Seattle Parks and Recreation, with contractor and Ron Wright and Associates, begins repair to the historical Pioneer Square Pergola on Monday, September 10, 2012. It is anticipated work will complete on Wednesday, September 12, 2012. During construction, a portion of the multipurpose lane on First Avenue, both north and south of Yesler Way, will be blocked off. Temporary signage will be installed to direct pedestrians around the construction zone.
The work includes repair of the portion of the Pergola damaged by a truck collision in April 2012, and installation of a new, stronger bollard. This new bollard will be anchored into the ground providing extra strength and protection.
In 2001 the Pergola was hit and knocked down by a semi-truck. The Pergola was completely renovated at that time, and a surface mount bollard was installed to protect the historical structure from further strikes. However, the Pergola and bollard have been hit several times since 2001, necessitating repair and reinstallation of the old bollard. Now Seattle Parks and Recreation is collaborating with the Seattle Department of Transportation to install an in-ground bollard that will provide even more protection to keep this iconic piece of Seattle’s past in
tact.
The repair work will also include the replacement of the concrete sidewalk in this area, as well as the replacement of the existing ramp from the street to the sidewalk. A new cornice piece on the Pergola will be installed at a later date.
Constructed in 1909, the Pergola in Pioneer Square Park provided shelter for passengers waiting for the cable car that ran along Yesler Way. It was built in a Victorian style, out of iron and glass. It was restored in 1972, and designated a historic landmark in 1977.
For more information on the project, please contact Ron Wright of Ron Wright and Associates at rwright[at]rwaa.com or 206-728-4248.