South Downtown Hub

Workshop 1 and related engagement

Overview

On February 28, 2024, Sound Transit and the City of Seattle co-hosted the first workshop of the South Downtown Hub (SDH) plan focused on developing overall concepts for improvements to streets and public spaces in South Downtown. More than 100 people participated in the workshop, the purpose of which was to engage the community on opportunities and solutions to connectivity between the Pioneer Square and Chinatown-International District neighborhoods, as well as existing and planned transit stations.

The workshop featured an interactive and facilitated activity that used transparency overlays and photo cards to depict urban design concepts and features. Staff introduced options and helped participants visualize and navigate the benefits and challenges of each to create a “vision board.” Notetakers captured feedback, questions, and general sentiment throughout the exercise, which is summarized on this page.

Following Workshop 1, several smaller and focused forums were held with organizations and groups throughout the community utilizing the same Workshop 1 vision board activity. Sound Transit and the City of Seattle staff met with over 100 community members, 60 of which participated in two fully Cantonese and Mandarin forums. Participants included CID and Pioneer Square residents, workers, and community members. The goal was to bring the workshop activity to the community, collecting feedback from those who have specialized connections and interests within the CID and Pioneer Square neighborhoods.

The feedback provided at the workshop and related engagement events is informing our understanding of what the community values and identifying what ideas merit future development, which will be built on in the next SDH workshop this summer.

A summary of feedback

Interest in pedestrian streets, pedestrian lighting, café streets, information and security booths, event spaces, protected bike lanes, festival streets, street trees, activated alleys, and overhead weather protection.
Interest in connecting to indigenous identity of place and preservation of the area’s history.
Support for civic gathering spaces that signify the neighborhood as a gateway.
Interest in pop-up and immediate activation of spaces with music and art.
Support for improved connections from the CID to the waterfront and community services.
Interest in providing bike storage, restrooms, drop-off areas, and retail at station entrances.
Request for more wayfinding signage in the CID.
Interest in improving expressed concerns over safety and lighting at night.

Photo of facilitators guiding workshop participants through an interactive exercise. — *Facilitators guide workshop participants through an interactive and creative process of creating a new vision for the Pioneer Square and CID neighborhoods.*

Workshop focus areas

The focus areas of key streets and public spaces that were discussed to reveal how best to connect neighborhoods and the sites of existing and potential future transit stations included:

Map of 4th Avenue South and South Jackson Street focus area. The map shows this focus area within the surrounding South Downtown area, which includes the Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. The focus area is highlighted in orange to show proposed options would improve the 4th and Jackson intersection, located between King Street Station and Union Station. The map also shows neighboring streets highlighted green to show where potential improvements for walking and biking are planned as part of this project. The planned walking and biking improvements are the same for all workshop focus areas. North-South walking and biking improvements are planned for 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue and Maynard Avenue South between South Dearborn Street and South Jackson Street. East-west walking and biking improvements are planned on Jackson Street between 5th and Maynard, on King Street between 5th and 6th, on South Lane Street between 6th Ave and Interstate 5, on Dearborn between 6th and 5th, and on Yesler Way between 1st Avenue and I-5. The map also shows streets colored with a pink arrowed line to show where potential new or strengthened connections are planned as part of the project – these improvements are also the same for all focus areas. Streets where potential new or strengthened connections are planned are a potential bike/pedestrian bridge over the 4th Avenue and the BNSF train tracks, on Lane Street between 6th and 4th, on Weller between the 4th and 6th, on King between 5th and 4th as well as between 7th and Little Saigon, on Jackson between 7th and Little Saigon, and on Yesler Way crossing I-5, as well as between 1st Ave and Colman Dock. — *The intersection of 4th Avenue South and South Jackson Street between historic King Street Station and Union Station.*

Map of the connections to the north focus area, which includes 4th Avenue between South Jackson Street and Yesler Way, and 2nd Avenue Extension between Jackson and Yesler. The map shows the streets in this focus area, which is highlighted orange, within the surrounding South Downtown area, which includes the Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. The map also shows the potential improvements to walking and biking highlighted green, and the potential new/strengthened connections shown with a pink arrowed line. Those improvements are the same for all focus areas. — *Connections to the north between Yesler Way/City Hall Park and the historic stations.*

Map of the South Dearborn Street and surrounding intersections focus area, which includes Seattle Boulevard South between 4th Avenue and just east of 6th Avenue, and Dearborn between 4th and just east of 6th Avenue. The streets in this focus area are highlighted orange. The map shows this focus area within the surrounding South Downtown area, which includes the Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. The map also shows the potential improvements to walking and biking highlighted green, and the potential new/strengthened connections shown with a pink arrowed line. Those improvements are the same for all focus areas. — *South Dearborn Street and surrounding intersections of Seattle Boulevard, 4th Avenue South, 5th Avenue South, and 6th Avenue South.*

The intersection of 4th Avenue South, South Jackson Street, and the 2nd Avenue Extension is a busy and complex series of street crossings sitting between King Street Station (served by Amtrak and Sounder commuter rail) and Union Station. Past planning efforts have identified these intersections as a key barrier for mobility between Pioneer Square and the CID, as well as an opportunity to improve public spaces and strengthen connections between communities and neighborhoods.

Moving south, South Dearborn Street and the intersections of Seattle Boulevard, 4th Avenue South, 5th Avenue South, and 6th Avenue South have long felt disconnected from the CID. This auto-centric area lacks pedestrian safety and becomes congested during stadium events. Home to the Inscape Arts and Cultural Center, this area has the potential for new development and public space that serves the CID.

The following summarizes feedback specific to each focus area.

4th Avenue South & South Jackson Street

The focus in this area was to explore ways to strengthen connections between Union and King Street Stations and reduce barriers caused by the configuration of transportation infrastructure between the CID and Pioneer Square.

Workshop and roadshow participants considered ways these streets and public spaces could be improved to better serve these historic neighborhoods.

A summary of feedback

The South Jackson Street adjustment option improves sidewalk space, adds pedestrian scale lighting, adds planters, and adjusts signal timing to allow for more time to cross the street from King Street to Union Station.
Support for the South Jackson Street railroad lid option to cover the open triangle to the south of Jackson Street and around the Sounder entry for easier access to the trains and provide planning and improved pedestrian space.
Interest in people-first intersections, street trees, wayfinding elements, personalized streets, café streets, overhead protection, pedestrian lighting, an information and security booth, and event space in this area.
Suggest more amenities and shops were needed north of South Jackson Street.
Suggest a roundabout to remediate congestion at 4th Avenue South and South Jackson Street.
Interest in maintaining the streetcar on South Jackson Street.

“When you see a reduced focus on cars, you see more people come to liven the space up and open it up to other uses.” – Participant at Workshop 1 event on Feb. 28, 2024

llustration showing the street adjustment option at South Jackson Street. The street adjustment option would improve South Jackson Street between 4th Avenue South and just west of 2nd Avenue Extension South. Improvements for this option include expanding the sidewalk on the north side of Jackson, improving the pedestrian crossing on the southside of Jackson between Chinatown International District and King Street Station, and creating a landscape buffer on both sides of Jackson at the intersection with 4th Avenue. — Street adjustment option at South Jackson Street

Potential Benefits

Better walking and rolling experience on South Jackson Street and 4th Avenue South.

Better connections to regional transit.

More accessible crossings for pedestrians.

Potential Challenges

Construction in roadway could constrict vehicle traffic and access to neighborhoods.

Roadway redesign will be limited by street car and capacity.

Planters/modifications around the openings over the railway will require review by the railway and by the historical boards.

llustration showing the public space improvement option at 4th Avenue South and South Jackson Street, which would improve access to the Sounder train and create public open space at the intersection. The illustration shows an orange shading between 4th Avenue South and 2nd Avenue Extension South that covers the areas north and south of Jackson. The orange shading south of Jackson illustrates a cover over the existing BNSF train tracks to create a public open space between 4th and 2nd Ave Extension. The orange shading north of Jackson also illustrates a cover over the existing train tracks to create a public open space, but also includes a pedestrian bridge from 4th Avenue to the Sounder station for easy pedestrian access. — Public space improvement option — Bridging to Sounder

Potential Benefits

Better walking and rolling experience on South Jackson Street and 4th Avenue South.

Better connections to regional transit.

Safer and more accessible crossings.

Potential Challenges

Construction near the roadway could cause disruption to traffic during implementation.

Ability to build over openings over the railway will require review by the railway and by the historical boards.

During construction, access to the Sounder platform may be constricted.

Connections to the north

The focus in this area was to think about the experience along 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South between South Jackson Street and Yesler Way.

Workshop and roadshow participants considered ways these streets could support a more pleasant walking environment and help tie together existing neighborhoods, potential new development, and transit stations.

A summary of feedback

Interest in the 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South Street transformation option 2. This option closes the 2nd Avenue Extension South segment to create public space for residents of the neighborhoods. This requires adjacent segments of 4th Avenue South to be converted to two-way traffic to alleviate traffic on the street grid.
Interest in pedestrianized streets, café streets, protected bike lanes, overhead protection, pedestrian lighting, a festival street, and public plazas or parks in this area.
Keep 2nd Avenue Extension South open for buses only.
Interest in bus routes and functionality.
Concern about primary movement through and not to the neighborhood (i.e., using this area to get from one place to the next).
Suggest street condition improvements on Maynard Avenue South between South Jackson and South Main streets.
In favor of more bike and pedestrian protection from cars and traffic on the 2nd Avenue Extension.
Interest in operating a pedestrian lane on the weekdays and activating the space on the weekends.
Interest in closing the 2nd Avenue Extension to support better access to the ferries.

“The closure of 2nd feels safer and more connected to the waterfront.” – Participant at Puget Sound Sage community forum event on April 16, 2024

Illustration showing the street adjustment option for 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South, which focuses on widening sidewalks, tree plantings, and improved pedestrian infrastructure in the focus area. The illustration shows an orange buffer all along 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue to show proposed sidewalk widening. The focus area also shows a blue shading on the east side of 2nd Avenue Extension South north of South Jackson Street to illustrate an extended bike path to increase bike access from downtown to King Street Station. The improvement also proposes creating a landscape buffer on both sides of 2nd Avenue Extension and 4th Avenue north of Jackson, as well as potential coordination with concurrent projects with the City of Seattle and King County in the focus area. — Street adjustments option — 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South

Potential Benefits

Widened sidewalks support pedestrian access and movement.

Trees and plantings protect space for walking, rolling, and biking.

Increased pedestrian activity encourages access to multiple storefronts on a street.

Potential Challenges

Implementation might include shut down of lane(s) during construction, temporarily constricting vehicle traffic and access in the area.

Potential reduction in on-street parking and loading.

Potential reconfiguration of the bus island.

Possible new signals and/or signal timing and reconfiguration of traffic flows to lessen traffic on strolling streets.

Illustration showing the first street transformation option for 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South. This proposed transformation would improve access to downtown to the north, and would transform 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue both north and south of Jackson Street. This option would close vehicle traffic on 2nd Avenue Extension South between South Main Street and 4th Avenue South, near the pedestrian crossing on 4th Avenue to the Sounder station and Lumen Field. The street transformation would also extend the bike path on 2nd Avenue Extension, and create landscape barriers on both 2nd Avenue Extension and 4th Avenue north of Jackson Street. The option would also coordinate with concurrent City of Seattle and King County projects in the focus area. — Street transformation option 1 — 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South

Potential Benefits

Better walking and rolling experience on South Jackson Street and 4th Avenue South.

Better connections to regional transit.

Calmer, simplified intersection.

Enhanced and expanded open space for neighborhoods.

Opportunity to enhance and leverage concurrent projects into a single improvement project and phase.

Potential Challenges

During construction vehicle traffic and access to neighborhoods may be constricted.

New signals and reconfiguration of traffic flows & patterns would need to be considered throughout the area.

Different funding timelines and agency project requirements may be challenging to align.

Requires conversion of 4th Avenue South to two-way south of South Main Street.

Illustration showing the second street transformation option for 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue. This proposed transformation would improve access to downtown to the north, and would transform 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue north of Jackson Street, but not to the south of Jackson street like the first street transformation option would. This street transformation would also close vehicle traffic to 2nd Avenue Extension south in the portion north of South Jackson Street, which is shown with orange shading. It would also make the same improvements to the first transformation option, including creating landscape buffers on 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue, and extending the bike lane on 2nd Avenue Extension. It would also narrow/reconfigure roadway traffic on 4th Avenue. — Street transformation option 2 — 2nd Avenue Extension South and 4th Avenue South

Potential Benefits

Better walking and rolling experience on South Jackson Street and 4th Avenue South.

Better connections to regional transit.

Calmer, simplified intersection.

Potential for more active ground floor uses in adjacent buildings.

Opportunity to enhance and leverage concurrent projects and studies.

Potential Challenges

During construction, vehicle traffic and access to neighborhoods may be constricted.

New signals and reconfiguration of street grid and traffic flows would need to be considered throughout the area.

Potential reduction in on-street parking and loading.

Requires conversion of 4th Avenue South to two-way on adjacent segments.

South Dearborn Street and surrounding intersections

The focus in this area was to think about the function and design of streets to create more public space and walkable connections in the south end of the CID with the potential for additional opportunities to connect to Pioneer Square and to Amtrak and Sounder trains. This area is home to the Inscape Arts and Cultural Center but is currently separated from the CID by arterial streets and auto-oriented uses.

Workshop and roadshow participants considered new street configurations and public space that could expand the boundaries of the CID. Ideas discussed could provide space for new growth and development that strengthens the neighborhood without displacing existing residents and businesses.

A summary of feedback

Interest in the South Dearborn Street transformation option that would transform South Dearborn Street at the intersection of Seattle Boulevard South into a shared space that prioritizes pedestrian uses and movement. This option improves the pedestrian experience by expanding the sidewalks between 6th Avenue South and 7th Avenue South and encourages vehicles to turn early.
Some interested in the South Dearborn Street adjustment option that would expand sidewalks and eliminate the right turn lane on 5th Avenue South.
Interest in public space improvement option, regardless of where the future station location would be, that would create a new pedestrian bridge that would connect between 4th Avenue South, the Sounder station platform, and the Stadium District.
Interest in places to sit, parks and greenspace, a pedestrian bridge, street trees, community-led development, community-activated historic buildings, and district parking with active ground floor in this area.
Support for residential development (prioritizing affordable housing) south of South Dearborn Street and Inscape Arts and Cultural Center.
Interest in increasing the number of amenities and shops in this area.
Concern that this area does not feel safe to walk through.
Interest in exploring public realm activation on South Dearborn Street, but this comes with a concern about circulation effects. Workshop participants called for a traffic circulation study.
Concerns over eliminating the Shell gas station. It is the only gas station in this area and nicotine and personal hygiene products are difficult to locate in the CID.
Interest in underground pedestrian walkways versus street level connections between a Dearborn Station and the existing CID Station.

“Improving pedestrian walkways in the Dearborn area would improve tour safety and walkability to Inscape.” – Participant at the Wing Luke Museum community forum event on May 3, 2024

llustration of the street adjustments option for the South Dearborn Street and surrounding intersections focus area. This option would prioritize improving pedestrian infrastructure at the intersection of South Dearborn Street, 5th Avenue, and Seattle Boulevard South. This option would create a landscape buffer, shown in green, along all street sidewalks in the project area, and would also narrow/reconfigure roadway traffic on Dearborn between Seattle Boulevard South and Maynard Avenue, and eliminate the right turn lane from Dearborn onto 5th Avenue to improve pedestrian safety. Other improvements for this option include expanding sidewalks on all streets in the focus area, extending bike paths on Dearborn, and coordination with a potential Link light rail station south of Dearborn and east of Seattle Boulevard South. — Street adjustments option—South Dearborn Street and Seattle Boulevard South

Potential Benefits

More pleasant walking and rolling experience on Dearborn.

Better connection between Chinatown neighborhood core and potential future development hub.

More pleasant walking experience on Seattle Boulevard South.

Maintains current freight access.

Potential Challenges

Construction might constrict vehicle traffic and access to some destinations in neighborhood.

Possible new signals and/or signal timing and reconfiguration of traffic flows constricted.

Illustration of the street transformation option for the South Dearborn Street and surrounding intersections focus area. This option would transform South Dearborn Street into a shares space prioritizing pedestrian uses and movement by ending Dearborn Street at 6th Avenue and closing access to Seattle Boulevard South, while maintaining access to the Uwajimaya parking lot via Dearborn. The main component of this street transformation, shown with orange highlighting, would close Dearborn between 6th Avenue and Seattle Boulevard South and create a new public open space. This option would include all other improvements associated with the smaller-scale street improvements option. — Street transformation option—South Dearborn Street and Seattle Boulevard South

Potential Benefits

More pleasant walking and rolling experience on South Dearborn Street.

Better connection between Chinatown neighborhood core and future development hub to encourage access to local shops and restaurants.

More pleasant walking experience on Seattle Boulevard South.

More open space/green space.

Opportunity to enhance and leverage concurrent projects (Ballard Link Extension - Preferred Alternative CID Station).

Potential Challenges

During construction, vehicle traffic and access to neighborhood destinations may be constricted.

Potential need to adjust traffic signal timing and redirect through traffic flows to Seattle Boulevard South, particularly freight traffic.

Illustration of the public space improvement option for the South Dearborn Street and surrounding intersections focus area. The priority for this improvement for the focus area would be to build a new pedestrian bridge to connect 4th Avenue South, Sounder station platform, and the Stadium district. The pedestrian bridge, shown in orange with arrows indicating two-way flow of traffic, would cross the existing BNSF train tracks just south of the 4th Avenue and Seattle Boulevard South intersection. This option would also improve pedestrian crossing near the intersection of 4th and Dearborn, expand sidewalks along Seattle Boulevard South and 4th Avenue, and create a landscape buffer on both sides of Seattle Boulevard South. — Public space improvement option—South Dearborn Street and Seattle Boulevard South

Potential Benefits

Additional pedestrian connection from CID to Pioneer Square via Stadium district.

Additional crossing option of 4th Avenue South improves access and safety.

Opportunity to enhance and leverage concurrent projects (King Street Station Access Improvement Project).

Potential Challenges

Landing of pedestrian bridge would alter existing green space and/or circulation through parking lots.

New bridge may require review by the railway and historical boards.

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