first hill public realm action plan...proposed green street marion st. columbia st. cherry st. james...

WHY FIRST HILL?The First Hill neighborhood benefits from its close proximity to downtown Seattle and hosts some of the city’s largest major institutions. The 1998 neighborhood plan recognized the need to improve existing transportation infrastructure for car, bus, bike and pedestrian travel on First Hill and the need to increase the amount of open space.

Both the 2000 Pro Parks Levy and the 2008 Parks & Green Spaces Levy identified First Hill as a priority area for development of a neighborhood park and funds were allocated for land acquisition.

Despite significant efforts in securing an appropriate site(s) for park use, land acquisition has proven challenging. A new approach has been taken to consider street right of way as a means to achieve not only connectivity, but also park space that serve the working and residential populations of First Hill.

The Public Realm Action Plan includes the development of implementation strategies to expand the public space network through right of way reallocation, private development partnership and strategic site selection for potential acquisition.

These public space strategies are included within the street concept plans for University St, 8th Ave, Terrace Ave, and Terry Ave. and are proposed for adoption into the Right of Way Improvement Manual.

PROPOSED BUS RAPID TRANSIT

RA

CT

EE

RT

S

STREET CAR

PROPOSED CYCLE TRACK


E. Madison St.

Seneca St.

PROPOSED GREEN STREET

Marion St.

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

James St.

Je�erson St.

Alder St.

HW

Y I-5

E. Pike St.

E. Pine St.

.evA ht 21

. evA ht 11

. evA ht 01

. evA ya

wda

orB

. evA ht 41

Boylston Ave.

Summ

it Ave.

Minor Ave.

Boren Ave.

9th Ave.8th Ave.

Union St.

University St.

SITE OF FUTURE YESLER TERRACE COMMUNITY CENTER AND OPEN SPACE

STUDY AREA

FIRST HILL NEIGHBORHOOD


DESIGNATED GREEN STREET

NEIGHBORHOOD GREENWAY

STREET OPEN SPACE OPPORTUNITY

PUBLIC / PRIVATE OPEN SPACE OPPORTUNITY

STREETCAR STOPS

MADISON STREET BRT PROPOSED STATIONS

EXISTING PARK SPACE

UnIveRSITY STReeT and 9TH avenUe 8TH avenUe TeRRace STReeT TeRRY avenUe

FIRST HILL PUbLIc ReaLm acTIon PLan Creating a network of parks and public spaces to enhance mobility and livability in First Hill


PaRk and oPen SPace cRITeRIa

PRecedenT ImageS

Park Types example definition national criteria Local criteria

Parklet Parklets convert on-street parking spots into public spaces. Cost-effective tool for increasing our city’s public open space

• Permitted on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less

• Streets with grade less than 5%

• At least 20 ft long and no wider than 6 ft

• 4 ft buffer on either side

• Built in lanes already with parking

• Street with grade less than 5%

• At least 20 ft long and no wider than 6 ft

• 4 ft buffer on either side

Minipark/pocketpark Miniparks/pocket parks consist of small cultural or natural areas with recreational, reflective or City beautification potential

• 2500 sq. ft to 1 acre• Serve as a recreational or

beautification space where acquisition of larger parks is not possible

• Linked to community pathways or sidewalks

• 2500 sq. ft to 10,000 of usable park area

• Surrounded by residences, small commercial and non-arterial streets

• Serves immediate neighborhood, less than ¼ mile in distance

Active Zone Park Active Zones in the Public Right or Way that provide areas for exercise and outdoor activity

No Equivalent Classification • Between 500 - 1000 square feet

• Serves the surrounding neighborhood and also provides a network of active zone openspaces

• Provides activity to potential adjacent uses

Downtown Park Small islands within the urban downtown that present opportunities to enhance the city’s character. The current determined boundary and definition of “downtown” may shift as the city changes

No Equivalent Classification • 4300 sq ft to 22,000 sq ft. • Current boundaries: south

lake union to international district, Elliot Bay to I5.

• Programming could include, buskers, food carts, events

Neighborhood Park Larger than pocket parks and serve the surrounding neighborhoods for multiple uses

No Equivalent Classification • Between 10,000 - 40,000 square feet

• Serves surrounding neighborhood between ¼ to ½ mile

• Multiple uses including play areas, small fields, benches, picnic tables & paths

Boulevard/Green Streets (called Greenways by National Parks)

Legally designated as an extension of expansion of a dedicated street with continues to serve as right-of-way in addition to being park land

• Size varies • Location dependent on

resource • Availability and

opportunities • Effectively tie park systems

together to form a continuous park environment

• Size varies• Linear parks that typically

serve as an aesthetically pleasing transportation corridor

• Location along arterials roads favoring places with views

Seat

tle p

arkl

et

San

Fran

cisc

o po

cket

par

kSe

attle

Occ

iden

tal P

ark

Seat

tle Yo

rk P

ark


PROPOSED BUS RAPID TRANSITST

REE

TCAR

STREET CAR



E. Madison St.

Seneca St.


Marion St.

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

James St.

Jefferson St.

Alder St.

HW

Y I-5

E. Pike St.

E. Pine St.

12th

Ave

.

11th

Ave

.

10th

Ave

.

Broa

dway

Ave

.

14th

Ave

.

Boylston Ave.

Summ

it Ave.

Minor Ave.

Boren Ave.

9th Ave.8th Ave.

Union St.

University St.


STUDY AREA






PUBLIC / PRIVATE OPEN

STREETCAR STOPS


EXISTING PARK SPACE

NExisting Open Space

Potential Private/Public Development

Potential Additional Open Space

a

b

c

d

e

F

anaLYSIS oF PRoPoSed PUbLIc SPaceSProposed open Space Size Type characteristics & connections evaluation Rank

9th Avenue Promenade 1,064 SF • Active Zone• Boulevard/ Green Street

• Connection to Freeway Park• Easy access to University green street• Low volume vehicular traffic• Development of Virginia Mason proposal

Medium

Madison and Boylston Park TBD SF • Neighborhood Park • New residential and commercial • Development • BRT transit stop

High

Terry and Madison Park TBD SF • Pocket Park • Close to Madison BRT stop• Larger lot of land• Located near Terry Avenue

High

Terrace Street Promenade 4,300 SF • Boulevard/ Green Street • Located near Harborview Plaza• Connection to Broadway Streetcar

Medium

Terry Avenue Promenade 20,000 - 40,000 SF • Boulevard/ Green Street • Community desired pedestrian promenade• Co-location with civic and cultural

institutions• Potential development

Medium - Low

University and Boylston Park and Plaza 4,390 SF • Minipark/ Pocket Park• Active Zone

• Oversized intersection• Low volume vehicular traffic• Improved pedestrian and bicycling safety

High

a

b

c

d

F

e


PaRk and oPen SPace cRITeRIa What is an active Zone? Park Active Zones are areas in the Public Right of Way that provide areas for exercise and outdoor activity. These can range from elements with prescribed uses to more flexible, open ended use design options.

PoTenTIaL acTIve Zone LooP: 1.7 mILeS

PROPOSED BUS RAPID TRANSIT

STR

EETC

AR

STREET CAR



E. Madison St.

Seneca St.


Marion St.

Columbia St.

Cherry St.

James St.

Jefferson St.

Alder St.

HW

Y I-5

E. Pike St.

E. Pine St.

12th

Ave

.

11th

Ave

.

10th

Ave

.

Broa

dway

Ave

.

14th

Ave

.

Boylston Ave.

Summ

it Ave.

Minor Ave.

Boren Ave.

9th Ave.8th Ave.

Union St.

University St.


STUDY AREA






PUBLIC / PRIVATE OPEN

STREETCAR STOPS


EXISTING PARK SPACE

NPotential Active Zone

Potential Active Loop


InTeRIm deSIgn STRaTegIeSWhat is a Prototype Park? The following goals should inform the location and installation of all interim design strategies:

SaFe – Every interim design strategy must increase or maintain an already high level of safety where installed. The primary reason for installing many such treatments is to address specific safety concerns within the right of way.

FaST – Interim strategies are “quick fixes” – relative to permanent treatments they should be easy to design and install. They should utilize simple, prefabricated, or standardized materials in order to work as modules that can be “plugged” into a site with minimal effort.

LoW-coST – Materials should be simple and of the lowest cost necessary to produce an interim treatment that is safe, functional, contextual, and appropriate to its intended lifespan. Where aesthetics are particularly important, higher-quality and -cost materials may be necessary to provide a context-sensitive solution.

bRIeF – Substantial progress toward a permanent solution should be achieved within 5 years of implementation of an interim design strategy.

eXPeRImenTaL – With a focus on flexibility, interim treatments should allow designers to test new ideas and uses for the right-of-way provided that other goals are not compromised in the process. Interim strategies can be used as pilot or demonstration facilities prior to installation in other locations.

PUbLIc – All interim strategies are intended to address the need for increased public space or public safety. They should provide universal accessibility and be available to the general public at all times regardless of age or ability.

commUnITY dRIven – Local communities should be encouraged to initiate and champion interim design strategies that address their needs. In cases where new public space is created, community partners can act as stewards by initiating, maintaining, and, programming the neighborhood space.

Provid

e Over

all Vis

ion

Process Timeline

Process Timeline

Activatio

n / En

gage

ment A

ctivity

Protot

ype Pa

rk Imple

mentat

ion

Researc

h Suc

cess

/ Use

Redesi

gn Acc

ording

to Rese

arch

Perm

anen

t Park

Provid

e Over

all Vis

ion

Activatio

n / En

gage

ment A

ctivity

Protot

ype Pa

rk Imple

mentat

ion

Researc

h Suc

cess

/ Use

Redesi

gn Acc

ording

to Rese

arch

Perm

anen

t Park

Process Timeline

Provid

e Visio

n

Enga

gemen

t Activ

ity

Test P

rototy

pe Pa

rk

Researc

h Use

Redesi

gn Pa

rk

Perm

anen

t Park


UnIveRSITY STReeT activation, Interim, and Long Term concept

Provid

e Over

all Vis

ion

Process Timeline

Process Timeline

Activatio

n / En

gage

ment A

ctivity

Protot

ype Pa

rk Imple

mentat

ion

Researc

h Suc

cess

/ Use

Redesi

gn Acc

ording

to Rese

arch

Perm

anen

t Park

Provid

e Over

all Vis

ion

Activatio

n / En

gage

ment A

ctivity

Protot

ype Pa

rk Imple

mentat

ion

Researc

h Suc

cess

/ Use

Redesi

gn Acc

ording

to Rese

arch

Perm

anen

t Park

Process Timeline

Provid

e Visio

n

Enga

gemen

t Activ

ity

Test P

rototy

pe Pa

rk

Researc

h Use

Redesi

gn Pa

rk

Perm

anen

t Park

Scrabble Game | Spring/Summer 2015 Prototype Park and Research | 2015 Long Term Implementation | TBD

eXISTIng InTeRSecTIon: 9TH ave and UnIveRSITY STReeT

22’-0”

9th ave prototype park sign

Additional planters provided by Virginia

Mason

Planned Virginia Mason Open Space

exact squre footage and location to be determined

11 tables 27 chairs

Umbrellas

Bollards or planters every 6’

34 small planters12 large planters

Epoxy paint variabalerectangle grid

Green wall potential


Scrabble Game | Spring/Summer 2015 Prototype Park and Research | 2015 Long Term Implementation | TBD

UnIveRSITY STReeT activation, Interim, and Long Term concept

Provid

e Over

all Vis

ion

Process Timeline

Process Timeline

Activatio

n / En

gage

ment A

ctivity

Protot

ype Pa

rk Imple

mentat

ion

Researc

h Suc

cess

/ Use

Redesi

gn Acc

ording

to Rese

arch

Perm

anen

t Park

Provid

e Over

all Vis

ion

Activatio

n / En

gage

ment A

ctivity

Protot

ype Pa

rk Imple

mentat

ion

Researc

h Suc

cess

/ Use

Redesi

gn Acc

ording

to Rese

arch

Perm

anen

t Park

Process Timeline

Provid

e Visio

n

Enga

gemen

t Activ

ity

Test P

rototy

pe Pa

rk

Researc

h Use

Redesi

gn Pa

rk

Perm

anen

t Park

eXISTIng InTeRSecTIon: UnIveRSITY, UnIon and boYLSTon

Union St

University St. Boylston Ave

N

11 tables 32 chairs

Double striped line

Extend epoxy 2 x 2 grid

Extend and enhance sidewalk planting

15 small planters 8 large planters

Bicycle entry markings

Umbrellas

Bollards or planters every 6'


UNIVERSITY STREET

SENECA

SPRING

MADISON

MARION

COLUMBIA

CHERRY

JAMES

HARBORIEW MEDICALCENTER

JEFFERSON

FRYE ART MUSEUM

ODEAHIGH

SCHOOLST. JAMES

CATHEDRAL

SORRENTO HOTEL

VIRGINA MASON MEDICAL CENTER

UNION

8TH

AVE

9TH

AVE

TERRACE STREET

MIN

OR

BROADW

AY

PEDESTRIA

N A

ND

PARKIN

G PO

CKETFU

TURE PH

ASE

FUTU

RE PHA

SEFU

TURE PH

ASE

FUTU

RE PHA

SEFU

TURE PH

ASE

FUTU

RE PHA

SEPED

ESTRIAN

AN

D PA

RKING

POCKET

STReeT concePT PLan- PLan vIeW

First Hill Park 6’Sidewalk

Maintain8’

Sidewalk

8’Planting

2’-8”Planter

Private18’ Drive Lanes

7’ Parking Lane16’

Planting

A A1

Proposed Section - University at minor

A1 A1

12’Sidewalk Virginia Mason Plaza10’ Bike Lane

34’ Promenade Walk and Plaza

Proposed Section - 9th ave between University & Seneca

A A1

18’Vehicular Travel Lane

7’Parking Line10’

Sidewalk8’

Sidewalk11’

Planter PrivatePrivate

Proposed Section - 8th ave between cherry & James

6’Concrete Sidewalk

18’ Vehicular Travel Lane

7’ Parking Lane Private9’-6”

Sidewalk Planter12’

Sidewalk Planter12’

Extended Sidewalk10’

Sidewalk Planter

A A1

Proposed Section- Terrace at boren

22’-0”PR

OM

ENAD

E W

ALK

PLAZ

A

PLAZA

BIC

YCLE

S

Union St

University St.

Boylston Ave

PARK

PLAZA

BICYCLES

University/Union/boylston IntersectionLong term concept: Intersection closure and street space reallocated to pedestrian plaza, green space and gateway to the future neighborhood greenway.

9th ave between University and SenecaLong term concept: pedestrian plaza and gateway to potential future neighborhood greenway allowing seamless integration between Freeway Park and future Virginia Mason open space.


TeRRY avenUe - SPRIng To TeRRace overall concept Plan - Future vision

Potential future development

Safe crossing with traffic light

Open space at Terrace Street

Curbless, Pedestrian Street (Phase 1)

18' setback at potential future BRT station stop

BRT development, options: stop along curb or center street

Move bike share to Columbia

Potential Future Open space

Turnaroundand Vista

8 9

UN

IVER

SITY

STR

EET

SEN

ECA

SPRI

NG

MA

DIS

ON

MA

RIO

N

COLU

MBI

A

CHER

RY

JAM

ES

HA

RBO

RIEW

MED

ICA

LCE

NTE

R

JEFF

ERSO

N

FRYE

ART

MU

SEU

M

OD

EAH

IGH

SC

HO

OL

ST. J

AM

ESCA

THED

RAL

SORR

ENTO

H

OTE

L

VIRG

INA

MA

SON

MED

ICA

L CE

NTE

R

UNION

8TH AVE

9TH AVE

TERR

ACE

STRE

ET

MINORBROADWAY

PEDESTRIAN AND PARKING POCKET FUTURE PHASE FUTURE PHASE FUTURE PHASE FUTURE PHASE FUTURE PHASE FUTURE PHASEPEDESTRIAN AND PARKING POCKET1 2

2

3 4 657

7

7

8 9

6’Sidewalk

10’SidewalkPlanter

7’Car Drop-Off/

Temporary Parking Lane

18’Clear Areafor Cars

8’Sidewalk

10’ Sidewalk Planter

Pedestrian

Street

4’Foundation

Planter

A A1A A1

existing Section - Terry at columbia Proposed Section - Terry at columbia

PRecedenT ImageS

PLan vIeW

Photo Rendering - Madison Ave at Terry Photo Rendering - Terry Ave between Columbia and Cherry

98

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

7

7

7

1

1

2

22

first hill public realm action plan...proposed green street marion st. columbia st. cherry st. james...

Documents