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A strategy for Seattle's downtown core and
the neighborhoods around it
Center City Seattle is becoming a place
where people choose to live, work, and play. But making great neighborhoods
means more than building great buildings. To keep and attract businesses,
support Center City residents, and keep our great entertainment attractions,
we’re creating a collection of unique, but connected, neighborhoods.
They are not the same, they are not all “downtown,” but are
part of a larger whole, which entices all to stroll the streets, visit
restaurants and shops, and spend time in the parks.
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| Learn more about Center City Seattle
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Center City Overview
Mayor Nickels' "Center City Seattle" strategy focuses on encouraging
economic growth, transportation, new housing, and great urban neighborhoods
in Seattle's downtown core and the nine centrally located neighborhoods
immediately around it.
In terms of geography, jobs and density, Center City represents the core
of the region. By 2024 it is projected that this area will produce 50,000
new jobs and over 22,000 new housing units.
Work continues on Mayor Nickels’ strategy for promoting economic
growth, facilitating better transportation options, providing new housing
and building great urban neighborhoods in the Center City. Initiated
in 2004, Nickels’ Center City Seattle strategy addressed major changes
affecting this area, including downtown
zoning changes which went into effect in 2006,
redevelopment of the central
waterfront, replacement of the viaduct, light rail, the
Westlake streetcar, new and improved parks, biotech development, and
new mixed-use development (more details on these exciting projects.)
For information on upcoming events and activities or to view past
meeting materials visit our events
and activities page.
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| What's Happening
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Downtown Zoning Changes
The Mayor's proposal to provide additional housing by increasing
height and density limits in specific areas of downtown Seattle
was approved by council and went into effect in 2006. |
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Central
Waterfront
The Alaskan Way viaduct and the seawall along
the central waterfront have been damaged and weakened,
thrusting the central waterfront towards yet another
major milestone in its evolution. City planners
are working to take advantage of this once-in-a-century
opportunity to create a waterfront that will meet Seattle ’s
challenging needs. |
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Center
City Transportation Improvements
Numerous transportation projects are being studied and constructed that will enhance
our downtown street grid to ensure bus and freight mobility, and add alternatives
to driving, such as light rail. By working together, transit agencies
and the City are using a coordinated approach to construction that will keep
downtown open and moving. Transportation projects include: replacing the Alaskan
Way Viaduct and Seawall Project, King Street Station Transportation Center,
Central Link Light Rail, Mercer Corridor, South Lake Union Streetcar,
Spokane Street Viaduct Widening, and SR 519 Phase 1 Surface Improvements. |
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South Downtown
The overall goal of the South Downtown project is to stimulate housing and related
development consistent with the Mayor’s Center City for great urban neighborhoods.
The South Downtown planning project will examine growth and planning issues
specific to Pioneer Square; Chinatown/International District (including the
Little Saigon area east of Interstate 5); and the northernmost edges of the
Greater Duwamish Manufacturing and Industrial Center. |
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Light
Rail
This initial 14-mile light rail line will serve downtown Seattle, the industrial
area south of downtown, and residential and commercial neighborhoods in Beacon
Hill, the Rainier Valley, Tukwila, and SeaTac. Sound Transit is working with
neighborhoods, artists, and cities to ensure that the light rail system and stations
are an asset to each community. When the system is completed, Link trains will
take riders to a number of destinations, providing greater access to jobs and
services and increased choices for housing. |
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South Lake Union
Creating more housing and employment opportunities, building a street
car, and creating a new waterfront park are all part of the Mayor's Action
Agenda for South Lake Union. DPD planners are contributing to the Mayor's
Action Agenda to create more housing and employment opportunities with
two sets of land use and zoning changes in South Lake Union (see DPD
website). |
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Broadway
Retail Revitalization
Strengthening the Broadway business district by improving the retail
mix and creating redevelopment opportunities was the focus of a strategy
that included providing storefront improvement grants, addressing public
safety concerns, and changing land use and zoning regulations. |
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First
Hill Revitalization
Creating redevelopment opportunities and strengthening the First Hill business
district. |
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Center City Parks
Parks, community centers and pedestrian corridors are key elements in creating unique, but connected, neighborhoods.
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| Latest News
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Mayor signs historic bill for livable, affordable Center City
Mayor makes growth pay for growth in transportation
Mayor proposes development fee to pay for parks and open space
Mayor puts out plan for more housing and jobs in Center City
Nickels’ plan calls for taller, slimmer buildings
- Seattle P-I
Mayor pushes for more housing and jobs in Center City
Residential tower to rise 36 stories
- Seattle Times
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| Resources
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Initiates
Underway fact sheet -
Adobe PDF 486 kb
Overview of the Seattle Center City Strategy
Mayor’s Alaskan Way Tunnel page
Mayor’s Future of Downtown
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| Center City Links
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Department of Planning & Development Center City Seattle page
A list of Center City Seattle Projects
Center City Seattle Events & Activities
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