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, which sits between the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.

• 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.

New bathroom: 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, way-finding signs and more art elements — are still being installed, Brady said.

Two more projects

St. Francis House has been a refuge for Seattle's most vulnerable for nearly 60 years, offering food, clothing, and essentials — no questions asked.

Why it matters: In a city grappling with rising homelessness and economic disparities, this small nonprofit fills a crucial gap by providing daily necessities and a sense of dignity to those in need, serving about 21,000 people each year.

What they're saying: "The biggest thing we do is give people a place where they can just be," co-director Amy Sagerson told Axios.

State of play: Each weekday from 10am to 2pm, people stop by St. Francis House to use the restroom, charge their phones and snag a sandwich, a cup of coffee and a few essentials.

• The inventory shifts depending on donations but often includes things ranging from clothing and toiletries to backpacks and bus passes.

How it works: St. Francis House operates entirely on private donations, volunteers, and a small paid staff to keep its doors open, including Anthony Hornbeak, who remembers picking out toys from the organization as a kid.

• "Working here is a heart changer," he told Axios.
• To expand its reach, the nonprofit partners with local parishes, Seattle University student-athletes, and other supporters.

How to help: High-need items include diapers, sweatpants, and other clothing, but fun extras — like makeup and accessories — are also welcome, offering clients a small but meaningful boost.

• Those interested can donate goods, contribute financially, or sign up to volunteer.

Share this story

Axios Seattle readers are closely divided about which Girl Scout cookie is the best — but after three days of voting, Thin Mints edged out Samoas in our very scientific poll.

By the numbers: In the end, 244 of the 883 people who took our poll named Thin Mints as their favorite cookie.

• Samoas captured 242 votes.

State of play: Monday is the last day to order Girl Scout cookies online through a local seller, according to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington.

• You'll still find in-person sales at locations throughout the region through March 16.

Share the results

🚪 The Cheesecake Factory is closing its restaurant at 7th Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle, with its last day of operation scheduled for May 4. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

⚖️ Washington's Supreme Court ruled yesterday that a signature check requirement for ballots does not violate the state constitution.

• The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by three nonprofits, who argued the signature checks are arbitrary and cause many valid ballots to get thrown out, disproportionately harming young, Black, Hispanic and Asian voters. (Seattle Times)

It doesn't take long — seven straight losses — for Mariners fans to start questioning everything.

The big picture: With spring training in full swing, sports platform Promo Guy asked 2,000 Major League Baseball fans nationwide how many consecutive losses it takes before they start losing faith in their team.

State of play: The tolerance for loss among M's fans is slightly lower than for the average baseball fan, the platform found.

• Typically, it took a nine-game losing streak to shake fans' confidence in their team.
• Rays and Orioles fans have the highest capacity for losing, enduring 13 and 12 consecutive losses, respectively, before their patience wears thin.
• Meanwhile, Athletics fans have the shortest fuse, tapping out after just five straight defeats.

Context: The Mariners' longest losing streak is 17 games, per the report.

The bottom line: Given that Mariners fans have endured decades without a World Series appearance, maybe weathering seven straight losses isn't so bad after all.