As we finish up the decade as the fastest-growing large city in the US, the question is what will be the next neighborhood to develop? The last ten years witnessed a development boom in what became South Lake Union and as we look forward, we see this becoming the South Downtown area including the Pioneer Square waterfront, the International District and the new Stadium District.
The City of Seattle is rebuilding Seattle’s central waterfront. This effort, called Waterfront Seattle, is a $724M, multi-year investment between now and 2024. It is led by the City of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects. The new Seattle waterfront, the new cruise ship terminal and planned residential renaissance at Pier 46 and the Stadium District will be the most significant change to the city in the next decade.
Here are just a few of the 12 projects Waterfront Seattle will include.
Alaskan Way
Waterfront Seattle will rebuild Alaskan Way from S King to Pike streets, and build a new street, known as Elliott Way, from Pike to Bell streets. The new surface street will span a total of 17 blocks from Pioneer Square to Belltown, with two lanes of traffic in either direction for the majority of the street. The project will also rebuild Columbia St between 1st Ave and Alaskan Way to improve sidewalks and incorporate dedicated transit lanes, as well as rebuilding Seneca St between Western Ave and Alaskan Way with new parking, landscaping and lighting.
Photo courtesy of City of Seattle
Overlook Walk
The Overlook Walk will create an elevated public park and connection between the waterfront to Seattle's urban core. People can walk on the elevated pathway from Pike Place Market to the waterfront without ever crossing the new Alaskan Way. Overlook Walk will have expansive views of Elliott Bay, informal play areas, new public plazas and landscaping.
Photo courtesy of City of Seattle
Pioneer Square
Improvements will be designed and constructed on portions of Main, Washington and King streets and Yesler Way between Alaskan Way and 2nd Avenue S, to prioritize pedestrians, improve sidewalks and increase greenery on these east-west streets. The Washington Street Boat Landing and Beach will restore access to the waterfront for Pioneer Square and the South Downtown community. The landmark pergola structure has been a piece of Seattle's waterfront since the early 20th century, and with its recent restoration, it once again serves as a symbolic gateway to the city from the Puget Sound.
Photo courtesy of City of Seattle
Park Promenade & Bike Path
The park promenade will be the core of the new waterfront — providing a new linear park from Pioneer Square to the Seattle Aquarium and improving access to Colman Dock and all the activities on the waterfront. A new two-way bike path will serve commuters, visitors and families. The bike path will have raised buffers on both sides to separate people biking from people walking and driving, and it will include accessible traffic signals at pedestrian crossings to ensure a safe experience for all.
Photo courtesy of City of Seattle