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Framework plan and related engagement

South Downtown Hub Framework Plan

Based on what we heard through community engagement and interagency coordination, 26 unique projects were identified as part of an overall vision in the South Downtown Hub (SDH) framework plan. A phased implementation approach - with project timing of less than 5 years, 5 to 15 years, or more than 15 years - was also developed based on project prioritization and funding. More details about the SDH process, potential project leads, and concepts can be found in the final South Downtown Hub framework plan.

An overview of projects across the four geographic focus areas​ – stitch, central, south, and north – follows.

Aerial map showing the area along 2nd Ave Ext S and 4th Ave S between S Washington St and S Jackson St in Seattle. Shows aerial view of potential transportation and development improvements nearby.
Stitch focus area concept
Drawing showing 2nd Ave Ext S narrowed, a bus only lane, and enhanced public space outside of King Street Station. There are colorful flags strung across the street, covered outdoor seating, families playing.
Rendering of proposed 2nd Ave Ext St improvements
Drawing showing improved plaza, bus stop, and canopy along S Jackson St at the International District Station and Union Station. There are people crossing the street at S Jackson St and 4th Ave S and waiting under a covered bus shelter outside of Union Station.
Rendering of proposed Union Station from S Jackson St and 4th Ave S, looking east
Quick Wins: Next 5 years
  • Community crosswalks: Widen and pattern the crosswalks with decorative design reflective of the CID and Pioneer Square communities while improving visibility at the area's most used transfer point.
  • Near-term street improvements: Add lightweight planters, lighting, and art along the bridge edges spanning the BNSF railway to cue a cared-for environment and soften hardscape.
  • Pedestrian signal improvements: Adjust signal timing to enable reduced delay for pedestrian crossings between King Street Station and Union Station.
  • 2nd Ave Ext S renovation phase 1: Develop curb and sidewalk extensions, street rechannelization and streetscape enhancements; introduce protected space for people biking and widen sidewalks while keeping necessary bus and vehicle movements.
Concurrent with Future SDOT and Sound Transit Projects: 5 to 15 years
  • 2nd Ave Ext S renovation phase 2: Extend the street and sidewalk improvements from phase 1 northward and rebuild the Union Station Plaza / 3rd Ave S frontage to improve pedestrian space and station area circulation, and integrate new bike facilities and plaza treatments.
  • Local bike connection to King Street Station: Repave, adjust vehicle lanes, and create a bike facility connecting the bike lanes to King Street Station via S Main St, 2nd Ave Ext S, and S King St.
  • 4th Ave S improvements: Add curb extensions, vehicle lane adjustments, and bike connections tying Main St bike lanes to the network north of S Washington St.
Future Major Capital Programs or Developments: 15 or more years
  • 2nd Ave Ext S and S Jackson St rebuild: Implement permanent street upgrades as part of Seattle Department of Transportation's eventual rehabilitation or replacement of the 2nd Ave S Ext and Jackson bridge structures.
  • Sounder north access retrofit: Create a new bridge connection from 4th Ave S and S Main St to the existing Sounder entry stair north of S Jackson St.
Aerial map showing the area between 4th Ave and James St, and 5th Ave and King St in Seattle. Shows aerial view of potential transportation and development improvements nearby.
Central focus area concept
Drawing showing an updated plaza and canopy at the International District Station along 5th Ave S. There is a public art installation on the plaza, an active street market, and people crossing 5th Ave S walking and on bicycles.
Rendering of proposed improvements at Union Station Plaza along 5th Ave S
Drawing showing a festival street on S King St adjacent to Hing Hay Park. The drawing shows a row of pop-up canopies with vendors, string lights, and people enjoying the street fair.
Rendering of proposed S King St improvements and festival street visualization
Concurrent with future SDOT and Sound Transit projects: 5 to 15 years
  • IDS Plaza renovation: Remove dated structures; replace paving and station entry canopies; add lighting, art, furnishings, and new outdoor pedestrian link to 4th Ave S.
  • 4th Ave S crosswalk at S King St: Add a new direct crossing to connect King Street Stations' Sounder entry to the Union Station Concourse.
  • Union Station activation: Transform Union Station by adapting the Great Hall (winter garden and public programming), Concourse (café, concierge, vertical connection), Mezzanine (community offices/meeting areas), and Garden Level (flex youth recreation/performance area).
  • King St festival street: Convert S King St to a curb-less, pedestrian-priority corridor with raised crossings, special paving, and event utilities which ties Union Station to Hing Hay Park and neighboring programming.
  • 5th Ave S bike lane extension: Extend the existing protected bike lane south; close the right-turn slip from 5th Ave S to Seattle Blvd S to reduce conflicts.
  • 4th Ave S improvements: Create a buffered pedestrian zone on the east side of 4th Ave S that provides comfort for people transferring between transit services.
Aerial map of showing the area along Seattle Blvd S between 4th Ave S and Maynard Ave S. Shows aerial view of potential transportation and development improvements nearby.
South focus area concept
Drawing showing bicyclists and a scooterist crossing the intersection at 4th Ave S and Seattle Blvd S. The view is looking towards S Dearborn St, which has new development, green space, and additional crossings.
Rendering of proposed intersection at S Dearborn St and Seattle Blvd S
Concurrent with future SDOT and Sound Transit projects: 5 to 15 years
  • 6th Ave S streetscape: Incorporate street upgrades with curb/sidewalk extensions, protected bike lanes, and greener frontage.
  • S Dearborn St rechannelization and streetscape: Narrow the street and add all ages and abilities protected bike lanes, curb/sidewalk extensions, high-visibility crossings, new plantings, and pedestrian lighting.
  • Seattle Blvd S Grid alignment: Realign Seattle Blvd to calm traffic, improve safety, and foster equitable transit-oriented-development (TOD) opportunities adjacent to potential new light rail station; includes protected bike facilities and pedestrian upgrades.
  • Seattle Blvd S land use changes: Explore zoning changes, development agreements, and property acquisition to support equitable TOD around potential new light rail station.
Future major capital programs or developments: 15 or more years
  • Seattle Blvd S pedestrian bridge: Create new pedestrian/ bike bridge linking the Sounder public access landing at 4th Ave S/ Seattle Blvd S to the Lumen Field entry plaza across BNSF.
  • Seattle Blvd S cycle track: Add a two-way, protected facility along Seattle Blvd S, completing the corridor to the SODO trail.
  • 6th Ave S trail: Rebuild the 6th Ave S trail leg of the SODO trail, coordinating with bike lanes and grid alignment to connect the trail northward.
Aerial map showing the area between 4th Ave and James St, and 5th Ave and King St in Seattle. Shows aerial view of potential transportation and development improvements nearby.
North focus area concept
Drawing showing an improved City Hall park, with a new pedestrian hill climb along Jefferson St. People are shown sitting in the grass and walking bikes through a courtyard.
Rendering of proposed City Hall Park from just north of Pioneer Square Station, looking northeast
5 to 15 years
  • Terrace St pedestrianization: Develop streetscape with curb extensions and eastbound, transit-only lanes that prioritize safe access to the King County Civic campus and light rail station.
  • 4th Ave bike lane improvements: Create bike lane upgrades and adjust vehicle lanes to reduce conflicts and connect with 4th Ave improvements to the south.
15 or more years
  • Jefferson St streetscape: Reconstruct the streetscape with curb extensions and a raised crossing into City Hall Park; integrates an accessible hill climb.
  • King County Civic Campus redevelopment: Transform underutilized civic properties into a mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood integrated with public spaces.

Engagement process

Community feedback helped shape the scope and direction of the South Downtown Hub Framework Plan. Throughout the planning process, we asked community members questions and to share their thoughts on opportunities, issues, and trade-offs, as well as how concepts might support neighborhood goals. Engagement methods were tailored to enhance public involvement, promote active community participation in decision-making processes, and foster inclusivity, transparency, and equitable outcomes for the final plan.

Primary in-person engagement methods included public open houses and workshops. For those unable to attend these events, we provided online surveys for virtual feedback, and displayed exhibitions in the Great Hall at Union Station for drop-in viewing and commenting. To supplement general engagement efforts, we held small group forums, meetings, and tours to reach residents, business owners and employees, community associations, and other CID and Pioneer Square community members with an interest in the development of the South Downtown Hub Framework Plan.

To remove barriers to participation and reach community members representative of the CID and Pioneer Square neighborhoods, we provided language interpretation in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese during in-person events. Meeting materials in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese were also available in-person and posted online.

Members of the public are sitting at tables and listening to a presenter provide an overview of the SDH Workshop 1 activity.
SDH Workshop 1 activity introduction

Engagement highlights

Over 1,600 engagement impressions throughout the South Downtown Hub Planning Project

Engagement activities:

SDH materials

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