Seattle's Department of Planning & Development unveiled the latest version of the Central Waterfront Concept Plan at an open house on February 1, 2006. The proposal, produced after nearly three years of public discussion and planning, will go to the City Council for review and approval in late spring. The next step will be hiring a consultant to complete a “public realm plan,” with more detail on the public space on the waterfront.

This plan is being done concurrently with the Alaskan Way Viaduct planning, but it is a separate project by the City. The City’s proposal depends on the Tunnel alternative being selected in order to provide open space for the desired features. The features being discussed include a wide promenade; a four-lane roadway with a landscaped median; fountains and water features; trees and other landscaping; artwork; playgrounds; kiosks and displays; and stalls such as refreshment stands.

Both historic preservation and heritage play a larger role than they did in the original discussion. Heritage is described as one of the primary elements of the plan and is part of the overall thematic concept. Recommendations include setting aside dock space for historic vessels, as well as areas for historical displays and heritage educational activities.

Evaluation of a new Historic Piers Historic District is recommended. This would extend from Pier 54 (Ivar’s) to Pier 59 (the Aquarium, already a designated City landmark). In addition, a new Shoreline Review District is proposed, extending approximately from the Olympic Sculpture Park to south of Pier 48. The Seattle Design Commission would review public projects in this area (outside of the historic districts).

Other important elements of the plan are enhancing environmental sustainability and improving pedestrian connections with downtown and along the waterfront, including improved connections to the Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market historic districts.

The complete plan can be reviewed at: Seattle DPD Waterfront , and comments can also be made on the website.

For more information about the Viaduct project, visit WSDOT at: WSDOT Viaduct

Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers has conducted a study of the Seawall. For more information, visit their Web site at: Usace Seawall

For the past year, various community groups have participated in the public process to consider options for the waterfront. Historic Seattle advocacy activist Carol Tobin is participating with the Waterfront Partners Group which meets monthly to provide input to City planning officials. The Waterfront Partner's Group was convened in June 2005 and acts as an advisory group for the next phase of the waterfront planning project. Meetings are held from 1-3 p.m. in the Seattle City Hall Boards and Commissions Room. For more information, contact Robert Scully at 206-233-3854.

Allied Arts has also conducted a collaborative effort to consider design options at the Waterfront, including an architectural design charette offered last summer. Historic Seattle endorsed this effort after Allied Arts chose to favor protection of the central waterfront's historic piers. For more information, please visit: Allied Arts Waterfront.

In addition to the tunnel proposal and the reconstruction proposal outlined in the City's plan, a third option is favored by the People's Waterfront Coalition. Called the "no-build option," it proposes that the Viaduct would not be replaced at all and that traffic should be shifted to other downtown arterials such as Fourth and Fifth streets and Dexter Avenue. Headed by downtown carless advocate Cary Moon, the People's Waterfront Coalition is pushing for this option to be included on the ballot in November when City voters will be asked which option they support. For more information, please visit: Peoples Waterfront .

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