DESIGN SUMMARY

CONCEPT DESIGN AND FRAMEWORK PLAN

FOR SEATTLE’S CENTRAL WATERFRONT
DESIGN SUMMARY
CONCEPT DESIGN AND FRAMEWORK PLAN
FOR SEATTLE’S CENTRAL WATERFRONT

Prepared for:
The City of Seattle,
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 is commissioned by the City of Seattle
Department of Transportation (SDOT), working in close collaboration with the Seattle Department of Planning
and Development and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.

City of Seattle Mayor’s Office of Arts + Cultural Affairs Stakeholders Group

Mike McGinn, Mayor Ruri Yampolsky, Director of Public Art Program Pike Place Market
Sally Clark, City Council President Washington State Ferries
Sally Bagshaw, City Council Central Waterfront Committee Port of Seattle
Tim Burgess, City Council Executive Committee Downtown Seattle Association
Richard Conlin, City Council Charley Royer, co-chair Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jean Godden, City Council Maggie Walker, co-chair Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Harrell, City Council Carol Binder Public Facilities District
Nick Licata, City Council Bob Davidson Waterfront property owners and tenants
Mike O’Brien, City Council David Freiboth Seattle Parks Foundation
Tom Rasmussen, City Council Patrick Gordon Seattle Aquarium
Gerry Johnson Individuals representing the following interests:
Seattle Department of Transportation Ed Medeiros Freight
Peter Hahn, Director John Nesholm Environmental issues
Goran Sparrman, Deputy Director Mark Reddington Labor
Bob Chandler, Assistant Director for Strategic Projects Urban design
John Layzer, Major Projects Director Design Oversight Sub-Committee Parks and open space
Hannah McIntosh, Waterfront Program Coordinator Patrick Gordon, co-chair Public art
Steve Pearce, Waterfront Seattle Project Manager Mark Reddington, co-chair Cycling
Mike Johnson, Waterfront Seattle Technical Lead Bob Donegan Pedestrian mobility
Cary Moon Historic preservation
Seattle Department of Planning and Development Vlad Oustimovitch Representatives from following
Diane Sugimura, Director Brian Steinburg neighborhoods:
Marshall Foster, City Planning Director Martha Wyckoff Pioneer Square
Dennis Meier, Urban Designer Rebecca Barnes, Advisor Belltown
Liz Dunn, Advisor Waterfront
Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation Jeff Hou, Advisor West Edge
Christopher Williams, Acting Superintendent Jon Houghton, Advisor Queen Anne
Nathan Torgelson, Policy and Development Manager Chris Rogers, Advisor West Seattle
David Graves, Senior Planner Ballard
Magnolia

1:4
 Design Summary

CONTENTS
BOOK 1 1. Introduction 6
DESIGN SUMMARY 2. Guiding Principles 7
3. Public Engagement and Program Development 8
BOOK 2 4. Three Concepts at Three Scales 12
The City Scale
FRAMEWORK PL AN
The Urban Scale
The Waterfront Scale
BOOK 3 Long-term Vision
CONCEPT DESIGN 5. Core Projects 20
Continuous Elements and Roadway
BOOK 4 Destinations:
Pioneer Square Beach and Festival Pier
ART PL AN
Colman Dock
Historic Pier Walk
BOOK 5 Union Street Pier
APPENDICES Aquarium Plaza
Pier 62/63
Overlook Walk
Belltown Bluff
6. Access and Mobility 44
Pedestrians
Bicycles
Transit
Street Design
Regional Traffic and Freight
Local Freight and Access
Parking and Loading
7. Framework Strategies 50
Urban Frontages
Sustainability
Art
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, all dated July, 2012. This is not a legal or binding document, but a
summary of conceptual ideas for Seattle’s new waterfront. Developed by the
The removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall Waterfront Seattle planning and design team, the ideas are based on a detailed
present a tremendous opportunity to re-imagine Seattle’s central waterfront and planning-level analysis of the site, as well as on an extensive outreach effort that
reconnect it to the rest of the city, while respecting its local icons and history as engaged civic groups, property owners, stakeholders and the relevant city, state
a working waterfront. and federal agencies.

Port of Seattle
Elliott Bay

Olympic Sculpture Park

Bell Harbor

Seattle Aquarium
Colman Dock

Century Link Field WATERFRONT SEATTLE

Pike Place Market

King St. Station

S.A.M.

Benaroya Hall

1:6
 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 leadership–from 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 water’s 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 Seattle’s 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 Seattle’s 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
At the core of Waterfront Seattle, is perhaps its most critical guiding principle PUBLIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
– creating a Waterfront for All. Toward this mission, an innovative new level of
civic outreach engagement has happened in tandem with waterfront planning
and design. From community-based “pop-up” activities that draw new attention
to the waterfront, to interactive workshops that let the community guide the
conversation, Seattle’s voice has been and will continue to be infused into the
future waterfront. Not only has public input directly influenced the evolution of the
conceptual design, but outreach efforts have reinvigorated community interest in
our waterfront as a place to relax, play and experience the city.

Outreach highlights during conceptual design include:

• Small events to bring people to the waterfront including temporary art
installations, new yellow chairs on the public piers, theatrical performances,
and photo booths.
• Connecting new audiences via social media and other web-based activities.
• Partnerships with more than 60 local and community organizations. Interactive Exhibit at Public Events

• Outreach to traditionally underrepresented populations, including an Oral

History project to engage senior citizens.
• Four large-scale public meetings with approximately 1,000 attendees each, in
February, May and October of 2011, and July
• 2012.
• Five community forums in the winter of 2012, with more than 750 total
attendees, on topics including mobility and access, habitat, the culture and
uniqueness of Seattle.
• Educational and input-gathering briefings to a variety of groups throughout
the city.

Summer 2012 and beyond will continue to draw new audiences to the waterfront,
engage the broader community and build partnerships with community
organizations and leaders to maximize engagement in this incredible opportunity
for our city. Public Meeting at Bell Harbor Conference Center

1:8
 Design Summary

SOLICITING AND GATHERING INPUT MOBILIZING INTEREST

Communication via Social Media Yellow Chairs at Pier 62/63

Collecting public ideas and feedback Interactive Exhibit 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
Elliott
Bay
Trail
Elliott
Bay
Trail
South
Tunnel Myrtle-Edwards
Portal Park
+ Olympic
Sculpture Park

Broad
Street
Belltown
Stadium
District

Western Ave.

Broa
Clay

d St.
Ceda

St.
1st Ave.

Vine

r St.
Wall

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2nd Ave.

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ac

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ain

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St.
Stew
gto

Cherry St.

Columbia St.

Marion St.

Madison St.

Spring St.

Seneca St.

University St.

Union St.

Pike St.

Pine St.
James St.

t.
wa

ia St.
hin

Strolling and
art S
ler
as

s
S.W

Jogging
Ye

t.

Driving and Parking

Biking
0.5 MILE
1:10
 Design Summary

RAILROAD WAY + PIONEER COLMAN DOCK HISTORIC PIER UNION ST. PIER + PIER OVERLOOK BELLTOWN
STADIUM PLAZA SQUARE TRANSIT WALK AQUARIUM PLAZA 62/63 WALK BLUFF
Eating Sitting Ferrying Eating Festival Rollerskating Views to the Bay Views to the Bay
Street Festival Jogging Commuting Dining Concert Sunning Children’s Play Community Events
Game Day Fishing Touring Shopping Eating Concerts Climbing Urban Agriculture
Boating Shopping Strolling Event Ice Skating Sliding
Sunning Viewing Boating Water Fountain Swimming Events
Touch the Water Exhibiting Touring Display Events Shopping
Market Market
ACTIVITIES AND EVENT PROGRAM Views to the Bay

Olympic
Cruise Ship Sculpture
Terminal Park
Pier 48
Stadium
Plaza Tideline Colman Pier 62/63
Promenade Dock Bell
Seattle Harbor
Aquarium
Historic Piers Ferris Wheel Bell St.
Century Bridge
Link Field Firehouse
Slip

Lenora St.
Bridge Belltown Balcony

Pike Place Victor Bell St.

Western Ave. Hillclimb Steinbrueck Park
Pike Place Seattle
Park
Columbia St. Marion St. Seneca Market Center

Broa
Occidental Transit Bridge Walk Harbor
Elevator/

Clay
Park Plaza Steps

d St.
Escalator

Ceda

St.
King St. Pioneer 1st Ave.

Vine
Station Square

r St.
Escalator/

Wall
Elevator SAM

St.
Batt
St.

S
2nd Ave.

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Bell
t.
S.K

Benaroya
nS

Blan

St.

t.
Hall
o
ks

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ac

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char
ain

3rd Ave.
S.J

S.M

t.

Virgin

d St.
nS

ra S
Stew
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Cherry St.

Columbia St.

Marion St.

Madison St.

Spring St.

Seneca St.

University St.

Union St.

Pike St.

Pine St.
James St.

t.
wa

ia St.
hin

art S
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as

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S.W

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t.

Destinations
Transit Routes 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 ELLIOTT SEATTLE

BAY

1 MILE

1:12
 Design Summary

2. THE CENTER CITY SCALE 3. THE WATERFRONT SCALE

ELLIOTT BAY SEATTLE ELLIOTT BAY SEATTLE

1 MILE 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 Seattle’s
Elliott Bay waterfront. Echoing Olmsted’s 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.

OLMSTED’S GREEN RING DESTINATIONS AROUND ELLIOTT BAY THE BAY RING
ROG RK

WORKS
DAVI S

PARK
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1:14
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1 MILE
1:15
Design Summary
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 Seattle’s front porch on the bay.
Bluff, and the North End.

1:16
 Design Summary

QUEEN ANNE

C L OA D
BR

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AR
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ST
Y
WA
IVE
OL
THE NORTH END PI
NE

KE
PI
THE BELLTOWN BLUFF IO
N
IT Y
UN RS
VE
NI
U CA
NE
SE
BELL HARBOR SP
RI
NG
N
SO
DI
MA I ON
AR IA
M MB
THE AQUARIUM + MARKET CO
LU
Y
E RR
CH S
ME N
JA SO
F ER
EF
HISTORIC PIERS J

COLMAN DOCK
YESLER WAY

S. WASHINGTON

PIONEER SQUARE S. MAIN

ELLIOTT BAY 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 Olympic

Terminal The North End Sculpture
Pier 48
Festival Pier Park
Bell
Harbor
Colman Pier 62/63
Dock Pier 62/63
Seattle
Historic Piers Aquarium
Railroad Way Bell Harbor Boardwalk
Ferry Fold
Century
Link Field Pioneer Square Beach Union St Pier Belltown Bluff

Colman Gallery Aquarium Plaza Overlook Walk Belltown Balcony

Historic Pier Walk
Victor
Western Ave. Pike Place Steinbrueck Seattle
Occidental Market Park Center

Broa
Park Harbor

Clay
Steps

d
Ceda

St.
King St.

St.
1st Ave.

Vine
Station Pioneer

r St.
Wall
Square SAM

St.
Batt
St.

S
2nd Ave.

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S.K

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on

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3rd Ave.
S.J

S.M

t.

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ra S
ton

St.
New Destination Stew
ay

Cherry St.

Columbia St.

Marion St.

Madison St.

Spring St.

Seneca St.

University St.

Union St.

Pike St.

Pine St.
James St.

t.
ing

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rw
h

art S
as

Existing Destination
sle
S.W

Ye

t.

Transit Routes
Waterfront Public Realm
Bike Path
Alaskan Way and Elliott Way
0.5 MILE
1:18
 Design Summary

A LONG-TERM VISION FOR SEATTLE’S WATERFRONT

Together, the three scales create the Framework Plan, a long term vision for
Seattle’s 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.

.
AV E
IO T T
ELL

E.
N AV
TER
RAILROAD WAY WES

VE .
1S A
T

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COLUMBIA ST.

MARION ST.

MADISON ST.

SPRING ST.

SENECA ST.

UNIVERSITY ST.

UNION ST.

PIKE ST.

PINE ST.
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0.5 MILE
1:19
5. THE CORE PROJECTS

Port of Seattle

El
lio
tt B
ay
Tr
a il
Railroad
Way

Colman Dock
Ferry Terminal
AL
AS Washington
KA
N
WA St. Boat
Y Landing
Seawall
Beach Marion St.
Colman Retail Pedestrian
S. Main St. Gallery Bridge Tideline
Century Link Improvements Promenade
Field
1 ST
AV ALASKAN WAY
E .S
.
S. Washington St.
Improvements Columbia St.
Transit
OC
CI
DE WESTERN AVE.
NT
AL
AV
E .S
.
Occidental
Park
.
ST
NG
KI
S.

1ST AVE.
.
ST
N
.
ST

TO

JAMES ST.

CHERRY ST.

COLUMBIA ST.
Y

MARION ST.

MADISON ST.

SPRING ST.
NG
ON

WA
.
ST

King
HI
KS

ER
IN

Street
C

WA
MA

SL
JA

Station
YE
S.

S.

S.

2ND AVE.

1:20
 Design Summary

ELLIOTT BAY

Bell Harbor
r ail
Roof ay T
ott B
El li
Bell Harbor

Barge Bell St. Bridge

.
Pool AVE
Seattle IOTT
ELL
Ferris Aquarium
Wheel Pier 62/63 Bell St.
Improvements
Blanchard St.
Overlook
Argosy
Tours Union St. Lenora St.
Pier Bridge Development Belltown
Site Interim
Aquarium Blanchard Improvements
Pier Square
Slips Plaza
WAY
IOTT
ELL
Overlook
Walk

BAT
Victor

TER
Steinbrueck
Seneca St.

Y ST
Park
Walk

BEL

.
Pike St.

L ST
Hillclimb
Union St.

.
E.
N AV
TER

BLA
Escalator + WES
Elevator

NCH
Seneca St.
Escalator+ Pike

ARD
Elevator Place

LEN

ST.
Market

ORA
Harbor
Steps

ST.
VIRG

V E.
1ST A
INIA
ST.
STE
SENECA ST.

UNIVERSITY ST.

UNION ST.

PIKE ST.

PINE ST.

WAR

Core Projects
T
ST.

S.A.M. Existing Destinations

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
open up space for the new waterfront promenade. The new waterfront promenade
will link Pioneer Square to Olympic Sculpture Park and provide opportunities for
sitting, strolling, jogging, bicycling, and viewing the bay.

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.
TIDELINE PROMENADE

1:22
 Design Summary

TYPICAL SECTION AT THE STREET AND PROMENADE

20-60’ 0-36’ 16’ 9’ 10’ 23’-34’ 0-25’ 23’-44’ 8’ 16-20’ 0-14’

PROPERTY LINE
ELLIOTT BAY

PROMENADE PROMENADE PARKING/ MEDIAN / PARKING/ BUILDING

BIKE PATH
PLANTING LOADING TURNING LANE LOADING FRONTAGE ZONE
RAILING LIGHT-PENETRATING SEAWALL WEST SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND EAST
SURFACE SIDEWALK ALASKAN WAY ALASKAN WAY SIDEWALK

0’ 10’ 20’ 40’

1:23
THE CORE PROJECTS

WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS
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.

Olympic
Sculpture
Cruise Ship Park
Pier 48 Terminal

Pier 62/63 Bell

Pier 62/63 Harbor
Colman Seattle
Railroad Way Historic Piers Aquarium
Dock
Century
Link Field

Seawall Beach Union St Pier Belltown Bluff

Aquarium Plaza Overlook Walk Belltown Balcony

Colman Gallery Historic Pier Walk
Victor
Western Ave. Pike Place Steinbrueck Seattle
Occidental Market Park Center

Broa
Park Harbor

Clay
Steps

d St.
Ceda

St.
King St. 1st Ave.

Vine
Station Pioneer

r St.
Wall
Square SAM

St.
Batt
St.

S
2nd Ave.

t.
ing

ery S
Bell
St.
S.K

Benaroya
on

Blan

t.
Hall

t.
ks

St.
ac

Leno

char
ain

3rd Ave.
S.J

S.M

St.

Virgin

d St.
ra S
n

Stew
gto

Cherry St.

Columbia St.

Marion St.

Madison St.

Spring St.

Seneca St.

University St.

Union St.

Pike St.

Pine St.
James St.

t.
wa

ia St.
hin

Transit Routes
art S
ler
as

s
S.W

Ye

t.

Waterfront Public Realm

Bike Path Waterfront Destination

Alaskan Way and Elliott Way Existing Destination

0.5 MILE
1:24
 Design Summary

UNION STREET PIER

1:25
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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 pier’s 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
1 Seawall Beach
PORT OF
SEATTLE
11 2 Washington St. Boat Landing
TO
EL
LIO
TT
BA
Y
3 Tideline Promenade
8 4 Railroad Way
PIER 48
5 4
12
5 Stadium Plaza
10
RAILROAD WAY
AL
AS
KA
6 South Main St. Improvements
N
WA
Y
9 7 South Washington St. Improvements
8 Connection to Elliott Bay Trail

3 Future Projects
1 ST
AV 2 1
E .S
.
9 Extended Pioneer Square Beach
CENTURY LINK
FIELD 10 Festival Pier

OC 6 7 11 Amphitheater
CI
DE
NT
AL 12 Jackson Landing
.

AV
ST

E .S
N
.

.
ST

TO

Y
NG
ON

WA
.
.

ST
ST

HI
KS

ER
IN
NG

S
C

0’ 120’ 240’ 480’ 960’

WA
MA

SL
JA
KI

YE
S.

S.

S.

S.

1:26
 Design Summary

SEAWALL BEACH AND BOARDWALK FUTURE PROJECT CONCERTS AT THE AMPHITHEATER

FUTURE PROJECT PIER DISCOVERY WALK FUTURE PROJECT EXTENDED PIONEER SQUARE BEACH

1:27
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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 could potentially move to a
original design. Colman Gallery, a transit plaza and gateway to the Ferry Terminal, new slip, between Colman Dock and the waterfront Firehouse.
will be filled with generous seating, canopies for weather protection and bicycle
parking for the Colman Dock’s shoppers and commuters.

Core Projects

9
1 Colman Gallery
2 Marion St. Bridge
7
3 Canopy Shelters

12
4 Columbia Street Improvements
COLMAN DOCK 9 5 Transit/ Access to Marion St. Bridge
FERRY TERMINAL
WATERFRONT
FIREHOUSE 6 Bike Path
11 10
Partner Projects
1 2 3
6 7 Colman Dock/ Colman Dock Ferry Terminal
ALASKAN WAY
8 Colman Dock/Extended Marion St. Bridge
5
9 Colman Dock/Passenger-Only Ferries
10 Colman Dock/ Firehouse Slip
4
8 WESTERN AVE. 11 Colman Dock/Retail
12 Colman Dock/Ferry Deck and Open Space
POST ALLEY
COLUMBIA ST.

MADISON ST.
Y

MARION ST.
WA
ER
SL

0’ 125’ 250’ 500’ 1000’

YE

1:28
 Design Summary

COLMAN GALLERY AND RETAIL FRONTAGE

FUTURE PROJECT COLMAN DOCK FERRY DECK

1:29
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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
1 Tideline Promenade
9 8
2 Bike Path
3 Argosy Slip Improvement
ARGOSY 4 Terrace Gardens
PIER 54 PIER 55 TOURS PIER 56 PIER 57

5 Seneca St. Improvements

7 3 7 6 Seneca St. Elevator/Escalator

1
4 Seawall and Partner Projects
2

ALASKAN WAY 7 Historic Piers/ Pier Slips

8 Historic Piers/ Ferris Wheel

5
9 Historic Piers/ Pier Walk
WESTERN AVE.

HARBOR
STEPS

POST ALLEY 6
UNIVERSITY ST.
MADISON ST.

SENECA ST.
SPRING ST.

UNION ST.

0’ 125’ 250’ 500’ 1000’

1:30
 Design Summary

TIDELINE PROMENADE GARDEN TERRACES

PIER SLIP PARTNER PROJECT PIER WALK

1:31
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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 water’s 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 ferris wheel and
be redesigned as Union Street Pier—raised 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 1 The Cloud
SEATTLE 2 Union St. Pier Get-Down
AQUARIUM

7 3 Tideline Promenade
4 Terrace Gardens
PIER 56 PIER 57 2 5 Union St. Improvements
1 6 Union St. Elevator/Escalator
Partner Projects
3
4 7 Seattle Aquarium/ Future Expansion Area

8 Ferris Wheel
ALASKAN WAY

PIKE PLACE
5 HILLCLIMB

HARBOR 6 WESTERN AVE.

STEPS
PIKE PLACE
MARKET
6
UNIVERSITY ST.

UNION ST.

PIKE ST.

POST ALLEY 0’ 150’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

1:32
 Design Summary

WATER PLAY MIST CLOUD

ART INSTALLATION HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

1:33
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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 Way—celebrating the Aquarium’s presence
on the bay and signaling it’s 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
1 Aquarium Plaza
6 2 Aquarium Entrance Area
3 Cafe Seating/ Building “C” Entry
4 Display Cases
SEATTLE
AQUARIUM
5 Fix/Madore Plaza
4 Partner Projects
3
6 Seattle Aquarium/ Future Expansion Area
2 1

ALASKAN WAY

5
PIKE PLACE
HILLCLIMB
PIKE ST.

WESTERN AVE. 0’ 150’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

1:34
 Design Summary

DISPLAY CASES

SEATING AT THE AQUARIUM ENTRY PLAZA AND CAFE

1:35
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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 Pier’s 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
1 Pier 62/63
2 Concession
3 Roller Skating Rink
4 Grandstand
5 3 5 Barge Pool
6 Habitat Floats
2
7 Kayak Launch
7 NW
AY
4 ALA
SK A
1
6

WAY
IOTT
ELL

0’ 150’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

1:36
 Design Summary

GRANDSTAND AND VIEWS TO BAY VIEWS TO CITY FROM PIER 62/63

BARGE POOL ROLLER SKATING RINK

1:37
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

OVERLOOK WALK
A highlight of the new central waterfront will be the Overlook Walk—a 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

NW
AY 1 Overlook Walk
SK A
ALA
2 Train Overlook
8
3 Overlook Gardens
4 Proposed Building
7
5 Bay Balcony
6
6 Overlook Deck
ELLIOTT WAY
7 Amphitheater Steps
5 3
8 Stage
4
2 9 Fix/ Madore Plaza
9 1
VICTOR Partner Projects
STEINBRUECK
PARK
10 PC-1/ Pike Place Market PDA
10

E.
N AV
TER
WES PIKE PLACE
MARKET

0’ 150’ 300’ 450’ 1200’

1:38
 Design Summary

OVERLOOK WALK OVERLOOK WALK GARDENS

PLAY SLOPES AMPHITHEATER STEPS OVERLOOKING PIER 62/63

1:39
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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
1 Elliott Way
CONFERENCE
CENTER
2 Bluff Terraces
11
3 Blanchard Overlook
10 4 Blanchard Playground

ILRO
AD 5 Development Sites
F RA
BELL HARBOR WAY BNS
K AN
ALA
S
6 Bell St. Improvements
E.
9 T AV
EL LIOT 7 Belltown Interim Improvements
Partner Projects
3 6 8 Lenora St. Bridge
8 2 V E.
TE RN A Future Projects
BAT

WES
5
TER

4 9 Bell Harbor Boardwalk

Y ST

7
1
.

12 10 Half-Mile Promenade

V E.
11 Pier Slip
1ST A
VICTOR
STEINBRUECK
12 Belltown Balcony
BLA

PARK
NCH
LEN

BEL
ARD
ORA

L ST

0’ 100’ 200’ 400’ 800’

ST.

ST.

1:40
 Design Summary

BLANCHARD OVERLOOK

FUTURE PROJECT BELL HARBOR BOARDWALK

1:41
WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

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.

Future Projects

1 Half-Mile Promenade
BELL HARBOR 2 Pier Slip
AIL
Y TR
ELLIO
T T BA 3 Lake-to-Bay Square
5
3
BELL HARBOR 4 Vine Street Bridge
2 5 Connection to Elliott Bay Trail
WAY
S K AN
ALA
ILRO
AD 6 Connection to Lake-to-Bay Trail
F RA OLYMPIC
2 BNS
SCULPTURE
PARK
1
.
AVE
IOTT
ELL

4
6

E.
N AV
TER
WES

V E.
1ST A
BRO
CED
WAL

CLA
VINE

AD S
AR S

Y ST
L

0’ 100’ 200’ 400’ 800’

ST.
ST.

T.
T.

1:42
 Design Summary

FUTURE PROJECT HALF-MILE PROMENADE

FUTURE PROJECT LAKE-TO-BAY SQAURE

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 y 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 1st 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 easy connections between Colman Dock and First Avenue.
Pedestrians
Creating a safe and inviting place for pedestrians is an essential goal of the central PROMENADE
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
 Design Summary

TYPICAL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

26’-48’ TIDELINE
PROMENADE

UNIVERSITY St

16’ BIKE PATH

UNIVERSITY St

8’ WEST SIDEWALK

10’ PARKING/ LOADING

SOUTHBOUND
ALASKAN WAY

46’-84’

NORTHBOUND
ALASKAN WAY

8’ PARKING/ LOADING

16’-25’ EAST SIDEWALK

PROPERTY LINE

0’ 10’ 20’ 40’

1:45
0’ 10’ 30’
MOBILITY AND ACCESS
BICYCLES
An important City goal is to increase the rate of cycling among residents; the TYPICAL WATERFRONT
waterfront provides views, atmosphere and opportunities for activities that make BIKE PATH CONDITION

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 aren’t 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 City’s 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’ 6’ 6’ 2’
BIKE RENTALS, RACKS AND BOLLARDS

20-60’ 0-36’ 16’ 9’ 10’ 23’-34

ELLIOTT BAY

1:46
 Design Summary

MOBILITY AND ACCESS

TRANSIT
The Waterfront Seattle project area will be easily accessible to people from all WATERFRONT TRANSIT PLAN
over Seattle and the Puget Sound area using existing transit options and with
planned transit improvements by King County Metro and other agencies. Today,
3rd Avenue is a major transit spine, with both surface transit, and the downtown
transit tunnel, for bus and light rail connections. A key proposal of this mobility MERCER

TERRY AVE N
and access plan is the addition of streetcar or trolley bus service on 1st Avenue.

QUEEN ANNE

WESTLAKE AVE N
1ST AVE
The new First Avenue transit service will be frequent and easy to use, and easily

A U RO R A
accessible from the waterfront with the improved east-west pedestrian connec-
tions proposed. Other transit improvements serving the waterfront include the
DENNY
Madison rapid trolley bus route connecting Colman Dock to First Hill and beyond,

R
DA
CE
and the new First Hill streetcar line which will terminate near 1st and Jackson-

NE

L
SCULPTURE

AL
VI
W
PARK

Y
ER
D
Frequent Rapidride buses serving West Seattle and Ballard will access Downtown

OA

TT
5T

AY
BR

BA

LL
H

CL

BE
3R AV
using Alaskan Way and either Columbia or Main Streets. To provide convenient D
AV E

IA
E

IN
local access along the waterfront, frequent, easy to use transit will run along

RG

T
AR
1S

VI
T

EW
AV NE
PI

ST
Alaskan Way from the Sculpture Park to Pioneer Square. This transit will operate AL
E
KE
AS PI
KA
in the street and may be a streetcar, trolley bus or smaller transit vehicle. This N
W IO
N
AY UN
transit mode needs to be focused on movement of people along the waterfront; IT Y

BROADWAY
S
IV ER
UN
characteristics could include high frequency operations, low floor vehicles, and a

5T
HA
4T
2N
WE

HA

VE
DA
character distinctly of and for the waterfront in its design.

ST

VE
VE
ER
NA
N
SO IA
DI MB

VE
MA N LU
To Bain RI
O C O R RY
bridge MA
Colman Dock is one of three important intermodal transit hubs in the downtown Island CH
E

3R
S
ME

DA
JA

VE
serving over 4 million walk-on ferry passengers each year. Washington State To Bremerton
YESLER
Ferries plans to replace much of the dock structure and the passenger terminal To Vashon

14TH AVE S
To West Seattle S. MAIN
building between 2015 and 2020. Both the larger vehicle ferries and passenger- S. JACKSON

only ferries will continue to arrive and depart from Colman Dock. Safe, pleasant S. KING

and convenient pedestrian access from Colman Dock to nearby transit service on
1st Avenue, Alaskan Way and Madison, Marion and Columbia Streets is provided
through new sidewalks, crosswalks and a wider Marion Street pedestrian bridge.
Passenger drop off, taxis and future bike share programs would be accommo- STADIUMS

dated adjacent to the dock on the west side of Alaskan Way.

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
cars, regional transit, local circulator transit, freight, and more. The street freight. The corridor will provide a functional and reliable street connection from
changes in character from south to north, including two general purpose lanes in the SR99 stadium area ramps to Northwest Seattle as well as access to downtown
each direction, with left turn pockets where required, and with added “flex” lanes from Southwest Seattle via the stadium ramps. Alaskan Way will also provide
to support functions such as ferry queuing and transit priority routes in the section efficient access to and from the Colman Dock ferry terminal while accommodating
south of Columbia Street. The street is designed to function as a typical downtown both through and local freight connections.
street with a 30 mph speed limit and signalized intersections for vehicles and/or
pedestrians at every block.Along the length of the new Alaskan Way and Elliott Local Access and Parking
Way there is great attention to the detail of crossings, sidewalks and bike paths A broad array of businesses and institutions line both sides of Alaskan Way, and all
to ensure that the street functions well for all. of these entities require vehicular access for deliveries, service and parking. The
design of the waterfront must accommodate all of these needs.

D
A E
B C

Ceda
Western Ave.

Vine

r St.
Batt

Wall
St.

St.
ery S
St.
ng

S
Blan

t.
i

on
S.K

Bell
1st Ave.

t.
ks

char
ac

St.

t.

St.
Leno
nS
S.J

d St.
ain

gto

Virgin
S.M

ra S
2nd Ave.
hin

University St.
Columbia St.

Madison St.

Stew
as

Seneca St.
Marion St.

t.
Cherry St.
y

James St.

Spring St.

ia St
Union St.
wa
S.W

Pine St.
Pike St.

art S
ler

.
s
Ye

t.
Segment A: S. King to Yesler Way 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
1:48
 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. Un-
like the west side, where the piers are considerably removed from the street, in
B: SECTION AT COLUMBIA
this area, building entrances are relatively close to the parking/loading lanes on
the east side 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 water-
front design will employ a number of strategies to address this change in parking
C: SECTION AT UNIVERSITY
conditions. Parking availability will remain an important factor for attracting and
retaining businesses 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 load-
ing zones and truck loading zones l on each block. However, while parking along
the new Alaskan Way will be convenient for waterfront businesses and activities, D: SECTION AT VIRGINIA
there will be fewer spaces than previously available under the viaduct To mitigate
this reduction and accommodate the anticipated increase in the number of people
experiencing the waterfront, additional strategies are being explored in conjunc-
tion 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 BIKE
SHARROW

new short term parking E: SECTION AT LENORA

• Better utilization of existing parking near the waterfront using real time
information (signs showing parking availability, smart phone apps) revising on-
street parking policies to optimize parking occupancy and turnoverpartnering
with private parking facilities to provide more short-term parking for BIKE
SHARROW
waterfront visitors

1:49
 FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES
7. URBAN FRONTAGES
The quality of the public realm on the waterfront will depend on the development downtown land use regulations and further development of guidelines addressing
of city owned properties within the project limits as well as on the development architectural massing and expression, historic character, streetscape, public
of privately-owned properties in the project vicinity. With few opportunities for amenities, and vehicular access and parking, which will be used in the review of
private development within the project area itself, the urban development strategy future projects by the Downtown Design Review Board and Special Review District
focuses on ensuring that future development in adjacent areas will complement Boards.
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 City’s existing design guidelines
for downtown development. This work will assist with possible changes to

RAILROAD WAY FRONTING DEVELOPMENT

Access Active Frontage

Service Potential
Improvement/
Garage
Development

1:50
 Design Summary

OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW FRONTAGE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW FRONTAGE

CENTURY LINK STADIUM

FIELD PLAZA

120’

85’

1:51
FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES
SUSTAINABILITY
The City of Seattle Guiding Principles commits this project to putting the shoreline the water’s edge and provide interesting opportunities for people to interact
and innovative, sustainable design at the forefront. The goals are to bring people with the water. Working with the Seawall Team, the Waterfront Design will
to the water’s edge to experience the water and ecology of Elliott Bay, to improve incorporate elements that will help marine habitat restoration such as a light
shoreline ecology while preserving and enhancing maritime activities, and to penetrating surface (LPS) in the promenade and an intertidal habitat bench.
reflect Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Urban Habitat Framework

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.

The central waterfront riparian and intertidal zone has been replaced by the
Elliott Bay Seawall. This has eliminated the functions of the riparian and
intertidal ecosystems in this part of the Puget Sound and has made it hard
for people to interact with the sea. While providing a wealth of educational
Upland Habitat
opportunities the intertidal region also plays an important role in the food web,
Riparian Habitat
connecting the upland zone with the aquatic zone. The introduction of a beach,
water terraces, storm water collection devices and get downs can simulate some Intertidal Habitat

of the functions of those ecosystems while helping to restore some habitat along Aquatic Habitat

1:52
 Design Summary

URBAN HABITAT FRAMEWORK

KELP FOREST KELP BED KELP BED

MAPLE ALDER WOODS KELP FOREST KELP FOREST COBBLE REEF COBBLE REEF COBBLE REEF
COBBLE REEF
GRAVEL BEACH GRAVEL BEACH BEACH STRAND
TIDE POOL TIDE POOL
KELP FOREST KELP BED BEACH STRAND KELP BED
BEACH STRAND GRAVEL BEACH GRAVEL BEACH
MAPLE ALDER WOODS KELP FOREST KELP FOREST INTERTIDAL BENCH
COBBLE REEF COBBLE REEF COBBLE REEF
PRAIRIE
COBBLE REEF MAPLE ALDER WOODS PINE FOREST
PINE FOREST
GRAVEL BEACH PINE FOREST GRAVEL BEACH BEACH STRAND
HEMLOCK FERN FOREST HEMLOCK FERN FOREST
TIDE POOL SHRUB FOREST
TIDE POOL
BEACH STRAND GRAVEL BEACH BEACH STRAND GRAVEL BEACH
INTERTIDAL BENCH
PRAIRIE MAPLE ALDER WOODS PINE FOREST
PINE FOREST
EXISTING OPEN INTERTIDAL BENCH TIDE POOL
PINE FOREST GRAVEL BEACH PRAIRIE
HEMLOCK FERN FOREST SIGNIFICANT
HEMLOCK FERN FOREST
SALT MARSH (DEMO) SHRUB FOREST
BEACH STRAND
KELP FOREST SHRUB FOREST HABITAT
KELP BED AREAS
PINE FOREST
COBBLE REEF
INTERTIDAL BENCH PRAIRIE
EXISTING OPEN FISH CORRIDOR TIDE POOL GRAVEL BEACH MAPLE ALDER WOODS SIGNIFICANT
KELP FOREST SALT MARSH (DEMO) BEACH STRAND SHRUB FOREST HABITAT
HEMLOCK FERN FOREST AREAS
KELP BED PINE FOREST
COBBLE REEF
FISH CORRIDOR MAPLE ALDER WOODS
HEMLOCK FERN FOREST 1:53
FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES
SUSTAINABILITY
Water
Managing the quality and quantity of storm water runoff is essential to TIDELINE TERRACE
the improvement of urban ecosystems along the waterfront. Although the
rehabilitation of lost streams, wetlands and shorelines is not possible here,
some of the functions of those elements can be restored to some degree through
innovative storm water management techniques. Drainage control facilities can be
engineered to use infiltration, evapotranspiration, and stormwater reuse, to more
closely mimic natural hydrology within this urban setting. Well designed drainage
control facilities can help prevent or minimize the generation, mobilization and
transport of common storm water pollutants and watershed-specific pollutants
through combined sewers or storm water systems to receiving waters, including
marine environments, surface water and groundwater.

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE INTERTIDAL BEACH

1:54
 Design Summary

Health and Wellness

Potable water use can be controlled through the design and maintenance of The Central Waterfront is at the heart of some of the oldest communities of Seattle.
irrigation and water features that will use minimal or no make-up water from It is easily accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists as well as by several types of
potable sources or other natural surface or subsurface water resources. public transportation, such as ferries, trains, light rail, buses and street cars. The
project will promote human health and well being by continuously engaging those
Materials communities, protecting and maintaining existing assets, promoting healthy urban
The selection of materials, fixtures and systems for use in the project will take lifestyles and the local economy, supporting low impact means of transportation
into consideration their impact on the environment and support sustainable and and informing the public.
innovative practices in production, energy use and management practices during
construction, operations and maintenance.

1:55
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,
Seattle’s 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

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1:56
 Design Summary

transformed over time, bringing together the site’s history, its present condition,
and its future identity. This vision for art on the waterfront, like the site’s 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

1:57
FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES
IMPLEMENTATION
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1:58
 Design Summary

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0.25 MILE
1:59
james corner field operations
475 tenth avenue, 10th floor
new york, new york 10018