Seattle Pike/Pine Interventions by Patty Chen

PIKE/PINE DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

Michael Brinley, Patty Chen, Zhehao Huang, Yoonshin Kwak, Jingchen Liu, Lizzie Moll URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015 URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction to EcoDistricts A. Importance of EcoDistricts B. Performance Area Goals C. Other EcoDistricts II. Seattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EcoDistrict A. History B. Partners C. Updates III. Pike/Pine Corridor Analysis A. Eight Goals Applied to the EcoDistrict B. SWOT Analysis IV. EcoDistrict Projects A. Ongoing EcoDistrict Projects B. Our proposed Projects V. Connecting the EcoDistrict: A Gateway to Pike/Pine A. EcoDistrict and Downtown Connectivity B. Greening Alleys C. Plymouth Pillars Park D. Living Building and Education Beacon E. Lidding I-5 VI. Eco-Sustainable Street A. Site Analysis and Concept B. Design Strategies C. Design Details VII. Catalyze the Block A. Site Analysis and Concept B. Design Strategies C. Design Details 2

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

VIII. Seattle Central College Plaza A. Site Analysis and Concept B. Design Strategies C. Design Details IX. Conclusions and Our Vision X. Bibliography

facebook.com/capitolhillecodistrict

This report was prepared for the Autumn 2015 Quarter Urban Design and Preservation Specialty Studio. The EcoDistrict group contained Master candidates from the Urban Design and Planning Department, the Landscape Architecture Department and The Jackson School of Public Policy at the University of Washington. Thank you to Manish Chalana for his guidance and thoughtful critiques. URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ECODISTRICT OVERVIEW WHAT AND WHY? Sustainability has often been defined as how biological systems endure and remain diverse and productive. But, the 21st-century definition of sustainability goes far beyond these narrow parameters. Today, it refers to the need to develop the sustainable models necessary for both the human race and planet Earth to survive. It means finding a balance among three sets of goals: 1) prosperity and jobs, 2) conservation and the environment, and 3) community health, equity, and cultural vitality. It means taking positive, proactive steps to protect the quality of life now, and for future generations.

CAPITOL HILL ECODISTRICT OVERVIEW The Capitol Hill EcoDistrict is a neighborhood-based sustainability initiative serving the most densely populated urban village in the Pacific Northwest. It is led by Capitol Hill Housing, a community development corporation and public development authority with nearly four decades of experience working alongside Capitol Hill stakeholders to enhance community and affordability.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ECODISTRICT OVERVIEW PERFORMANCE AREAS

CASE STUDIES 1. STOCKHOLM ROYAL SEAPORT INNOVATION Stockholm Royal Seaport Innovation (Innovation) is an arena for innovation, learning and cooperation on sustainable urban development. This interacts business, academia and the city on various research and development projects that contribute to Stockholm's new district meets the high environmental and sustainability goals. Stockholm Royal Seaport Innovation will help to promote the development and application of Swedish environmental technology and system solutions for sustainable urban development in the new area. Innovation will also promote Swedish environmental technology and skills, and be an arena for international collaborations and projects.

2. AUSTIN SEAHOLM PROJECT The Seaholm project is a long-awaited opportunity for the restoration and adaptive re-use of the distinctive Art Deco power plant. Overlooking Lady Bird Lake, the project will create a leading example of urban mixed-use development and green development with large public plazas and advanced sustainable features. The district site will feature office space, contemporary apartments, retail shops, restaurants, Trader Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, public art, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Shoal Creek will be restored and will connect the site with Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network of greenbelts. URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CAPITOL HILL ECODISTRICT TIMELINE

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

The 2012 Report

"Making Density Livable" In 2012, Capitol Hill Housing enlisted the aid of GGLO Design and compiled a proposal for a Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. Capitol Hill EcoDistrict is a part of a nationwide EcoDistrict drive that includes neighborhoods in many U.S. urban centers such as Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. Capitol Hill won the competitive funding in part due to the backing of the Bullitt Foundation. The 127 page proposal provides a detailed road map for sustainability goals over the next thirty to forty years that include reaching waste neutrality, reducing water use by more than 25% and providing for a longterm densification trend in housing.

EcoDistrict Update: 2015 Since the original report on the EcoDistrict was compiled in 2012, significant changes have taken place within the organization. First and foremost, a Steering Committee was created and implemented, beginning in 2014. The Steering Committee is constituted of prominent local professionals with a stake in the EcoDistrict's mission. 14 of the EcoDistrict Programs have been implemented to some degree and a set of new metrics have been established in order to provide continuing assessment data, that can help future Steering Committees. City Council Resolution 31562, passed in Jan. 2015 officially recognized the EcoDistrict, helping to cement its credibility as a mechanism for implementing sustainability goals in the city.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP Capitol Hill Housing operates out of the Broadway Crossing building and manages well over 20 affordable housing projects within Capitol Hill alone. Founded in 1976 by a city ordinance, Capitol Hill Housing is, in effect an organ of the state. They provide housing to over 2000 Seattle residents and employ over 80 people. The EcoDistrict is coordinated by three fulltime staff members. Joel Sisolak is the coordinator and director of CHH's sustainability initiatives.

The Bullitt Foundation THE CUTTING EDGE OF GREEN Dorothy Bullitt was a native daughter of the Pacific Northwest and due to decades of savvy entrepreneurship, spearheaded the introduction of television to Seattle. Having made a fortune forming KING Broadcasting, Dorothy invested in the preservation of the natural environment in the Northwest. The Bullitt Foundation, spearheaded this effort with the construction of the Bullitt Center, the most "sustainable" building in the world. The Bullitt Center sits within the EcoDistrict and continues to partner with CHH to implement sustainable policies in the urban context.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

GGLO Design Local Design, Local Insights GGLO Design has worked on a number of projects across the nation. In Seattle, they participated in the design of the Fremont Peak Park and the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict.

Sources: Images come from various websources, primarily the public websites of Capitol Hill Housing, GGLO Design, the Bullitt Foundation, and the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. http://www.gglo.com/; https://capitolhillhousing.org/about/; http://www.bullitt.org/; https://capitolhillecodistrict. org/metrics/; The other major source of information comes from the actual 2012 EcoDistrict Proposal, which can be found here: https://capitolhillhousing.org/downloads/Capitol-Hill_EcoDistrict_ Report_2012.pdf Additional Information comes from interview conducted with EcoDistrict staff member: Alex Brennen on Nov. 19, 2015

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Corridor Analysis SWOT Analysis

Energy & Materials

EcoDistrict 8 Areas

Strength: • Current urban form and transit are beneficial to Transportation Goal and Health Goal. • Historic conservation can promote Materials Goal and Culture Goal. Weaknesses: • Old buildings always have bad performance on Energy Goal. • Old building and sewer pipes and lack of green space impunge on Water Goal • Gentrification caused by old buildings' adaption and new constructions in Pike/ Pine may damage Equity Goal • Pike/Pine has limited resources to perform Habitat Goal and Material Goal.

Energy & Transportation

Opportunities: • Sustainability has been written into Seattle's Comprehensive Plan and will further influence related urban policies and ordinances. • There are lots of ongoing projects that can promote Eco-District on different goals. Threats: • Some transformations based on Eco-District goals may conflict with neighborhood conservation principles. • Other districts in Capitol Hill are potential competitors for critical resources in future's development, like financial support.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Culture & Health

Water & Habitat

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ONGOING ECODISTRICT FRAMEWORKS

Get on the Map - Capitol Hill Small businesses working with Seattle Public Utilities to conserve water, reduce waste, and protect water going into local waterways.

Capitol Hill Saves Supports small businesses using energy efficiency improvements with help from the Preservation Green Lab. Capitol Hill Arts District Uses land incentives and collective marketing to keep Capitol Hill an arts district. Goals: brand area using physical characteristics and wayfinding Resident Engagement & Leadership Development Program Engaging residents by encouraging stewardship through conservation efforts. Goals include training affordable housing residents as conservation leaders and create opportunities for civic engagement.

Pike/Pine Conservation Overlay District Goals: Promote mixed-use development, keep new development compatible and in scale with the neighborhood, preserve pre-1940's buildings, encourage diverse local businesses and retain and attract arts and cultural uses. Better Building Challenge Capitol Hill Housing committed to reduce energy intensity across whole portfolio by at least 20 percent within 10 years.

Pike/Pine District Shared Parking Goal: Reduce parking requirements because many spaces are empty. Achieve environmental goals while also generating revenue and making housing more affordable. Capitol Hill 2030 Goals: 50% reduction by 2030 of: total building energy use, total building water use, CO2e of Auto and Freight. As of 2015, have made 4% reduction. Dumpsters in the Right of Way Finding alternatives for spaces for dumpsters along commercial corridors. Documenting challenges and exploring waste management alternatives in Capitol Hill with funding from Only in Seattle.

facebook.com/CapitolHillEcodistrict

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ECODISTRICT PROJECTS Capitol Hill Tool Library Opened at 420 E. Pike St this fall. Lends out woodworking and gardening tools as well as cooking equipment and hosting workshops and events.

capitolhillblog.org

Community Solar On top of a 1001 E John Street Capitol Hill Housing property. Community members subscribe with Seattle City Light and get reimbursed on their utility bills. All units have been sold as of February 2015.

Pollinator Pathway Started in 2012, the Pollinator Pathway uses systems thinking to link isolated green spaces on Columbia Street looking towards developing a second Pathway that runs up 11th Ave for 2.5 linear miles.

POLLINATOR PATHWAY TOOL LIBRARY PEDESTRIAN STREETS PILOT

Central Seattle Greenways A group who advocates for protected bike lanes, safer intersections, parklets, and trafficcalming.

Pike/Pine Pedestrian Streets Pilot A community engagement planning process closed off three blocks of Pike Street to car traffic on four Saturday nights in August. Goals include improving safety, facilitate nightlife and crowd management, open the street to community-led programming for inclusive and safe nightlife, celebrate the LGBTQ and artistic culture and history of the neighborhood.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

POLLINATOR PATHWAY

ECO-SUSTAINABLE STREET

SCC PLAZA GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE

TOOL LIBRARY

CATALYZE THE BLOCK

PEDESTRIAN STREETS PILOT = EcoDistrict projects = Our proposed projects

Our proposed projects add to the existing EcoDistrict projects at four different scales. We are proposing design interventions that follow the EcoDistrict principals in the Pike/Pine corridor as a networked street, at the block level, design interventions for a plaza, and connectivity to downtown. These four projects fulfill many of the EcoDistrict goals and build upon urban design strategies that help to create a vibrant, Eco-conscious community.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONNECTING THE ECODISTRICT: A GATEWAY TO PIKE/ PINE

Michael Brinley and Lizzie Moll URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ECODISTRICT AND DOWNTOWN CONNECTIVITY PIKE CORRIDOR AND FREEWAY PARK

Capitol Hill is increasingly being seen as an extension of downtown Seattle, an area zoned

for future vertical expansion and big budget development. There is a growing need to begin thinking of the southern edge of Capitol Hill in regards to its connections to downtown. Already, the economy of the Convention Center, the Pike Place Market, and the commercial center are beginning to incorporate the Pike/Pine Corridor. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a prime example. The Capitol Hill EcoDistrict has an opportunity to promote its mission beyond the confines of Capitol Hill, by connecting the Plymouth Pillar Park to the already significant Freeway Park, through continuity of vegetation, pathway identification, and innovative interaction with Interstate Five. By "piggybacking" on the sustainability and design mission of Freeway Park, the EcoDistrict can connect with other landmark downtown areas, such as the Victor Steinbrueck Park, Westlake Park, and the Waterfront Park. This can help to "anticipate" the incipient downtown sprawl into Capitol Hill, negotiating the traumatic transformation of the neighborhood and avoiding complete erosion of the sense of "place" exemplified in the case of South Lake Union.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

EXTENDING FREEWAY PARK Freeway Park, designed by Lawrence Halprin and first opened on the Bi-Centennial (7/4/1976). Designed to “reclaim” freeway right-of-way for park space. Imagined as a larger project initially, but scaled down for budgetary reasons. The project was executed by Angela Danadjieva. By the early 2000’s, the park had acquired a negative reputation as unsafe, being the location of a highly publicized murder in 2002. A group of citizen activists organized as the Freeway Park Neighborhood Association worked in conjunction with Seattle City to develop an “activation plan” which would help improve the park’s image and security. Relatively small changes were needed, largely to do with the type of vegetation, (Halprin himself signed off on the alterations, admitting that the original trees grew too large.) The park’s unique blend of greenery, brutalism, and location add to its historic significance. Extending the park’s influence north into Capitol Hill EcoDistrict could enhance the publicity received by the EcoDistrict project and develop greater connectivity in an urban environment that is dominated by the I-5 trench. Developing this connectivity could contribute to the EcoDistrict's Goals: Habitat, Transportation, Health

Body Text Body TextGreenway Connectivity: Freeway Park Extension

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

GREEN ALLEYS, FLEXIBLE USE, AND THE PERMEABLE EDGE

The Alleyways of the Pike Pine Conservation Overlay District are significantly under-utilized and are prime candidates for the burgeoning methods of "Alley Activation." This study considers three alleys/ peripheral streets and the potential for strengthening Eco-District Goals, while creating a greater sense of "place," distinguishing Capitol Hill along its edge with downtown and First Hill. Minor Ave, between Pine and Pike St, Yale Ave between Melrose and Olive Way and the alleyway off of Pike behind the Starbucks Reserve Roastery are highlighted in this study. By greening these alleys, the weak identity of the Plymouth Pillars Park can be reinforced. Creative entrances to the park and greater connectivity across the major arteries of Pike and Pine can be established through a mixture of improved signage, coordinated landscaping, and creative attempts to address the Interstate. Local businesses, such as those located in the Melrose Market, or the Starbucks Reserve can be enlisted to help activation, by promoting community activities in a region that will require more programming in future years due to the increase in residential structures.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CASE STUDY: RESERVE ALLEY

Before Activation

After Activation

"Reserve Alley" behind the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a great case study, demonstrating the opportunities and difficulties involved in activation attempts. The primary barriers to transformation are the infrastructural requirements of the housing complex's residents. The only parking entrance is located at the back of the dead-end alley. However, the alley is sufficiently wide to support right of way requirements and additional uses, either vegetation or "flexible use space." Inspiration can be drawn from Pioneer Square's Nord Alley Activation Program and Belltown's Growing Vine Street.

GROWING VINE + NORD ALLEY INSPIRATION The photos below show examples of Alley Activation programs, both local and international. Clockwise from top left: Community World Cup game viewing in Nord Alley, Pioneer Square; Cisterns and alley greening on Vine in Belltown; Alleyway art installation in Ottawa, CA; Flexible use of alleyway for educational purposes, Austin, TX.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Case Study: Minor + Pine Gateway The Capitol Hill EcoDistrict designates Minor Ave as a "Green Alley" due to the presence of six planters and a few trees along the sides of the street. This street has potential for greater placemaking development and creative greening efforts that can help establish a "Gateway" to the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. The area on the corner is of special interest.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Sources 1. Freeway Park Neighborhood Association. http://freewayparkassociation.org/2012/04/16/freewaypark-map-and-brochure/ 2. Seattle City Parks History (Freeway and I-5 Colonnade) http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail. asp?ID=312 3. Belltown, Growing Vine Project http://www.growingvinestreet.org/ 4. http://allianceforpioneersquare.org/what-we-do/public-realm/alley-activation/ Base layer map data from Google Earth

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONNECTING THE ECODISTRICT: A GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH PILLARS PARK 0.6 acres Open 6 am - 10 pm Features: view of downtown, dog off-leash area, benches, pedestrian corridor, and public art The park was established in 1966 in conjunction with the construction of Interstate 5. The four limestone columns on the southern part of the park were donated to the City by John Hauberg. Hauberg was a local builder with a degree in forestry from the University of Washington, a philanthropist and supporter of the arts. The columns were originally at the entrance to the Plymouth Congregational Church at the SW corner of 6th Ave and University St. The church was demolished March 1966 to make way for the construction of I-5. The columns were moved and dedicated in the park on October 24, 1967. Later, three oversized urns were purchased from relics auctioned from the Music Hall Theatre demolition that were placed in the northern end of the park near the dog run. The park was a 2000 Pro Parks Levy Project. The levy provided the park $934,000. The Pike/Pine Urban Neighborhood Council recommended that $250,000 in Convention Center mitigation monies be contributed to the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renovation. The adjacent property owner, Washington Holdings, committed $28,000. In total, the project budget was $1,184,000. The park was re-named in July 2005 from Boren Pike Pine Park to Plymouth Pillars Park.

The Music Hall before its demolition in January 1992. Note the urns now in Plymouth Pillars Park. historylink.org

Seattle.gov/parks

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SITE ANALYSIS

The park has the potential to be even more of a landmark than it is currently. It is on the western edge of Capitol Hill and spans both Pike and Pine streets. It could be a destination outdoor space. Even though Plymouth Pillars Park had over a million dollar face-lift, the southern end of the park with the four pillars is still underutilized. The northern end is frequented by dog owners. A mural by a Northwest School student faces the dog park, livening up the space.

DESIGN INTERVENTIONS Rain Garden Active Space

Since Plymouth Pillars Park had a recent update, I have minor suggestions that will activate the southern end of the park. In the sunken area of the park, I suggest greenscaping instead of hardscaping. I also suggest adding interactive sculptural elements. These sculptural elements should have an environmental spin to tie in with the EcoDistrict ideals (maybe sculptures of some of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native species) and also be geared towards children because we are focusing on education and health. This also helps to promote some of the art goals of the EcoDistrict. The last small intervention is creating a rain garden on the downward slope towards I-5. This can be an opportunity for education as well as help with branding this gateway as part of the EcoDistrict and mitigating some of the stormwater run off downhill towards I-5.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONNECTING THE ECODISTRICT: A GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE OPPORTUNITY FOR A LIVING BUILDING AND EDUCATION CENTER The Plymouth Pillars Park area is located within the boundary for the Lowell Elementary school district. This school district covers the neighborhoods of west Capitol Hill past Volunteer Park, the northern part of First Hill, and Downtown, Belltown, Denny Triangle, South Lake Union, and Uptown in their entirety. The Northwest School is a private middle and high school a few blocks away. The need for more elementary schools - and more schools in general - has been a long discussed topic in the City of Seattle. In a study by the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools and the Downtown Seattle Association, they projected that the number of children living in Downtown has grown more than 70 percent at the time of the study in 2012 with nearly 2,000 children 14 and under living Downtown leading to overcrowding at nearby schools including John Hay and Bailey Gatzert. http://www.seattleschools.org/

This site is located adjacent to I-5 with easy access from the freeway on Olive Way. It is in an area that is experiencing a lot of residential growth as a primarily residential designated Urban Center Village. All of downtown and the surrounding areas are seeing a densification of housing. Although many of these units are not necessarily family sized (two bedrooms or larger) many younger people moving to Seattle for jobs in technical companies may be looking to have children in the near future, meaning an increasing demand for more schools in Seattle.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

NEARBY CASE STUDIES

Living buildings produce as THE BULLITT CENTER much energy as they consume. is an existing Living Building They also capture and treat located in Capitol Hill. rainwater for all of their needs for at least 12 continuous months. The Living Building Challenge requires a project to meet specific goals within seven themes: Site, water, energy, health, materials, equity, and beauty. Many of the goals from the Living Building Challenge fit in with the goals of the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. Increasing green building practices is a goal for the EcoDistrict.

BULLITT CENTER FACTS: Area of solar array: 14,303 sq. ft. Energy use index: 16 kBtu/sq.ft/yr Depth of geothermal wells: 400 ft. Number of geothermal wells: 26 Size of cistern: 56,000 gallons Size of rainwater cistern: 950 sq.ft. WalkScore: 100/100 for site

BullittCenter.org

Interior with natural daylight: 82%

The Seattle Academy STREAM THE SEATTLE ACADEMY STREAM BUILDING FACTS: Building is in the Capitol Hill is an education center inside a Neighborhood at 13th Ave Exceeds LEED Gold standards LEED Gold building and East Spring Street. It is new building on their campus Solar panels on roof of building with LEED certification. This building, although not a living 11,900 gallon cistern for toilet building, achieves both passive flushing and landscape irrigation and active education through their middle and high school Energy use reduced through arts and science classes and daylighting, passive cooling, a learning about sustainability radiant floor slab, and hydronic from their surrounding ceiling system. gly.com environment.

OTHER EDUCATION LIVING BUILDINGS

Valley View Middle School, Snohomish

SEED Classroom at the Perkins School Bertschi School Living Building

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONNECTING THE ECODISTRICT: A GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE

MELROSE AVE

SITE ANALYSIS FOR A LIVING BUILDING AND EDUCATION CENTER

The site that could work well for incorporating a Living Building and school sits north of Plymouth Pillars Park. It currently consists of two parcels. One is an underutilized quarter of an acre commercial paved parking lot. There are currently two other Pay-to-Park parking lots across Melrose Ave. The other parcel is a quarter of an acre with an office building with a restaurant on the ground floor. The current building is three stories and 19,000 square feet. The building was erected 1967. Seattle Counseling Service is on the upper floors while La Cocina Oaxaquena is on the first floor. There are three bus stops near to the site. Two near the southern end of the park, and one the next block from the site. The bus lines that stop one block away are the 10, 11, 43, 47, 49.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

These two parcels would be ideal for a Living Building education center because: • The downtown and central area of Seattle needs more schools as the population grows. • A Living Building fits with the EcoDistrict goals • The building would be a visual beacon that could be seen from downtown and I-5 creating a brand for the district. • Can erect a building with a public roof space with spectacular views to downtown • Creates a point of interest and a terminus on the new greenbelt from Freeway Park.

INSPIRATION IMAGES

russellinvestmentcenter.com

The Russell Investment Center is a private/public rooftop space with views and natural landscaping.

bustle.com

zagat.com

Nearby restaurants Mezcaleria Oaxaca and Terra Plata have roof seating and views towards downtown. URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

MASSING OPTION 1

This massing option has the functionality of joining two parcels but still creates a through way between the two buildings. The form of the building fits with the surrounding environment in scale and shape.

MELROSE AVE

This Living Building option is six stories tall which is about the same height as the neighboring El Capitan Apartments to the north. The suggested building does not block any additional views than the current building.

E PIN

The building is shaped in a triangular fashion for a few reasons. First of all, it fits the geometry of the given parcels and still leaves room for some green space to the nortwest. The triangular shape also mirrors form of other nearby buildings including Melrose Market to the south and Sherwood Apartments which are north of El Capitan Apartments. The shape also points straight downtown via Pine

Street creating a directional suggestion of movement. A building this large has space for multiple uses. The western parcel could be used as an elementary school while the northern parcel could retain the same clients while also providing additional space for a rooftop coffee shop or restaurant and other retail or office uses. The rooftop provides panoramic views of downtown and southwestern light throughout the day. 25

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

MELROSE AVE

MASSING OPTION 2

E PIN

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

This massion option suggests new buildings for each parcel. The 1967 buiding has been demolished creating room for a six floor mixed use building with retail on the bottom floor, and residential and office uses above. The western building is taller at seven floors and is an elementary school and intergenerational environmental education center with a public rooftop garden. Both buildings are Living Buildings and work together to achieve the certification. The triangular shape of the western building mirrors Melrose Market and the Sherwood Apartments to the north of the El Capitan Apartments and points towards downtown. The rooftop provides panogramic views of downtown and southwestern light throughout the day.

CONNECTING THE ECODISTRICT: A GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE AND LID I-5 Lidding I-5 has been discussed at some length by various architecture and planning firms and students. I am proposing lidding I-5 between E Olive Way, E Pine St, and Boren Ave. The existing arguments have included a need for more open space and possibly increased acreage for retail, housing, and civic functions. Creating a lid between Olive Way, Pine St, and Boren Ave would create open space that can provide more open space as a western balance to Cal Anderson Park in the central area of Pike/Pine. It also provides a terminus our proposed greenbelt up from Freeway Park and the Convention Center. The uses of the lid could have an opportunity to relate to the proposed Living Building and relate to the EcoDistrict goals.

STATS Lidding the highway at Olive Way, Pine St, and Boren Ave would create 2.6 acres of additional open space. Overpass

West Elevation

Olive Way 168 ft Pine St 182 ft Boren Ave 164 ft

East Elevation

186 ft 208 ft 206 ft

Elevation Change

18 ft 26 ft 42 ft

Bridge Length

330 ft 465 ft 500 ft

Slope

1:18 1:18 1:12

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Lidding Interstate 5 at this junction can fit in with the EcoDistrict goals and can allow for different types of active and passive recreation as well as possible space for additional retail or housing. There have been numerous examples of successful highway lids in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Austin, San Diego, Boston, and other park lids in the Seattle area. Adding retail and housing would require additional structural engineering, but it is currently being done in New York City at Hudson Yards. The Hudson Yards lid adds 28 acres with 14 acres of open space. The plan includes residential, retail, a hotel, office space and a school. As the value of land increases, we need to look to creative solutions for providing additional livable space in the downtown core.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONCLUSIONS FOR CONNECTING THE ECODISTRICT: A GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE Using the framework of the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict we focused on the paths and points of interest that have the potential to make this area distinctive and create an identity. We focused on this area because it is the most visible part of the Pike/Pine neighborhood from downtown and I-5. There is a lot of potential to fulfill many of the EcoDistrict goals through increasing connectivity and green spaces. There are also opportunities to add educational elements to the existing infrastructure and take advantage of underutilized spaces to provide a school or education area. This edge of the neighborhood has the potential for increasing foot traffic from the Convention Center. By connecting Freeway Park in a green belt with a point of interest at its terminus, it can be an attraction for people attending conferences or tourists visiting downtown. Greening the three alleys in the area will help to funnel people into the Pike/ Pine retail corridor. This gateway area creates a visible brand for the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict as a whole.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ECO-SUSTAINABLE STREET

Patty Chen and Yoonshin Kwak URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SITE ANALYSIS SITE ISSUES

SITE ISSUES: Seattle is famous for its rainfall, and the hilly topography of Capitol Hill connotes good conditions to utilize water and to create sustainable water system. Its old water infrastructure -old and partially separated pipes- implies potential water pollutant problems during storm events. Also, lack of open space (Built : Open = 0.58:0.42) is another issue of the PPCOD. This project is started from these two fundamental site issues.

SITE ASSETS

SITE ASSETS: There are many cultural and historical assets in the PPCOD, which allows the community to be strongly interconnected. Especially, a lot of gathering spots, from cafe to theater, act a major role to make this site socially potential. With the two problems suggested, its strong community assets can be leveraged for becoming â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;better sustainable space.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SITE HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS

STORMWATER FLOW DIRECTION

STORMWATER COVERAGE AREA

One of the major goals of this project is to alleviate potential hydrology issues and at the same time to convert them into ecological benefits for the community. Since the Capitol Hill is very hilly and the capacity of its old sewer system is not enough to cover the amount of storm and used water, there is a need to manage stormwater in efficient ways. Also, by using GIS hydrology analysis, we realized that stormwater in our site flows into 11th Ave rather than reservoir in Cal Anderson Park or Lake Union, which acted as strong-supportive ground for our bioswale planning. With the analysis, ideal locations of bioswale and raingarden are suggested. We expect that the existing buildings with high density and suggested bioswale with street vegetation slow down the stormwater flow to cove the limited capacity of the old pipes, and the storm intentionally but naturally flows into the area where separated sewer system is installed. Bioswale on E Olive St

BIOSWALE SUGGESTION

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONCEPT STATEMENT

Publci Transits Cross

Arts

CONNECTIVITY Permeable Pavement

ECOLOGY

Historical Resources

Stormwater

Public and Semi-pulbic space

CULTURE

Commercials

DESIGN Residentials Open Space Design

Retail Services Vegetation and Trees

Street Design Bike Lane

We aim to meet the four goals from ‘Eco-District’: Water, Habitat, Culture and Transportation. Focusing on ecological function (Water and Habitat) as a kernel, sites’ cultural assets and design with walkability/ connectivity will be integrated to achieve street sustainability. There are strategies for each goal considered. WATER: Install new bioswales/raingardens to mitigate stormwater runoff and to improve water quality by infiltration on the surface. The proposed green space will act as a critical role to develop streetscape as well as to remedy ecological issues. HABITAT: Suggest pollinator path from green space in Seattle University to Volunteer Park through the full-fledged vegetation on 11th Ave. Bioswales, raingardens, roof-top gardens, native plants on the street will provide ecological connectivity for the local habitat. CULTURE: Generate more open/public space that cultural events can take place. Our proposed ‘ecosustainable street’ associated with new open spaces and existing cultural assets, such as art venues and cafés, will enhance its community. TRANSPORTATION: Increase walkability by neighborhood-scaled design, and connect a variety type of spaces along the street. With the existing bike routes, ‘Eco-Sustainable Street,’ 11 the Ave, will provide strong connectivity to the local area.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CONCEPT STATEMENT

ECO-AXIS: -Habitat corridor (pollinator path) -Green connectivity from Seattle Univ. to Volunteer Park -Pedestrian network CULTURE-AXIS: -Connectivity from the PPCOD to downtown -A variety of urban senses along E Pine St.: public art (Richmark Label), gay cross, Cal Anderson Park, Seattle Community College, Bauhaus Coffee and etc.

Two conceptual axis are proposed. In order to connect three major green/public spaces, Volunteer Park, Cal Anderson Park, and Seattle University, we suggest “Eco-Axis” as a major green corridor in the Capitol Hill. With vegetation, green space, and pedestrian favored design, it will provide an influential connectivity to Capitol Hill’s environment. Also, along “Cultural-Axis,” proposed, people can feel a variety of urban senses from public arts to local cafeterias. With influences from the two axis, we also expect two strong nodes where the axis and Broadway cross over.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

DESIGN STRATEGIES (BLOCK) 1ST BLOCK, BETWEEN E OLIVE ST AND E PINE ST

BLOCK ANALYSIS

BLOCK STRATEGY

In the 1st block, two open spaces are currently used as parking lots. In order to bring out its strong cultural assets –mural on the wall of Richmark Label, Hugo House as a major community spot, and historical building— we propose 1) new open space for Hugo House’s users, 2) a roof-top garden for workers of Richmark Label. 3) Bioswale for its 13% of slope, and 4) parking lot with green-permeable pavement. These suggested new different types of open/green spaces will make this block more active and diverse, being integrated with Cal Anderson Park.

2ND BLOCK, BETWEEN E PINE ST AND E PIKE ST

BLOCK ANALYSIS

BLOCK STRATEGY

2nd block has many potentials to be a major block for its community. A variety of retails, including café and bar, are located in this block, and Seattle Designated Landmark and three historical theaters would play a significant role to enhance its culture. We propose the avenue between E Pine St, and E Pike St, as 1) a main community avenue. 2) New open space (sky blue colored area) utilizing different elevation, as a pocket park, is proposed to increase spatial availability, and 3) green street design is expected to provide a novel street scape with environmental sense.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

DESIGN STRATEGIES (BLOCK) 3RD BLOCK, BETWEEN E PINE ST AND E MADISON ST

BLOCK ANALYSIS

BLOCK STRATEGY

Currently, the two open spaces in 3rd block are used as parking lots for Co-op apartment and garage for Ferraro shop. According to the hydrology analysis, the parking lot appears as a gathering spot for stormwater due to its sloped topography, environmental/green functions are necessarily required in this area. Thus, we propose 1) rain garden in the residential parking lot to cover storm and to provide open space for the residents, 2) to install permeable pavement and a cistern in the parking lot. Also, 3) roof-top gardens, supposed to be built on two new apartments, would slow down the storm speed.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

DESIGN STRATEGIES (STREET)

Separated streets

Partially shared space

Fully shared space

• Separated surface for each traffics • Separated path of bike • Abundant green elements

• Shared surface by vehicles, public transportations and bikes • Separated path for pedestrians • Abundant green elements • Multiple type of pavements • Parking spaces on single line

• Abundant green elements • Shared surface by every traffic method • Multiple type of pavements • Parking spaces on single line

Intersection A. Crosswalks and Signals High Visibility B. Corner Enhancements Bulb outs and corner islands C. Mid-Block Crossings D. Curb Ramps and Raised Cross Walks

E. Bulb Outs F. Limited and signed drive access G. Street pavement H. Car/ bike line

Three different types of streets will provide spatial diversity on the "Eco-sustinable Street." These types of streets, as a complete multi-modal system, will prioritize walking, bicycling and transit use over the private automobile use. Also, these will connect to and complement the City’s larger pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ECO-SUSTAINABLE STREET

STREET PLAN

Following the block and street design strategy, we divide 11th Ave into three sections. We propose the 1st section, between E Olive St and E Pine St, as “Mixed-Open Avenue.” Hugo House new open space, Cal Anderson Park and roof-top garden will be blended as an integrated open space, giving novel urban sense to the locals. The 2nd section, between E Pine St and E Pike St is designated “Main Community Avenue” with pedestrian priority (Design Type: Fully Shared Street). With the advanced cultural connectivity on this avenue, diverse community events are expected to take place. The last section, “Green Sustainable Avenue,” is proposed as a space where a variety types of green space and ecological functions are interconnected. Raingardens, bioswales, roof-top gardens, and street plants will offer tangible green-sustainability.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

MASTER PLAN

Streets are the visible places of the city that not only allow for cars to pass through, but provide a place to shop, din through-traffic and parking.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 1. Well designed streets attract more businesses which creates the street as a great public space. 2. Streets need to be safe and designed to accommodate a variety of activities including walking, biking, sitting, par 3. Streetscape will evolve over time are design features are implemented. 4. Intersections are shared spaces that need to be safe for all users and should consider size and spacing, signal timi 5. Park Once Strategies encourage walking through the strategic placement of parking so that most visitors are wit

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

ne, play and meet. Streets must be safe, sustainable, multi-modal and economically viable as well as accommodate

rking, driving, shopping and working.

ing and designate perceived zones for cars, bikes and pedestrian. thin a comfortable walking distance of their destinations.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

DESIGN DETAILS

MIXED OPEN SPACE AVENUE The block at the 11th Avenue of Pine Street and Olive Street is envisioned as “Mixed Open Street.” The street passes through a variety of use types including retail, civic, park and residential, mixed use and the downtown core. Streetscape improvement needs to focus on separation and buffering of vehicular roadways and sidewalk spaces, providing a usable public realm through landscape and sidewalk treatments to facilitate a pleasant space to walk, bike and work.

MAIN COMMUNITY AVENUE

The block at the 11th Avenue of Pine Street and Pike Street is envisioned as “Main Community Avenue.” This street is designed as pedestrian priority. It will be a dynamic space that allows variety of pedestrian uses and community events. Street parade and festival, food trucks, and farmer’s market are expected to take place. As a day to day use, tables and informal seating is suggested. The street not only has successfully advanced retails of its local business but also includes potentials of high walkability/ connectivity for bikes and pedestrians.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

GREEN SUSTAINABILITY AVENUE

BIO-RETENTION

BIO- SWALES

BIO-RETENTION FLOW THROUGH PLANTERS

PERVIOUS STRIPS

Retrofit green street elements along the project corridor. • Improve water quality through removal of sediments. • Slow the movement of water from storm events by holding it on-site for longer duration of time. • Increase pervious surfaces to minimize runoff volumes. • Increased value to traditional infrastructure to minimize pipe sizing and reduction of impact to wastewater treatment and re-purposing of greywater, and increased visual aesthetic of landscape areas.

PLANT GUIDLINE: All planing beds should be abundantly planted perennial understories with varieties that provide visual interests. Exampls include those shown at below: Fragaria chiloensis (beach strawberry), Festuca glauca (blue fescue), Geranium 'Rozanne' (hardy geranium), Calluna vulgaris 'spring torch' (heather), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Cornus sercial kelsey (dwarf red twig dogwood), Rudbeckia spp. (black-eyed susan), sdges.

Text and Images from: Seattle Green Factor Tools.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

PERSPECTIVES

New street scape improvements include moderate sidewalk widening of roughly 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to bring total sidewalk width to at least 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; in all locations. Improvements should add specific enhancements such as curb bulbs at corners and alleys, extended landscaping beds, and pedestrian lighting.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

The street has a comfortable pedestrian realm with significant pedestrian amenities and public spaces.

Street trees are planted in a continuous line with consistent spacing to establish a visual rhythm for the street.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

CATALYZE THE BLOCK

Jingchen Liu 45

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Vision In the context of Capitol Hill Ecodistrict and Pike/Pine Conservation District, this urban design proposal will focus on one block (at the corner of Broadway & E Pine St), and explore how to catalyze it into a EcoBlock with conserved neighborhood characters. Several new redevelopment projects will be suggested here, and they will not only target on EcoDistrict goals by themselves, but also catalyze revitalization of public space and adaptive reuse of other buildings inside the block.

Figure Ground Over Time

1912

1928

1961

1980

1999

2015

This diagram shows that properties in this area has been redeveloped several times since they were first built up. But spatial structure of this area has not changed much over time, like streets, back alleys and parcels. So this proposal will respect this block's existing spatial structure and explore which properties are redevelopable. Zoning and Property Value

High

Low

Land Value

Low

High

Building's Value Low

High

Low

High

Negative

Land Value -- Building's Value

Major Institution Overlay

Positive

Neighborhood Commercial 3

Zoning 0

These maps demonstrare current properties' land value, property value and also difference between land value and property value. Typically, large gap between land value and property value often stimulates land redevelopment.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Site Analysis

E Pine St

1. Seattle Central College

2. Oddfellows

4. Elliott Bay Bookstore & Totokaelo

10 th Ave

Broadway

3. Vacant Land

5. MudBay

6. Gas Station 7. Ballet 8. Comet Tavern

E Pike St

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

1. Seattle Central College

2. OddFellows

This two properties in same parcel belong to Seattle Central College, and they are now used for student support program and international program.

This old building is used for retail and office, and it has 13 tenants now with more office space available. It was first established in 1908, and re-established in 2008.

3. Vacant Land

4. Elliott Bay Bookstore & Totokaelo

This parking lots has 49 spots, and it belongs to two parcels with different zoning. The north part is zoned as Major Institution Overlay, and the south part is zoned as NC3.

This property is a old building but transformed for adaptive reuse, and it now serves two tenants, Totokaely (clothing) and Elliott Bay Bookstore.

5. MudBay

6. Gas Station

This property is a old building, but its facade is largely changed for new use. It now serves MudBay(food and supplies for pets) and Moti Mahal(restaurant).

This land is used by Shell gas station now. Its use and building style is not in accordance with Pike/Pine Neighboghood characters.

7. Ballet

8. Comet Tavern

This is an old building still in use, but it needs restoration. It is now used for small retail in first floor and residential in second & third floors.

The first floor of this building serves a bar and a restaurant. The second and third floors were originally used as tavern, but are in bad conditions and discarded now.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Catalyze Vacant Land Redevelopment with Traditional Method

Site with existing constructions

Empty the site

Traditional redevelopment

Redevelopment for Catalyzing the Block

Coexistence of old and new buildings

Create more public space

Setback to create terrace

Catalyze Comet Tavern Redevelopment with Traditional Method

Existing Comet Tavern

Conserve old facade

Construct new building behind facade

Redevelopment for Catalyzing the Block

Existing Comet Tavern with tiny units

Transform units of Comet Tavern

Build new structures (independent bearing system)above existing building

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

In this project, redevelopment with traditional method always destroys all existing constructions on site, and then builds new buildings with big mass. This new building can create about 138,000 sqft floor area, which indicates great economic benefit. But it does not fit into this Pike/Pine’s context. Redevelopment for catalyzing the block is focus on regenerating this block’s building and also public space through redevelopment. It can create about 69,000 sqft floor area, and continuous community space. Moreover, this design could catalyze vitality of public space in this block. Catalyze building and public space

In this project, redevelopment with traditional method only conserves old building’s facade, and construct new buildings behind old facade. It actually overlooks old building’s functional value, and also cuts internal connections between old and new. This method can create about 53,000 sqft floor area. Redevelopment for catalyzing the block tries to restore and reuse old comet tavern, and then construct new structures complying with old building. This method makes use of old buildings and make old and new buildings coexist. It creates and reuse about 30,000 sqft floor area.

Catalyze old building

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Catalyze Ballet

Blockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rendering

To restore Ballet, we are going to reinforce its structure first. Then, we will identify its decayed building elements, and restore or replace them.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

Plan (Main Public Space)

Sketches for Public Sp

100 Feet

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

pace

Catalyze Public Space Through several parcels’ redevelopment, we can create new open space inside the block, and further integrate them into a system. For community, these open space could be community garden or gathering space, which may catalyze community’s vitality. For property owners’, these open space could create more interactions with inside and outside buildings, and then bring popularity to their businesses. To catalyze this block’s public space, we use colored ribbon to connect back alley, green space and plaza inside the block. This colored ribbon is also extended to city street in order to attract passengers exploring this block’s public space, and also retail and restaurant. We hope through this ribbon and public space, we could promote this community’s performance on equity and culture.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA

Zhehao Huang 55

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA DESIGN HISTORY TIMELINE

The site was originally Seattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first purpose-built high school-Seattle High School that was built in 1902. In 1909, it changed the name to Broadway High School. In 1946, it closed as high school, and opened as part of Broadway-Edison Technical School. Later in 1966, Seattle Community College purchased the building, so the building became part of it. And in 1974, building was razed for a new one, and only the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s auditorium was reused, which is now the Broadway Performance Hall. And after the demolition, a plaza was deigned in front of Seattle Central College.

REGIONAL CONTEXT The site is located at the central area of both Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. And it is right at the intersection of Broadway and E Pine St, which are the most busiest streets in Capitol Hill Area. And apart from cars, there are also street car pass by and in the future, the light rail will also go under this area. So from a larger context, this area is really important the development of Capitol Hill.

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA DESIGN SITE CONDITIONS

The site has a series of problems now, like the underestimate historic value of Broadway Performance Hall, the unactivated open space in the center of plaza, the poor accessibility which prevent people from entering the space, the negative edge which lack the interaction between the plaza and walking passer-by, and the lack of identity of space in the heart of Capitol Hill. So how to reclaim this space while renovating the public spaces are the problems that we need to address in the design.

SITE ANALYSIS HISTORIC BUILDING

STREET ENERGY

OPEN SPACE

PUBLIC TRANSIT

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA DESIGN CONCEPT DIAGRAMS

ACTIVATE OPEN SPACE

CONVERGE URBAN DIVERSITY

CONNECT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

RECLAIM COMMUNITY IDENTITY

SITE PLAN The design is focusing on how to reactive the open space inside the plaza. So about half of the grass is replaced by stone pavement, which echo with the materials that used in the construction of Broadway Performance Hall. And the space under the bridge seems like a leftover space now, so we design a rain garden under it, on one hand, connect the green infrastructure in Broadway, and on the other hand, provide nice view for people to stay. And apart from those design, we also set tables and chairs for people to sit, and we redesign the slope area, and put some lighting on it, to increase the interaction between plaza and passer by.

80ft

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA DESIGN INTERSECTION ANALYSIS

Bike Racks

Parking Lot

Pronto Station

Car Lane Mixed Lane (car and streetcar)

Bike Lanes

Walking Path

In the design, I try to connect the bike path around this area, and set different places to lock the bike. And I also try to improve peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walkability in and through the plaza, so the entrance to the public become more diversified and easily access.

LAYERS AND PROGRAMMING I basically use four layers to present the layers of my design. The first is tree canopy, where people could sit and chat under it; the second layer is green factor, where people could picnic on the lawn; the third layer is water element, which increase urban play in this area; and the last one is pavement, which provide hardscape for people to stay. TREE CANOPY

WATER ELEMENT

GREEN FACTOR

PAVEMENT MATERIAL

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA DESIGN PERSPECTIVE ONE: VIEW FROM PLAZA TO BROADWAY PERFORMANCE HALL BEFORE

AFTER

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE PLAZA DESIGN PERSPECTIVE TWO: VIEW FROM E PINE STREET TO THE PLAZA BEFORE

AFTER

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

OUR VISION AND CONCLUSIONS

ECO-SUSTAINABLE STREET

SCC PLAZA GATEWAY TO PIKE/PINE

CATALYZE THE BLOCK

= Our EcoDistrict Projects

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

One of the primary goals of the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict is to become a “leader by example” for other regions of the city and other cities across the nation. All of these projects work together to achieve many of the EcoDistrict goals. Michael did an analysis of connectivity and green spaces on the downtown edge of the Capitol Hill district, a district that overlaps with the PPCOD boundary as well, and found that Capitol Hill EcoDistrict has an opportunity to assert an active presence in the downtown built environment, to which the whole neighborhood is increasingly becoming connected. The two major ways that they can do this is by increasing the connectivity between downtown green spaces, such as Freeway Park and Westlake Park and those along the periphery of the EcoDistrict. Matching vegetation, connecting pathfinding signage, and promoting cross neighborhood community programming (5ks that connect the various parks?), the EcoDistrict can increase its influence in neighboring downtown. As expressed in the stated “goals” of the EcoDistrict, this would include addressing transportation, material, health, and especially habitat. The alleys along the edge with I-5 deserve greater attention, providing strong placemaking potential, being the location of very popular attractions that bring in outsiders. Establishing the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict here would increase its profile not only for residents, but for visitors as well, visitors to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, or Melrose Market. Two examples of possible design interventions are explored at the intersection of Minor and Pine and in the so-called “Reserve Alley” behind the new Starbucks facility. Lizzie’s analysis of the same downtown edge area of the Pike/Pine corridor resulted in a need to activate spaces along the greenbelt Michael proposed. By providing points of interest and a terminus to the greenbelt, it creates a reason for people to use the space. Adding small interventions to Plymouth Pillars Park (like interactive sculptural elements) would help to activate the space. Erecting a Living Building along the greenbelt in an underutilized parking lot and adjacent parcel acts as a beacon from downtown Seattle and helps to brand the EcoDistrict. She also proposed lidding I-5 to create a mirror to Freeway Park and create more open space. As expressed in the stated goals of the EcoDistrict these interventions would address water, material, health, habitat, culture, energy, and equity. Regarding Capitol Hill EcoDistrict’s an comprehensive strategy to accelerate the sustainable development Patty and Yoonshin focused on how to integrate the PPCOD’s environmental and cultural assets. For this, they choose the site, 11th Ave and its nearby area between E Madison St and E Olive St, for their study. They believe there is a lot of potential (stormwater, community, greenspace, retail, etc.) on this site. In terms of the eight goals of the EcoDistrict, they address Water, Habitat, Culture, and Transportation. The proposed Eco-Axis and Cultural-Axis in their project would support the concept of EcoDistrict as well as provide spatial and conceptual connectivity to others’ projects. For the project vision, there are two key goals: stormwater management and increased green/open space. Based on the several analyses they conducted, they propsed a design strategy to amplify environmental functions, build possible green and cultural networks, and to interweave each feature. Finally they envision the PPCOD where stormwater is well-controlled, green/open spaces are well-supportive to its habitat and social activities, designs enhance its streetscape, and create strong cultural assets, including

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

interconnected historical buildings, cafes, and art venues. In the context of Capitol Hill EcoDistrict and Pike/Pine Conservation District, Jingchen’s urban design proposal focuses on one block (at the corner of Broadway and E Pine St), and explores how to catalyze it into a “Ecoblock” with conserved neighborhood characters. After analysis on zoning and property value, he proposed several properties for redevelopment, and for each redevelopment, he respectively proposed a traditional design and a eco-friendly design. In terms of public space, he proposed how to create more community space and also activate alleys with redevelopment. Redevelopment of buildings and public space together will definitely promote this block’s performance on EcoDistrict goals, especially equity, transportation, culture goals. Under the large context of Capitol Hill EcoDistrict and Pike Pine Conservation Overlay District, Zhehao selected the plaza located at the northwest intersection of Broadway and E Pine St as her core site, and tried to redesign it to activate the open space in order to: converge the urban diversity around it, to connect the green infrastructure system, and to help the neighborhood to reclaim their identity. Based on the existing precious historic assets like Broadway Performance Hall, she changed part of the pavement to stone to echo with the history, and designated specific areas for people to sit or stay, and what’s more, she added more entrances and lighting in this plaza to improve the interaction between the plaza and the passer-by. In terms of the eight goals of the EcoDistrict, Zhehao tried to engage in the performance areas of Culture, Transportation, Health and Water, and tried to create a center point in Capitol Hill EcoDistrict to connect the green street, green block and green gateway system. All of our projects focus on similar Capitol Hill EcoDistrict goals, but we have applied them in different ways. We are hoping to inspire people to think about the EcoDistrict and some of the possible interventions at different scales that could help to create an even more vibrant community.

seattle.gov

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015

BIBLIOGRAPHY Bertschi School: Where Science Lives. 2015. http://www.bertschi.org/who-we-are/our-campus/science-wing/ Bonjukian, Scott. "Let's Bury I-5: An Urban Design Framework for Freeway Lids in Downtown Seattle" Thesis. University of Washington: 2015. Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. Webpage. 2015. https://capitolhillecodistrict.org Flom, Eric L. "Fox (Music Hall) Theater (Seattle). HistoryLink.org. June 15 2003. http://www.historylink.org/index cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=4196 Hackett, Regina. "John Hauberg, key backer of Seattle arts, dies at 85". Friday April 5, 2002. Seattle PI. http://www seattlepi.com/news/article/John-Hauberg-key-backer-of-Seattle-arts-dies-at-1084629.php "It is time for a downtown Seattle public school" Downtown Seattle Association blog. September 6 2012. http:/ www.downtownseattle.com/blog/2012/09/06/it-is-time-for-a-downtown-seattle-public-school/ King County Department of Assessments Parcel Data. April 22, 2015. http://info.kingcounty.gov/Assessor eRealProperty/Detail.aspx?ParcelNbr=0660002555 "Plymouth Pillars Park". http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=4000 Plymouth Pillars Park Redevelopment (formerly Boren-Pike-Pine Park) Pro Parks Project Information. http://www seattle.gov/parks/proparks/projects/borenpikepinepark.htm#updates. "Seaholm Residences" AustinTowers.net Webpage. 2015. http://austintowers.net/condos/seaholm/ "Seaholm District" Austintexas.gov. Webpage 2015. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/seaholm-district "Stockholm Royal Seaport Innovation" Webpage. 2015. http://stockholmroyalseaport.com/en/ "STREAM Building" SAAS Rising: A Campaign for Campus Transformation. Seattle Academy: 2015. http://saasrising org/stream/ Viewpoints Draft Vegetation Management Plan. Boren-Pike-Pine. City of Seattle. Department of Parks and Recreation. Revised Draft April, 2005. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Horticulture/VMP/Viewpoints/VI-Boren Pike-Pine.pdf

URBDP 508 Urban Design & Preservation Specialty Studio - Autumn 2015