing shopping, dining,
boating and cultural activities to each other, to new waterfront destinations and to
the city beyond.
Once the Alaskan Way Viaduct is demolished, the new surface street will be built
in its footprint. The current surface street, east of the Viaduct, will be removed to

Western Ave.

St.

t.

ing
S.K

nS

wa
y
ler
Ye
s

S.W
as

hin

gto

nS

t.

S.M

ain

St.

ks
o
ac
S.J

St.

St.

St.

The waterfront is marked by the effects of shifting tides and topographical

changes. These physical processes inspire an organizational framework for the
site. The Tidelines are then translated tectonically into the design elements that
make up the waterfront.
TYPICAL SECTION AT THE STREET AND PROMENADE

20-60

16

10

23-34

0-25

23-44

16-20

10

0-14

20

PROPERTY LINE

ELLIOTT BAY

1:22

0-36

40

d St.
Broa

r St.
Ceda

St.

St
Wall

Bell

ry
Batte

ra St

d St.
char

ia St

art St
Stew

Pine St.

Pike St.

Union St.

University St.

Seneca St.

Spring St.

Madison St.

Marion St.

Columbia St.

James St.

Virgin

Leno

3rd Ave.
Cherry St.

sitting, strolling, jogging, bicycling, and viewing the bay.

Blan

will link Pioneer Square to Olympic Sculpture Park and provide opportunities for

Clay

1st Ave.

2nd Ave.

Vine

open up space for the new waterfront promenade. The new waterfront promenade

Design Summary

CONTINUOUS ELEMENTS ALASKAN WAY, ELLIOTT WAY AND THE TIDELINE PROMENADE

1:23

THE CORE PROJECTS

PLACES ALONG THE WATERFRONT

The waterfront promenade is punctuated by new public destinations. Averaging

New destinations will link to a network of existing destinations both inland and

60 in width, it will expand between piers to create destinations, where people can

out on the piers, building journeys along, as well as to and from, the waterfront.

gather to experience great views of the water and enjoy a variety of activities. Where

These waterfront journeys will revitalize and energize the city center and bring

possible, the public realm will be elevated on Folds to allow for unobstructed

new life to the waterfront. Proposed waterfront destinations are described in the

views over Elliott Bay.

following pages.

Cruise Ship
Terminal

Pier 48

Colman
Dock

Railroad Way

Seattle
Aquarium

Historic Piers

Colman Gallery

Overlook Walk

wa
y

St.
ler
Ye
s

gto
n
hin
S.W
as

S.M

ain

St.

ks
on
S

t.

ing
ac
S.J

St.

d St.

Broa

Clay

St.

r St.

Vine

t.

S
Wall

t.

St.

d St.
char

Blan

t.
ra S

Leno

ia St.

Virgin

t.

art S
Stew

Pine St.

Pike St.

Union St.

University St.

Seneca St.

Existing Destination

Spring St.

Alaskan Way and Elliott Way

Madison St.

Waterfront Destination

Marion St.

Bike Path

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

Waterfront Public Realm

James St.

Transit Routes

3rd Ave.

ery S
Batt

Bell

2nd Ave.

Ceda

Harbor
Steps

1st Ave.

Belltown Interim Improvements

Victor
Steinbrueck
Park

Western Ave.

Pioneer
Square

St.

Belltown Bluff

Aquarium Plaza

Historic Pier Walk

Occidental
Park

S.K

Bell
Harbor

Union St Pier

Seawall Beach

1:24

Pier
62/63
Pier
62/63

0.5 MILE

Design Summary

PLACES ALONG THE WATERFRONT UNION STREET PIER, AQUARIUM PLAZA, PIER 62/63, OVERLOOK WALK AND THE BELLTOWN BLUFF

1:25

WATERFRONT PLACES

PIONEER SQUARE
The Pioneer Square neighborhood is the southern anchor of the waterfront.

As a future project, Pier 48 is conceived as a Festival Pier, with slopes tilted

Fronting a portion of the historic district of Pioneer Square, a pebble beach will

towards the port and the bay, suitable for concerts, festivals, and large gatherings.

extend into Elliott Bay between South Washington Street and Yesler Way. Designed

Aligned with South Main Street, Pier 48 acts as a conceptual extension of the

in coordination with the Elliott Bay Seawall Project, this beach will provide

Pioneer Square neighborhood. In addition to activities on the pier, there would

intertidal habitat areas and open views to Elliott Bay. Its character will evoke a

be opportunities to get closer to the water, on catwalks snaking through old pier

native Pacific Northwest beach and will include a boardwalk, native shoreline

pilings and at docks along the piers south edge. Another future project includes

planting, large boulders and logs. The historic Washington Street Boat Landing

an extension of the seawall beach south to South King Street and a landing at

will be restored and integrated as a destination, potentially serving as moorage

South Jackson Street.

for small boats.

Core Projects
PORT OF
SEATTLE
TO

EL

LIO
TT

BA
YT

RA

IL

11

8
PIER 48

12
AL

RAILROAD WAY

1 ST

AS

KA

WA
Y

10
9

.S

1:26

ST
.

Washington St. Boat Landing

Tideline Promenade

Railroad Way

Stadium Plaza

South Main St. Improvements

South Washington St. Improvements

Connection to Elliott Bay Trail

ER
SL

HI
WA
S

YE

S.

MA

IN

ST
.

NG

Extended Pioneer Square Beach

10

Festival Pier

11

Amphitheater

12

Jackson Landing

WA
Y

TO
N

.S

SO
CK
JA

S.

AV
E

S.

NG
KI
S.

Seawall Project

NT
AL

ST
.

Partner Project

6
DE

ST
.

Long-term Project

CI

Long-term Projects

OC

Seawall Beach

3
AV
E

CENTURY LINK
FIELD

Core Project Area

0 100 200

400

Design Summary

SEAWALL BEACH AND BOARDWALK

LONG-TERM PROJECT CONCERTS AT THE AMPHITHEATER

LONG-TERM PROJECT PIER DISCOVERY WALK

LONG-TERM PROJECT EXTENDED PIONEER SQUARE BEACH

1:27

WATERFRONT PLACES

COLMAN DOCK
Colman Dock is a major transit hub, carrying thousands of passengers to and from

In the future, a retail building will front the plaza, activating its western edge.

the waterfront each day, and linking the city to the islands and towns around Elliott

Additional projects may include a new elevated deck extending from a remodelled

Bay and Puget Sound. Today Colman Dock has shoreline public access and in the

Colman Dock Ferry Terminal which would provide elevated views of the ferries,

future the terminal has the potential to become a destination reminiscent of its

bay and mountains beyond. Passenger-only ferries may be located in the existing

original design. Colman Gallery, a transit plaza and gateway to the Ferry Terminal,

location at the south side of the dock or at a new slip at the north side of the dock

will be filled with generous seating, canopies for weather protection and bicycle

between the vehicle dock and the Fire Station.

parking for the Colman Docks shoppers and commuters.

Core Projects

9
7
12
9
COLMAN DOCK
FERRY TERMINAL

11
1

WATERFRONT
FIREHOUSE

10

WA
Y
ER
SL
YE

8
WESTERN AVE.

Core Project Area

MADISON ST.

1:28

MARION ST.

Seawall Project

COLUMBIA ST.

Partner Project

Marion St. Bridge

Canopy Shelters

Columbia Street Improvements

Transit/ Access to Marion St. Bridge

Bike Path
Partner Projects

Long-term Project

Colman Gallery

2
ALASKAN WAY

Colman Dock/ Colman Dock Ferry Terminal

Colman Dock/Extended Marion St. Bridge

Colman Dock/Passenger-Only Ferries

10

Colman Dock/ Firehouse Slip

11

Colman Dock/Retail

12

Colman Dock/Ferry Deck and Open Space

0 60 120

240

Design Summary

COLMAN GALLERY AND RETAIL FRONTAGE

1:29

WATERFRONT PLACES

HISTORIC PIER WALK

Privately-owned and historically-designated landmark structures, Piers 54, 55,

The buildings along the east-side of Alaskan Way offer opportunities for active

56 & 57 each have their own distinct character and uses. The Historic Piers are

commercial and retail frontages. Seneca Street will be improved with pedestrian-

a major commercial destination on the waterfront, hosting shopping, eating,

friendly street design, and an elevator and covered escalator to reach First Avenue.

drinking, working and touring programs.

Along with the Harbor Steps at University Street, Seneca will provide clear access
between the Waterfront, Furniture Row and downtown.

The promenade will front the Historic Piers and encourage strolling, sitting, and
informal gathering to complement the nearby commercial uses. The pier slips,

In the future, the promenade could potentially extend out onto the piers, wrapping

re-oriented towards the bay, offer opportunities to rest in town square-like

the edges in a continuous walk to draw visitors to the ends of the piers for the

spaces and watch the activities of the working waterfront and bay beyond.

great views of the bay, boats and mountains.

Core Projects
8

PIER 54

ARGOSY
TOURS

PIER 55

PIER 56

Tideline Promenade

Bike Path

Argosy Slip Improvement

Terrace Gardens

Seneca St. Improvements

Seneca St. Elevator/Escalator

PIER 57

Seawall and Partner Projects

2
ALASKAN WAY

Historic Piers/ Pier Slips

Historic Piers/ Great Wheel

Historic Piers/ Pier Walk

HARBOR
STEPS
WESTERN AVE.

Core Project Area

Seawall Project

POST ALLEY

SENECA ST.

Partner Project

UNIVERSITY ST.

Long-term Project
SPRING ST.

MADISON ST.

1:30

0 60 120

240

Design Summary

TIDELINE PROMENADE

GARDEN TERRACES

PIER SLIP

PARTNER PROJECT PIER WALK

1:31

WATERFRONT PLACES

UNION STREET PIER

Today, Waterfront Park sits between the Historic Piers and Seattle Aquarium,

A large in-ground fountain and get-down steps at the waters edge will support

sunken below Alaskan Way at the foot of Union Street. This large open space will

daily program activities, complement the new waterfront Great Wheel and

be redesigned as Union Street Pierraised to the level of the promenade and

provide a venue for a variety of cultural events including outdoor movies and live

oriented perpendicular to the adjacent piers. It will be a flexible, open and vibrant

performances. A new set of escalators and elevators on Union Street will connect

space with unobstructed views of the bay, used for a variety of activities from kids

pedestrians on First Avenue to the Union Street Pier. This destination is also the

play to programmed events and performances.

potential future home of a Seattle Aquarium Expansion.

Core Projects
8
SEATTLE
AQUARIUM

PIER 56

PIER 57

ALASKAN WAY

Tideline Promenade

Terrace Gardens

Union St. Improvements

Union St. Elevator/Escalator

Seattle Aquarium/ Future Expansion Area

Pier 57/ Great Wheel

PIKE PLACE
MARKET

POST ALLEY

PIKE ST.

UNION ST.

1:32

Union St. Pier Get-Down

WESTERN AVE.

Core Project Area

Seawall Project

PIKE PLACE
HILLCLIMB

Partner Project

The Cloud

Partner Projects

Long-term Project

0 60 120

240

Design Summary

UNION STREET PIER

MIST CLOUD

ART INSTALLATION

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

1:33

WATERFRONT PLACES

AQUARIUM PLAZA
The Seattle Aquarium occupies two piers on the waterfront. Through exhibits,
events, education and conservation, it brings the ecology of the Puget Sound to life
at the heart of Seattle. A plaza devoted to the Aquarium will occupy the large open
space between the piers and Alaskan Waycelebrating the Aquariums presence
on the bay and signaling its location to visitors on the waterfront. Filled with large
specimen trees, ample seating and display cases, the plaza will be an inviting
entry to the Aquarium.
The north edge of the plaza will be fronted by the Overlook Walk, with building
activities and cafe seating spilling out onto the plaza.
Core Projects
6
SEATTLE
AQUARIUM

3
2

Aquarium Plaza

Aquarium Entrance Area

Cafe Seating/ Building C Entry

Display Cases

Fix/Madore Plaza
Partner Projects

1
4

Seattle Aquarium/ Future Expansion Area

ALASKAN WAY

PIKE PLACE
HILLCLIMB

Core Project Area

Long-term Project

Seawall Project

1:34

PIKE ST.

Partner Project

0 40 80

160

Design Summary

DISPLAY CASES

SEATING AT THE AQUARIUM ENTRY

PLAZA AND CAFE

1:35

WATERFRONT PLACES

PIER 62/63
Pier 62/63 is well-known for its former life as a performance pier that brought

swimming pool will be docked at the pier, giving Seattleites an opportunity to swim

together people, music and sunsets over Elliott Bay. Now in need of structural

on the bay. The pool can also be covered and used as a stage for outdoor concerts

repair, Pier 62/63 will be a primary public space on the waterfront. The Piers

and performances at the pier.

design remains open and flexible to allow for a wide variety of activities and events
to take place but also includes amenities for active recreation on the waterfront,
such as a roller-skating rink, grandstand seating with south-facing views of the
port and bay, and a kayak launch. During the warm months of the year, a barge

Core Projects

2
4

7
1

ALA

SK A

Pier 62/63

Concession

Roller Skating Rink

Grandstand

Barge Pool

Habitat Floats

Kayak Launch

AY
NW

Core Project Area

Long-term Project
Partner Project
Seawall Project

1:36

0 40 80

160

Design Summary

GRANDSTAND AND VIEWS TO BAY

VIEWS TO CITY FROM PIER 62/63

BARGE POOL

ROLLER SKATING RINK

1:37

WATERFRONT PLACES

OVERLOOK WALK
A highlight of the new central waterfront will be the Overlook Walka series of

railroad; a new mixed-use building activating the Walk at all times of day; gardens

human-scaled connections that will invite people to Pike Place Market from the

offering quiet space to enjoy views of the bay; and amphitheater steps connecting

waterfront and Aquarium, provide dramatic and elevated views of the bay, and

to Pier 62/63 and the waterfront.

create a focal point for public life on the waterfront.

The Overlook Walk will host many activities and programs including: play slopes
offering families entertaining and active ways to traverse the steep topography
near Pike Place Market; a train overlook with views looking north toward the BNSF

Core Projects
ALA

SK A

AY
NW

7
6
ELLIOTT WAY

3
4

VICTOR
STEINBRUECK
PARK

Overlook Walk

Play Slopes

Overlook Gardens

Proposed Building

Bay Balcony

Overlook Deck

Amphitheater Steps

Stage

Fix/ Madore Plaza

Partner Projects

10

PC-1/ Pike Place Market PDA

10

Core Project Area

Long-term Project
Partner Project
Seawall Project

1:38

WES

TER

E.
N AV

PIKE PLACE
MARKET

0 40 80

160

Design Summary

OVERLOOK WALK

OVERLOOK GARDENS

PLAY SLOPES

AMPHITHEATER STEPS OVERLOOKING PIER 62/63

1:39

WATERFRONT PLACES

BELLTOWN BLUFF
The removal of the viaduct and construction of the new Elliott Way present an

Future projects in this area include a boardwalk along Bell Harbor, which would

opportunity to design a lively, safe and accessible connection between Belltown

widen the promenade to allow for generous seating and viewing of marine activity,

and the waterfront. Belltown Bluff is conceived as a series of small destinations

and the Belltown Balcony, a community-focused neighborhood destination at the

within a web of streets, stairs, elevators, bridges, overlooks and vegetation.

former Battery Street Tunnel site.

The bluff leverages the existing steep topography to overcome the barrier of the
BNSF railroad. The Belltown Bluff also includes a new open space created by the
decommissioning of the Battery Street Tunnel.

Core Projects
BELL HARBOR
CONFERENCE
CENTER

11
10

BELL HARBOR
ALA

BNS

AY
NW
SK A

F RA

AD

ILRO

V E.
TT A

LLIO

Elliott Way

Bluff Terraces

Blanchard Overlook

Blanchard Playground

Development Sites

Bell St. Improvements

Belltown Interim Improvements

Partner Projects

WES

TE

12
V E.
1ST A

Core Project Area

Lenora St. Bridge

Long-term Projects

Bell Harbor Boardwalk

10

Half-Mile Promenade

11

Pier Slip

12

Belltown Balcony

ST.

.
L ST

ARD

BEL

NCH

1:40

ST.

Seawall Project

ORA

Partner Project

BLA

Project
LEN

VICTOR
STEINBRUECK
Long-term
PARK

.
Y ST
TER

5
1

V E.
RN A

BAT

0 100 200

400

Design Summary

BLANCHARD OVERLOOK

LONG-TERM PROJECT BELL HARBOR BOARDWALK

1:41

WATERFRONT PLACES

THE NORTH END

Beyond Bell Harbor, the North End runs a half-mile along the waterfront,
connecting to the Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle-Edwards Park, and further Bay
Ring destinations. Visitors to this section of the waterfront will enjoy strolling,
biking, jogging and taking in views of the bay at the pier slips. At the intersection of
Alaskan Way and Broad Street, the promenade culminates at Lake-to-Bay Square,
where there may be kayaking and fishing along with an entrance to the parks and
the Elliott Bay Trail.

Long-term Projects

3
2
ALA

SK A

BNS

AY
NW

F RA

AD

ILRO

OLYMPIC
SCULPTURE
PARK

1
ELL

IOTT

.
AVE

ELLIO

Y TR
T BA

AIL

Half-Mile Promenade

Pier Slip

Lake-to-Bay Square

Vine Street Bridge

Connection to Elliott Bay Trail

Connection to Lake-to-Bay Trail

WES

TER

E.
N AV

Core Project Area

VICTOR
STEINBRUECK
Long-term
PARK

Project

AD S

BRO

V E.
1ST A

T.

T.

.
Y ST
CLA

AR S

CED

1:42

ST.

ST.

Seawall Project

VINE

L
WAL

Partner Project

0 100 200

400

Design Summary

LONG-TERM PROJECT HALF-MILE PROMENADE

LONG-TERM PROJECT LAKE-TO-BAY SQUARE

1:43

6. MOBILITY AND ACCESS

Mobility and access for the Central Waterfront begins with an essential premise

canopies, and wide enough to comfortably accommodate a diverse set of users.

that good design requires an equal emphasis on both place and function. That is,

In addition, generous sidewalks on both sides of Alaskan Way will provide a high

the waterfront must be a great place for all the people of the region and it must

quality pedestrian environment to support anticipated activities and uses.

function effectively for the movement of people and goods, and for the servicing of
the wide array of uses along the waterfront.

To connect the waterfront to the Center City, east-west connections will be

enhanced to encourage pedestrian use and activity. A major new feature will be

The mobility and access strategy seeks to connect the central waterfront

the Overlook Walk, a graceful path traversing the slope between the Pike Place

with people and places throughout the city and region using a wide range of

Market and the Aquarium. The Overlook Walk will provide spectacular viewpoints

transportation options. The waterfront will be easier to get to and to experience

of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, and will include diverse landscape,

along its full length.

play areas for children, and shops and cafes sited along the gently sloping, fully
accessible walk. Elevators and escalators will be incorporated into the Overlook

Alaskan Way will accommodate vehicular and freight traffic and provide needed

Walk to provide additional accessibility options.

areas for parking and loading. It will feature frequent and easy to use transit
service and include safe and functional bicycle facilities and strong pedestrian

Elevators and escalators will be provided at Union and Seneca Streets to greatly

connections. The needs of each mode of transportation will be balanced to create

improve connectivity between First Avenue and the waterfront. The Marion Street

a great urban place and experience for all to enjoy.

pedestrian bridge will be replaced with a wider, more attractive structure that will
provide an easy connection between Colman Dock and First Avenue.

Pedestrians
Creating a safe and inviting place for pedestrians is an essential goal of the central
waterfront design process.

While cars, freight, bicycles and other users are

important parts of the whole, the design starts with the needs of pedestrians, both
along the corridor and connecting to it. The pedestrian design for the waterfront
features a generously scaled promenade which will allow pedestrians to stroll
near the water or to find a tranquil spot to sit and enjoy the views. Alaskan Way
will be punctuated with pleasant, safe and convenient crossings at every east-west
street. Key east-west connections will be enhanced with elevators and escalators
to make it easier to enjoy waterfront and other downtown attractions in a single
trip, and to provide better connections to transit and parking.
The Promenade is envisioned as a pedestrian-scaled corridor along the water,
framed with tideline planting areas, generous seating and strategically located
1:44

VIEW OF ALASKAN WAY FROM OVERLOOK WALK

Design Summary

TYPICAL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

TIDELINE
PROMENADE

26-48

UNIVERSITY St

16

BIKE PATH
UNIVERSITY St

WEST SIDEWALK

10

PARKING/ LOADING

SOUTHBOUND
ALASKAN WAY

46-84
NORTHBOUND
ALASKAN WAY

PARKING/ LOADING
EAST SIDEWALK

16-25

PROPERTY LINE

10

20

40

1:45
0

10

30

MOBILITY AND ACCESS

BICYCLES

BIKE PATH TYPICAL SECTION

An important City goal is to increase the rate of cycling among residents; the
waterfront provides views, atmosphere and opportunities for activities that make
it a location that can appeal to casual recreational cyclists as well as faster
moving riders. To appeal to the broadest group of users which includes families
and people who currently arent comfortable biking in an urban environment it
is necessary to provide a design that includes some type of buffer, or separation
between the street and bike facility.
The central waterfront design includes dedicated north-south bike facilities that
will link seamlessly to the Citys broader bicycle network. The proposed bike
path will connect with the Elliott Bay Trail to the north and south, and provides
a buffered facility that can be enjoyed by a wide segment of riders. This may be
supplemented by the addition of sharrows or in-street bike lanes for the more
confident enthusiasts and commuters. Programs for bike sharing, rental, servicing
and parking will also be integrated into the waterfront design to increase interest
and opportunity for cycling along the waterfront.

2
BIKE RACKS AND RENTALS

20-60
ELLIOTT BA

1:46

BIKE PATH TYPICAL PLAN

0-36

16

10

23-

Design Summary

MOBILITY AND ACCESS

TRANSIT
The Waterfront Seattle project area will be easily accessible to people from all over

WATERFRONT TRANSIT FRAMEWORK

Seattle and the Puget Sound area using existing transit options and with planned transit
improvements by King County Metro and other agencies. Today, Third Avenue is a major
MERCER
WESTLAKE AVE N

will be frequent and easy to use, and easily accessible from the waterfront with the

A U RO R A

streetcar or trolley bus service on First Avenue. The new First Avenue transit service

1ST AVE

QUEEN ANNE

light rail connections. A key proposal of this mobility and access plan is the addition of

TERRY AVE N

transit spine, with both surface transit, and the downtown transit tunnel, for bus and

CE

NE
VI

ER

KA

IA
IN

VI

AV
E

PI

NE
PI

ER
VE
NA

will operate in the street and may be a streetcar, trolley bus or smaller transit vehicle.

Island

MA

DI

SO

MA

RI

ON
VE
DA

bridge

IT Y

3R

To Bain

RS

VE
HA
VE
HA
4T

ST

VE
DA

WE

2N

will run along Alaskan Way from the Sculpture Park to Pioneer Square. This transit

IO

VE
NI

5T

To provide convenient local access along the waterfront, frequent, easy to use transit

KE

UN

AY

IA
MB
LU
C O R RY
E
CH
S
ME
JA

To Bremerton

YESLER

To Vashon

This transit mode will focus on moving people along the waterfront; characteristics

To West Seattle

S. MAIN
S. JACKSON

could include high frequency operations, low floor vehicles, and a character distinctly

14TH AVE S

will access Downtown using Alaskan Way and either Columbia or Main Streets.

AS

AV
E

BROADWAY

AL

AR

1S

near First and Jackson. Frequent RapidRide buses serving West Seattle and Ballard

5T

RG

AV
E

EW

ST

Dock to First Hill and beyond, and the new First Hill streetcar line which will terminate

BE

3R

LL

BA
TT

OA

AY

BR

CL

serving the waterfront include the Madison rapid trolley bus route connecting Colman

AL

SCULPTURE
PARK

DA

DENNY

improved east-west pedestrian connections proposed. Other transit improvements

S. KING

of and for the waterfront in its design.

LIGHTRAIL
RAIL
LIGHT

Colman Dock is one of three important intermodal transit hubs in the downtown, serving

TRANSITTUNNEL
TUNNELSTATIONS
STATIONS
TRANSIT

over 4 million walk-on ferry passengers each year. Washington State Ferries plans to

BUSTRANSIT
TRANSITSPINE
SPINEAND
ANDPATHWAYS
PATHWAYS
BUS

replace much of the dock structure and the passenger terminal building between 2015
and 2020. Both the larger vehicle ferries and passenger-only ferries will continue

STADIUMS

MADISONSTREET
STREETHCT
HCTCORRIDOR
CORRIDOR
MADISON

to arrive and depart from Colman Dock. Safe, pleasant and convenient pedestrian

Light Rail
LIGHT RAIL

EXISTINGAND
ANDPLANNED
PLANNEDSTREETCAR
STREETCAR
EXISTING

access from Colman Dock to nearby transit service on First Avenue, Alaskan Way and

TRANSIT
TUNNEL
STATIONS
Transit
Tunnel
Stations

Madison, Marion and Columbia Streets is provided through new sidewalks, crosswalks
and a wider Marion Street pedestrian bridge. Passenger drop off, taxis and future

BUS TRANSIT SPINE AND PATHWAYS

Bus Transit Spine and Pathways
MADISON STREET HCT CORRIDOR

ALTERNATIVE
ALTERNATIVE
Alternative Center City Connector Corridors
CENTERCITY
CITYCONNECTOR
CONNECTORCORRIDORS
CORRIDORS
CENTER

bike share programs would be accommodated adjacent to the dock on the west side of

Madison
Street
CorridorSTREETCAR
EXISTING
ANDHCT
PLANNED

Alaskan Way.

ALTERNATIVE
Existing
and
Planned
StreetcarCORRIDORS Waterfront Connector
CENTER
CITY
CONNECTOR
SW TRANSIT PATHWAY OPTIONS
FREQUENT TROLLEY BUS ROUTES
WATERFRONT CONNECTOR

SWTRANSIT
TRANSIT
PATHWAY
OPTIONS
SW
PATHWAY
OPTIONS
Transit
Pathway
Options
FREQUENTTROLLEY
TROLLEYBUS
BUSROUTES
ROUTES
FREQUENT
Frequent Trolley Bus Routes
WATERFRONTCONNECTOR
CONNECTOR
WATERFRONT

1:47

MOBILITY AND ACCESS

STREET DESIGN
Alaskan Way and Elliott Way

Regional Traffic and Freight

The new Alaskan Way is configured to support multiple vehicular needs, including

The new Alaskan Way will serve as an important route for regional traffic and freight.

cars, regional transit, local circulator transit, freight, and more. The street

The corridor will provide a functional and reliable street connection from the SR99

changes in character from south to north, including two general purpose lanes in

stadium area ramps to Northwest Seattle as well as access to downtown from

each direction, with left turn pockets where required, and with added flex lanes

Southwest Seattle via the stadium ramps.

to support functions such as ferry queuing and transit priority routes in the section
Alaskan Way will also provide efficient access to and from the Colman Dock ferry

south of Columbia Street. The street is designed to function as a typical downtown

terminal while accommodating both through and local freight connections.

street with a 30 mph speed limit and signalized intersections for vehicles and/or
pedestrians at every block.

Local Access and Parking

A broad array of businesses and institutions line both sides of Alaskan Way, and all of

Along the length of the new Alaskan Way and Elliott Way there is great attention

these entities require vehicular access for deliveries, service and parking. The design

to the design details of crossings, sidewalks and bike paths to ensure that the

of the waterfront must accommodate all of these needs.

street functions well for all.

A
C

Ce

nS
t.

St.

wa
y
ler
Ye
s

S.W
as
hin

gto

ain
S.M

S.J
ac
ks
on

St.

St.
ng
S.K
i

t.

St.

St.

Segment D: Elliott Way Pike St. to Lenora St.

Segment B: Yesler Way to Spring St.

Segment E: Elliott Way Lenora St. to Bell St.

Parking Lane

Segment C: Spring St. to Pike St.

Pier Access and Loading

Flex Parking Lane

0.5 MILE

St.

S
Wall

t.
ery S
Batt

Bell

d
char

ia St

t.
ra S

Leno

Virgin

t.

art S
Stew

Pine St.

Pike St.

Union St.

Seneca St.

University St.

2nd Ave.
Spring St.

Madison St.

Marion St.

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

James St.

Segment A: S. King to Yesler Way

1:48

Blan

1st Ave.

Vine

Western Ave.

Design Summary

Vehicles must be able to access the piers from Alaskan Way. Vehicles will travel

A: SECTION AT S. MAIN

across a bike path, and through the promenade area to access their destination. This
connection will be carefully designed to balance the needs for function, safety and
aesthetics.
Access on the east side of Alaskan Way will be similar to other city arterials. Unlike
the west side, where the piers are considerably removed from the street, in this area,
building entrances are relatively close to the parking/loading lanes on the east side

B: SECTION AT COLUMBIA

of the new Alaskan Way.

Historically, people accessing the waterfront by car have either parked beneath the
Alaskan Way Viaduct, or parked in nearby parking lots and garages. With the removal
of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the parking below the central waterfront design
will employ a number of strategies to address this change in parking conditions.
Parking availability will remain an important factor for attracting and retaining busi-

C: SECTION AT UNIVERSITY

nesses along the waterfront, and ensuring visitors from throughout the region can
enjoy waterfront attractions.
The new Alaskan Way will include short-term on-street parking, passenger loading
zones and truck loading zones on each block. However, while parking along the new
Alaskan Way will be convenient for waterfront businesses and activities, there will be
fewer spaces than previously available under the viaduct. To mitigate this reduction

E: SECTION AT VIRGINIA

and accommodate the anticipated increase in the number of people experiencing the
waterfront, additional strategies are being explored in conjunction with the mitigation of parking impacts associated with the construction of the tunnel by WSDOT. Key
strategies include:

partnering with private developers to build a mixed use project that includes new
short term parking

better utilization of existing parking near the waterfront using real time informa-

E: SECTION AT LENORA

BIKE
SHARROW

tion (signs showing parking availability, smart phone apps)

revising on-street parking policies to optimize parking occupancy and turnover

partnering with private parking facilities to provide more short-term parking for
waterfront visitors

BIKE
SHARROW

1:49

FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES

7. URBAN FRONTAGES
The quality of the public realm on the waterfront will depend on the development
of city owned properties within the project limits as well as on the development
of privately-owned properties in the project vicinity. With few opportunities for
private development within the project area itself, the urban development strategy
focuses on ensuring that future development in adjacent areas will complement
and reinforce the changed conditions planned for the waterfront.
Preliminary guidance for the development of the East Frontage area between
Alaskan Way and Western Avenue has been provided, building on the Citys
existing design guidelines for downtown development. This work will assist with
possible changes to downtown land use regulations and further development of
guidelines addressing architectural massing and expression, historic character,
streetscape, public amenities, and vehicular access and parking, which will be
used in the review of future projects by the Downtown Design Review Board and
Special Review District Boards.

1:50

Design Summary

FRONTAGE AT SENECA STREET AND ALASKAN WAY

PRECEDENT SIDEWALK CAFES

SECTORS

WAREHOUSE

FRONTAGE AT YESLER WAY AND ALASKAN WAY

PRECEDENT URBAN FRONTAGES, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

1:51

FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES

SUSTAINABILITY
The City of Seattle Guiding Principles commits this project to putting the shoreline
and innovative, sustainable design at the forefront. The goals are to bring people
to the waters edge to experience the water and ecology of Elliott Bay, to improve
shoreline ecology while preserving and enhancing maritime activities, and to
reflect Seattles commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The waterfront is particularly interesting from a local environmental perspective.
It is located within a region of transition between two ecological communities,
the aquatic communities of Elliott Bay and the upland communities in the urban
neighborhoods abutting the waterfront. Both ecosystems have suffered decades
of pollution and degradation, and are in great need of some repair. This framework
plan focuses on identifying opportunities for enhancing ecological communities
on the waterfront and improving the connections between them.
The primary components of the urban upland habitat are trees and pocket parks.
The establishment of strategic upland habitat corridors, stretching from the
aquatic regions to the upland and connecting existing and proposed habitats, will
ensure the integration of the Central Waterfront with the existing urban open
space network and its contribution to the creation of a more sustainable upland
urban ecosystem.

Upland Habitat
Riparian Habitat
Intertidal Habitat
Aquatic Habitat

1:52

Design Summary

trees

NESTS IN THE T
REE CA
NOPY
>

>
tree
roots

tree nuts

<S
T
TH A BIL I Z
ES
EG
RO U N D

SH
FI
E
IN
AR
M

PR
EY
S

osprey

slopes

RU
IT

foragers

<

juvenile
salmon

HE
ST
T
EA

marine fish

< FE
D
MAE
RINSEON
HABIT
AT

Aquatic Zone

invertebrates

HE
S IN T
< HIDGEETATION
VE

Inter-tidal Zone

Riparian Zone

Upland Zone

1:53

FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES

ART
The art plan considers the history of the site as a working waterfront, the physical

The Central Seattle Waterfront has long been a site of industry, exploration, and

conditions of its location along the shores of Elliott Bay, and its role as part of

exchange. The incorporation of art will in turn encourage activity, production,

Seattles evolving urban and cultural landscape. As part of the larger Elliott

and engagement, contributing to the development of new narratives about and

Bay waterfront, the central waterfront is a connector that links old and new,

encounters with the waterfront. As the design of the new waterfront is realized,

organic and man-made, and the physical with the poetic. A site of great economic,

art and culture will add layers of complexity, stimulation, and argumentation.

geological, ecological, and cultural complexity, the waterfront can serve as a rich
resource and site for art and cultural expression.

The plan outlines a vision that allows design and art to work together to reveal
and develop the unique character and identity of this site. While the Design drafts

The central goal of the design is to reconnect the city with its waterfront, offering

strategies for reconnecting downtown Seattle to Elliott Bay physically, the Art Plan

the Bay Ring as a new center of the city and region. The Art Plan will extend these

develops a program that will engage artists and the public in reconnecting Seattle

links beyond the shoreline limit and beyond the physical, creating new cultural

to Elliott Bay culturally. The Art Plan considers Waterfront Seattle not strictly

connections between the city and the rest of the world.

a design project or redevelopment, but as a process by which the city will be

A CONSTELLATION OF SITES FOR ART

+

to Se
attle

Broa

d St

+
+

Western Ave.

St
ain
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St.

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rw
ay

t.
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S.W
as

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ain

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on

S.K

S.J

St.

d St.
Broa

Clay

St.

St.

0.5 MILE

St.

Vine

t.

S
Wall

St.

d St.
char

ia
Virgin

t.

art S
Stew

Pine St.

Pike St.

Union St.

University St.

t.
ra S
Leno

Blan

t.
ery S
Batt

Bell

University St
Seneca St.

Spring St.

Madison St.

Marion St.

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

James St.

1:54

3rd Ave.

r
Ceda

Post Alley
1st Ave.

2nd Ave.

ter
Cen

Design Summary

transformed over time, bringing together the sites history, its present condition,
and its future identity. This vision for art on the waterfront, like the sites future,
must extend long after the last brick has been laid and construction for the new
waterfront has been completed.
THE 3600 CITY

A CONSTELLATION OF ART

1:55

FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES

IMPLEMENTATION
Port of Seattle

El

lio

tt B

ay

Tr
a

il

Colman Dock
Ferry Terminal

RAILROAD WAY

Argosy
Tours

Century Link
Field
ALASKAN WAY

WESTERN AVE.

Occidental
Park
Harbor
Steps

1ST AVE.

King
Street
Station

S.A.M.
2 AVE.

Seawall Project
Partner Projects

1:56

Benaroya
Hall

UNIVERSITY ST.

SENECA ST.

SPRING ST.

MADISON ST.

MARION ST.

COLUMBIA ST.

CHERRY ST.

ER
SL

NG
HI

YE

TO

WA
Y

ST
.

ST
.
IN
MA

WA
S

JA

S.

S.

Long-Term Projects

S.

Core Projects

CK

SO

ST
.

ND

Design Summary

El li

AL A

Olympic
Sculpture
Park

NW

IOT

T AV

E.

AD S

ELL

AY

r ail

ay T

BRO

Bell Harbor

SK A

ott B

T.

Great
Wheel

WES

Seattle
Aquarium

TER

E.
N AV

VE.
T
1S A
ELL

IOT T

WAY

S T.

S T.

S T.

.
T ST

PINE ST.

ARD

OR A

INI A

WA R

PIKE ST.

T.

S T.

NCH

LEN

V IRG

STE

UNION ST.

.
Y ST
CL A

AR S

V INE

BL A

.
L ST

.
Y ST

BEL

TER

S T.

B AT

Pike
Place
Market

L
WA L

Pike St.
Hillclimb

CED

VE.
D
2N A

Victor
Steinbrueck
Park

0.25 MILE
1:57