SEATTLE — In the heart of Pioneer Square, Occidental Park is now thriving at lunchtime after decades of neglect.
More change is coming to Seattle's oldest neighborhood in the form of a new cruise ship terminal and a boulevard and park on the waterfront after the Alaskan Way Viaduct is fully removed.
"It just means more opportunity for the small businesses to be able to thrive here and for this to really be a gem in Seattle," said Lisa Howard, of the Alliance for Pioneer Square.
As part of the waterfront project, the city is now planning new east-west connections between Pioneer Square and Elliott Bay, focused on pedestrians.
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"One way to do that is to widen sidewalks, really create more narrow, quieter streets on Main and Washington," said Angela Brady, deputy director of the city's waterfront office.
Plans call for South Main and South Washington streets to become one-way, each with a single lane of traffic.
Renderings provided by the city show raised crosswalks near Occidental Park, curbless sidewalks and new plantings.
"Room for greenery and landscaping, trying to make these streets as beautiful as we can and as inviting as we can," Brady said.
Views will also open to the restored Washington Street Boat Landing pergola.
Jay Boone, who owns Emerald City Guitars on South Washington Street, said he likes the idea of a more welcoming street but has a question.
"What are we going to do about parking?" Boone asked.
Boone is not happy about losing more parking with a narrow one-way street out front and says garages in the neighborhood are often full.
"During sporting events and concerts, it's just a cluster down here," he said.
The city is taking public comments now on the Pioneer Square street changes as designs are finalized so work can begin in 2021.
The street changes in Pioneer Square will cost $20 million and will be paid for by the tax on downtown property owners.
Cox Media Group
