People and businesses are moving Downtown in greater numbers than we have seen in generations. From tens-of-thousands of housing units to a new waterfront and a possible arena, this incoming development is on par with the scale of investment in an Olympics host city or Lower Manhattan.
To get a better idea of what type of changes this development will bring in the next ten years, Historic South Downtown teamed up with Seattle’s Department of Transportation and the Downtown Seattle Association to study the impacts on access and mobility. Findings from phase one of this study resulted in three categories of recommendations: 1) construction hub coordination; 2) prioritization and coordination of major investments; and 3) best practices for construction impact mitigation in major cities.
To read more about phase one of this study or the recommendations, download the reports below:
Steel beams are installed to temporarily support the structure.
The Washington Street Boat Landing pergola is in the process of being removed, protected, and restored in anticipation of the Elliott Bay Seawall project. The move is slated for Sunday, February 9th and Monday, February 10th.
There is a rigorous documentation process in place to record every detail of the historic pergola.
The historic boat landing’s iron shelter was built in 1920, and is one of three pergolas in Pioneer Square. The Pioneer Square Preservation Board gave its Certificate of Approval to move the structure to a storage site on Terminal 25, thereby ensuring its safety during construction. After the Seawall Project is completed, the pergola will be moved back to its original site and will be restored. Overseeing the project is the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) under Section 106 MOA agreements.
In part one of the move, the structure will slide off of the pier to the steel transfer beams that will support the structure during the move to Terminal 25.
From supervising project manager, Jessica Murphy, PE with SDOT: “Preparations for the relocation have been ongoing since early January 2014. Bracing of pergola walls, removal of the roof, lead abatement and other preparatory work has been performed under the oversight of Ron Wright, our architectural specialist. We are now in the final stages of preparation for the structure relocation to a site at Terminal 25. The move will happen in two steps: 1) The move eastward off the current pier structure, and 2) The final move south to Terminal 25.”
Steps have been taken to ensure restoration of the pergola will be historically accurate. Under the Section 106 MOA rules, a rigorous documenting process has been put in place and organizers are actively photographing and video recording every part of the structure that is removed.
This move and plans for restoration could not have come any sooner! In September 2012, the Alliance for Pioneer Square contacted SDOT about signs of deterioration on the historic boat landing. We look forward to see it renewed on a world class waterfront in the near future.
Congratulations to SUPER BOWL XLVIII CHAMPION SEATTLE SEAHAWKS!
A Welcome Home Victory Celebration Parade is scheduled for 11:00am – 1:30pm Wednesday, February 5th, which is anticipated to have significant impact on traffic throughout the Seattle downtown area. Please be prepared for longer-than-average commute times and increased traffic and inform all downtown businesses with employees and guests who are at or coming downtown on Wednesday.
The parade starts on 4th Ave south of Denny Way and ends at Century Link Field. Route map is attached.
How this will affect downtown residents, businesses, employees, guests, and visitors:
Estimated drive time could double, so plan ahead.
I-5 and SR-99 will be open all day.
Access points coming to and from the downtown core will be impacted during the parade. Mercer St and Edgar Martinez Dr are suggested to be the best routes for I-5 waterfront access.
City and regional safety and security agencies are prepared for and will be supporting the parade and celebration. The 12th Man is the best fan in the country and cares about the great Northwest. The City of Seattle and the Seattle Seahawks encourage every fan to act responsibly before, during, and after the game. The country’s eyes are upon us, let’s honor our team and take care to not do anything that would detract from their outstanding achievement.
