Environmental Impact Statement Released

The release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)for height and density alternatives, together with the release of the Urban Design Framework (UDF), provides a clear look at the vision and the alternatives for SLU growth.  (See related story on UDF in this issue)

"The UDF is a qualitative piece," explained James Holmes, Senior Urban Planner for the City of Seattle. Holmes, who was involved in both the UDF and the EIS, added, "The EIS shows options for increasing height and density and options for building regional centers for jobs and housing with smart growth and services."

Why is the EIS necessary? In 2004, Seattle designated SLU an urban center to contain a concentration of housing and employment, and to support walking, transit use and cohesive community development. The urban center designation prompted an update of the 1998 neighborhood plan. After two years of working with board members and the public, the Community Council proudly completed the South Lake Union Urban Center Neighborhood Plan, adopted by City Council in 2007.An urban plan (UDF) was started to consider architectural diversity and an open pedestrian experience. Next a height and density environmental impact study was conducted and released on February 24. There is a Draft EIS open house and public hearing on March 28, with comments due by April 11.  Final recommendations will be given to the mayor in late spring/early summer and the city council will adapt code amendments that would provide incentive zoning provisions in 2012.

The 659 pages of the EIS describe the environmental aspects of four alternatives representing varying heights and density configurations, with Alternative 1 allowing the greatest increase in height and density, and Alternative 4 representing no action – current zoning. For purposes of the study, SLU is approximately a 340-acre area that is bound by Denny Way on the south, Aurora Avenue N. on the west, Eastlake Avenue E. on the east, and Galer Street and E. Nelson Place on the north.

Alternative 1: Allow building heights of 240 to 300 feet in much of the neighborhood, with maximum heights of 400 feet between John Street and Denny Way (the south part of the neighborhood), allowing space for 31,500 jobs and 21,000 homes. Height increases allowed for both commercial and residential.

Alternatives 2: Allow building heights of 160 to 240 feet, with maximum heights of 300 feet between Aurora and Westlake (southwest part of the neighborhood), allowing 30,500 jobs and 19,000 homes.  Height increases allowed for both commercial and residential.

Alternative 3: Allow building heights of 160 to 240 feet, allowing 23,000jobs and 13,000 homes. Height increases allowed primarily for residential.

Alternative 4: Allow zoning as is, allowing 20,000 jobs and 11,500 homes. The zoning incentive program offers development bonuses, usually in the form of additional height, for projects that offer public benefits and amenities such as affordable housing, public space, preservation of landmarks, removal of over-water buildings and green building.

The SLU Community Council, as the official stewards of the Urban Center Neighborhood Plan, encourage you to read the draft and submit comments during the 45-day comment period, and to attend the Draft Open House & Public Hearing on March 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Unity Church located at 200 8th Ave N., adjacent to Denny Park.

Mobility Plan Recommendations for South Lake Union/Uptown Triangle

What improvements need to be in place to help you — the urbanist — get around South Lake Union (SLU) more easily? What would help you circulate in neighboring communities without a car? What would help you have easy access to downtown? What are the transportation-focused improvements that could be put forth as a plan that would be supported by the variety of neighborhood businesses, institutions and private interests? These are the types of questions that the mobility advisory committee asked themselves. The committee, made up of individuals from neighborhood interest groups and businesses, fine-tuned their recommendations during a series of meetings and presentations.  With help from transportation consultant Marni Heffron, information from many previous neighborhood transportation studies, and input from entities such as King County Metro and the Cascade Bike Club, the advisory committee crafted a set of recommendations.  These recommendations have the support of the SLU Community Council, SLU Chamber of Commerce, Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Alliance.

The basis of the plan is that SLU and Uptown will undergo a massive transformation in the next decade, as the neighborhoods grow to accommodate more than 12,000 new residents and 24,000 new jobs.  In addition, three major infrastructure projects — Alaskan Way Viaduct, Mercer East and Mercer West — will change travel patterns and provide key links for pedestrians, bicycles and transit.  This newly released mobility plan seeks to consolidate all the previous studies and take into account the new growth and infrastructure.

The mobility plan has 7 key themes which are described in much more detail in the report:

• Connect Communities:  re-establish east-west grid across Aurora
• Increase Transit Service: add rerouted and extended bus service through the heart of SLU
• Serve Regional Access & Mobility: realize improvements from infrastructure projects to connect neighborhoods
• Encourage Walking: create active and safe pedestrian environment
• Support Biking: provide bike paths, bike lanes, bike share and bike lockers
• Create Hubs for Mode Transfers: identify and create neighborhood hubs for access to and from local attractions
• Leverage Private Transportation Investments: partner with businesses, institutions, and development to leverage private enhancements

Now that the draft plan is completed it will be reviewed by the various entities.  Once a final plan is approved, it will be circulated and used to inform development.

Cascade Neighborhood Council Needs You

The Cascade Neighborhood Council (CNC) is looking for some great people, with great ideas and an ability to put plans into action. Nominate yourself or someone else by March 23, with elections in April for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The CNC’s purpose is to create a forum through which residents, employees, business owners, and property owners can find common ground as they define and develop the community. The boundaries of Cascade neighborhood, as defined by the CNC bylaws, are I-5 on the east, Denny Way on the south, Fairview on the west, and the Mercer St. interchange on the north.  If you are a stakeholder in this community, Dominick A. Lucia, Director of the Cascade Neighborhood Center, says that your help is needed and that the time is now to get involved.

"The upcoming executive team and council membership will be more relevant and inclusive than it has in the past in order to welcome the area's tremendous growth, to manage the challenges it brings, and to embrace ensuing opportunities," Lucia said.  The CNC will also be working with Lucia to manage the Cascade Neighborhood Center.

"The CNC is looking for a middle ground — we need a vital economy in order to preserve social services," said Lucia.  "We recognize that there is change and we want to use it to benefit the community."

Molly Franklin, resident, who serves on both the South Lake Union Community Council and the CNC, says that both councils are important for different reasons.  The CNC is a voice for a part of the South Lake Union (SLU) geographic area — but the Cascade area is historically significant.

"The character development of SLU needs to stand on the shoulders of Cascade, which is more rooted in a history of residents and people working together for the good of the place they call home," said Franklin. "The CNC is the democratic crossroads for that kind of activity and it stewards the community center where diverse people of the neighborhood can connect for the common good. Hopefully the community engagement in Cascade can spill over into SLU as it is developed."

If you are interested, you can attend the CNC meetings on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Cascade Neighborhood Center at 309 Pontius Ave. N. You can also contact CNC through their website.

"Phenomenal" Lake Union Park Opens

On a beautiful fall day with a clear view of the Space Needle, the City of Seattle celebrated the Grand Opening of its 12-acre Lake Union Park.  The Seattle Parks Foundation, which was hoping for 10,000 attendees, said that approximately 20,000 people participated in the free sunrise to sunset activities.  Starting with sunrise yoga, the party continued with a family fun run, ribbon cutting, live music, kayak and paddle board demonstrations, History Trail guided tours, and refreshments at the food and drink booths.

"This is the most meaningful park opening I have seen in my lifetime in Seattle," said South Lake Union Community Council board member Mike McQuaid.  "As a trustee of The Steamer Virginia V Foundation and a resident of SLU, I think that this new park elevates the quality of life in this neighborhood and showcases our hip new working and living neighborhood."

Lake Union Park is a public park and also a center for cultural and marine heritage.  It features a model boat pond, a beach for hand-launched boats, a restored shoreline habitat, a 300 -foot long interactive fountain, and a History Trail. It will also be home to an expanded Center for Wooden Boats, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the United Indians of all Tribes canoe center.

McQuaid commented that what impresses him most is that he sees people enjoying the park on a daily basis.  "I see people admiring the view, walking the trails, biking, and enjoying the open space in a densely populated area of the city," said McQuaid.  "The change in the South Lake Union neighborhood is a great civic revitalization. It is phenomenal."

MOHAI Thrilled to Begin Construction

After successfully ratifying their agreement with the city, MOHAI is thrilled about moving ahead with the construction phase of the Naval Reserve Building (Armory) in Lake Union Park.  In January of 2011, construction crews will begin upgrading the building to museum quality standards, while preserving its significant historical attributes. The Grand Opening is planned for mid-2012 and will coincide with MOHAI’s 60th Anniversary of service to the community. MOHAI estimates that 120,000 visitors each year will tour the new Museum of History and Industry.

"We were so heartened and humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support for the museum," said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield, in regard to the public discussion during the recent dispute with the City of Seattle.  "The support was across the board – and frankly we were surprised by the breadth and passion of the support we received from people who said they believe in us."

The disagreement with the city is complex and there has been some misinformation. The one thing that Garfield wants to stress is that the monetary resources needed to transform MOHAI are coming from the state – not the city. No city money is being taken away from other projects to fund MOHAI.  MOHAI’s current Montlake location was needed for the State Route 520 floating bridge expansion project. The state compensated MOHAI for the property and expenses involved in relocation.

This summer Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn asked to renegotiate the plan when MOHAI received more state money than was expected from the mitigation negotiations. In September the Seattle City Council unanimously voted to hold the city to the original deal that allows the museum to receive up to $7 million from the state. "The money from the state was intended for MOHAI.  The city council clearly understood this," said Garfield.

The physical move is one part, but MOHAI is taking the opportunity to upgrade the museum as well. "Private fundraising will transform the museum into a whole new way of telling Seattle’s history," said Garfield.  The new space has 35,000 square feet in exhibit space, as opposed to 20,000 square feet currently, and there will be more multimedia and interactive exhibits. In addition to the permanent collection, the new space will also house a traveling gallery, with changing exhibits from other museums. For a sneak preview of the new space, check out this video tour.

In the meantime, the visitor experience remains robust at the Montlake location, which will stay open into 2012. MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation.

Amazon Catapults Development of SLU

Phase One of Amazon.com’s new corporate headquarters is completed and thousands of Amazon employees—and their dogs—are moving into SLU. “The landing of Amazon is catapulting the development of the neighborhood,” said Lorie Groth, SLU Community Council board member.

Amazon, founded in 1995, is a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in e-commerce. The internet retailer, which sells everything from books to electronics to tennis rackets to diamond jewelry, continues to grow its workforce despite a global economic downturn.

The first phase of Amazon’s headquarters includes four buildings totaling nearly 450,000 square feet.  Phase 1A is a full block consisting of three buildings bordered by Terry Ave N, Harrison Street, Republican Street and Boren Ave N.  Phase 1B includes one new building on the southwest corner of Terry Ave N and Mercer.

Phases 2-4 are currently under construction and Phase 5 is expected to break ground next Spring. The entire headquarters will include 11 buildings, plus the leased office space at 2201 Westlake – bringing the total Amazon footprint in SLU to 1.9 million square feet.

Upon completion in 2013, several thousand Amazon employees will be working at the unified location, according to Michele Glisson, Amazon spokesperson.  As Amazon transitions to the new campus, many of its Seattle employees are working in other buildings around the city.

“We are just getting started, and our teams are enjoying the opportunity to get to know our neighbors and experience SLU’s convenient access to amenities, public transit, open space and retail,” said Glisson.

Approximately 100,000 square feet of the project will be street level public amenities, including the Tom Douglas restaurants planned for the historic Terry Avenue Building.  This 1915 building—which has served as a truck factory, a cabinet warehouse, and a flooring distributor headquarters—is being used as a design model for the development.  Architect Peter Krech said in The Seattle Times, that the architectural design of Amazon’s Seattle headquarters “is really a modern interpretation of the warehouse.

Urban Design Framework Plan Unveiled

Approximately 150 people attended the recent Urban Design Framework (UDF) meeting, where the future growth plans for South Lake Union were discussed.  The process was a unique collaboration between the SLUFAN Community Council, Seattle city planners, Lake Union Opportunity Alliance (LUOA) and the Cascade Neighborhood Council (CNC). These groups came together in order to build a shared design and implementation strategy for the future of SLU, while considering sustainable development, community amenities and livability.

During the January 26 meeting, Marshall Foster and Jim Holmes from the Department of Planning and Development presented the design framework, including a recap of previous plans done for SLU; current plans for development opportunities and public amenity priorities; and details about retail, residential and waterfront development.

Dan Foltz, principal at Weber Thompson architects, and co-facilitator of UDF, said that his firm, located at Thomas and Terry, provided nearly 1,000 pro bono hours of planning and consulting services to the UDF because it was the right thing to do for their neighborhood. “I believe that it was a worthy investment that will have big pay-offs for the neighborhood as we look forward,” Foltz said.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the meeting was the Q&A, where questions were raised about how the plan would go forward and how it would be implemented. Concerns were also voiced about building heights, green space, and limitations of the plan.

“As more people take up residence in SLU, the demographics will shift from ‘drive-ins’ who work here to people who actually live here,” said Steven Paget, Chair of the SLUFAN board and participant in the development of the UDF.  He added, “It was evident in attendance and the voices expressed that resident input will carry more weight in the future—appropriately so—and that will affect how things develop in SLU.”

The UDF collaborators, who have been meeting for about nine months, bridged five years of community planning led by SLUFAN and the city.  The UDF expanded the previous plans’ scope by including input from the LUOA and CNC, and addressing issues of livability; and will inform the upcoming Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) study. Now principles have been laid out that set a clearer vision for South Lake Union’s future development, including plans to integrate SLU with other neighborhoods, create a network of great streets, develop open spaces and community spaces, create opportunities for families and guide affordable housing.

Lloyd Douglas, President of the Cascade Neighborhood Council and SLUFAN board member, has been representing the voice of the residents.  “Diversity of housing types is important, so we have been looking for all types of people to be involved on the board,” Douglas said.  In regard to the UDF he said that most of the work is done, but additional resident comments will be needed when the draft documents are released.

Foster said that if there is a single take-away from the public meeting, it is that UDF has created an implementation strategy to turn the Parks Department administration building at Denny Park into a community center, which would create a community meeting center for the neighborhood.