The City of Seattle says the new Central Waterfront project is one of the significant civic projects in the city’s 150 year history. The goal is to create a new downtown waterfront that can “set an example of sustainable development” on the rapidly urbanizing Puget Sound shoreline. The city also seeks to remove the aging Alaskan Way viaduct, replace the Elliott Bay seawall, and reconnect the Elliott Bay and city. 

Diane Sugimura, director of the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, said: “our new waterfront must be a dynamic and forward looking public space that appeals to and serves all of Seattle. We are moving closer to the dream of a great waterfront – something Seattle and the region deserve.” Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams added: “With the removal of the viaduct and the transformation of the Central Waterfront, Seattle has the opportunity to create a vibrant new public space for our city.”

 The city will commission a framework plan that can establish the broader planning context for the project as well as the design of the following; 

  • A new multi-modal street along Alaskan Way and the existing SR99 alignment,  between King Street and Elliott and Western Avenues near the south portal of the existing Battery Street Tunnel.
  • More than 9 acres of new public spaces.
  • New drainage and combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities, and relocation of existing utilities.

In addition, Seattle will also ask for the development and implementation of  a “robust outreach and engagement strategy in partnership with the City and Seattle Waterfront Steering Committee, with the goal of ensuring citywide engagement in the design process.”  

The estimated budget for the planning and design of the entire project is $50 to 70 million. Design is anticipated to last between 2010 and 2015 and construction, 2016-2018.  

Interested firms are required to submit statements of qualifications by Wednesday, August 4, 2010. Learn more and submit.

Also, check out a blog from a Mithun architectural designer for more on the history of the project and design challenges involved.