Here's what's next for Seattle's waterfront makeover
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Pier 58 will include a playground with a climbing structure shaped like a jellyfish. Photo courtesy of City of Seattle
Seattle's revamped waterfront is nearly complete, with new protected bike lanes debuting this weekend and the remaining improvements scheduled to open in the next few months.
Why it matters: The reimagined stretch along Elliott Bay is a product of more than 15 years of planning, with the most visible changes taking place since the 2019 demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
- The elevated freeway previously divided the waterfront from Pike Place Market and much of downtown.
Catch up quick: So far, Seattle has opened a new pedestrian bridge — the Overlook Walk — connecting Pike Place Market and the waterfront; welcomed a new addition to the Seattle Aquarium; built a new link to Belltown; and made pedestrian upgrades in Pioneer Square, among other improvements.
Yes, but: There are still a few pieces city officials say need to be completed before they hold a grand opening celebration for the waterfront toward the end of summer.
- Here's a look at those final features and when they're expected to be finished.
Pier 58
A new playground — complete with an 18-foot-tall jellyfish-shaped climbing structure — is already constructed on the newly rebuilt pier.
- But other elements, including safety railings, are needed before the area can open to the public, Angela Brady, director of Seattle's Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, told Axios this week.
- She said that's expected to happen in late spring or early summer.
- The city is also working to add seating, a fountain and a grassy area to the pier, which sits between the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.
Public restroom
A public restroom along the waterfront near Pier 58 is expected to open later this month.
Promenade art and plants
Wide sidewalks and 1.2 miles of protected bike lanes are complete along the waterfront promenade, the pedestrian thoroughfare that stretches from Pioneer Square to the Seattle Aquarium.
- Yet some finishing touches — such as landscaping, railings and more art elements — are still being installed, Brady said.
- Way-finding signs and placards explaining local history will be added as part of that process.
Pike and Pine corridor
The city has been working to make two of its marquee thoroughfares, Pike and Pine streets, more walkable from Capitol Hill to the waterfront.
- Elements yet to be added include planters — which will be placed from First to Melrose avenues — and new railings where Pike and Pine cross Interstate 5.
- A ribbon-cutting for the Pike-Pine corridor improvements is expected in spring, probably around May, Brady said.
Bell Street
The city is adding more pedestrian improvements, to include seating and landscaping, between First and Elliott avenues along Bell Street.
- Those upgrades are expected to be complete in early summer.
What's next: Expect a big party later in the summer to celebrate the completion of the final pieces, Brady said.
- In the meantime, the group Friends of Waterfront Park is holding regular events along the waterfront, to include firepit socials and walking tours.