Neighbour's Alley by Framework

NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

CAPITOL HILL SEATTLE

VISION REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS STAKEHOLDER COMMITTEE & CONTRIBUTORS Alexander Kane-Jackson, Neighbours Nightclub & Lounge Julie Tall, Capitol Cider Ana Klisara, Starbucks Curtis Walton, Central Seattle Greenways Andrew Niece, SIFF Cinema Egyptian Brian Steen, Capitol Hill Housing Dana Francis, Seattle Area Support Groups Lorettta Donelly, Seattle Area Support Groups Maysaa Ab, CinnaHolic Warren Pope, Resident Aaron Pambianco, AJP Properties Inc. Bill Emmal, Recology

CITY OF SEATTLE Aditi Kambuj, Seattle Department of Transportation Gabriel Seo, Seattle Department of Transportation Sally Hulsman, Seattle Public Utilities Angela Wallis, Seattle Public Utilities Bradley Wilbrun, Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections Phillip Sit, Seattle Office of Economic Development

SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE Lincoln Ferris, Seattle Central College David Ernevad, Director of Capitol Projects and Environmental Safety Bruce Riveland, Vice President of Administrative Services Jeffrey Keever, Director of Auxiliary Services Omar Osman, Student Council Executive of Administration

PROJECT TEAM Alex Brennan, Capitol Hill Housing McCaela Daffern, Capitol Hill Housing Lesley Bain, Framework Daniel Harris, Framework Lucrecia Blanco, Blanca Lighting Design Aurora Bender, Blanca Lighting Design

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 02 03 04 05 06

INTRODUCTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY + RECOMMENDATIONS

EXISTING CONDITIONS + CONTEXT

DESIGN + ENGAGEMENT PROCESS

IMPLEMENTATION + NEXT STEPS

ISSUES + EXPANDED RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX: OUTREACH + ENGAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

COMMUNITY VISION The project team worked with stakeholders including local business and property owners to understand current concerns with the alley, and worked with the public to develop a shared vision for the space. The concepts and recommendations for Neighbours Alley presented in this report come out of that process.

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As Capitol Hill becomes busier and more crowded, the neighborhood’s limited spaces for pedestrian and public life have become more precious. The alley linking East Pike and East Pine Streets between Broadway and Harvard is an underutilized space that could play a role in improving and increasing Capitol Hill’s public space network.

of affordable housing on the alley. In the summer of 2018, Capitol Hill Housing selected Framework to help lead the design effort with support from Blanca Lighting Design. The team has worked with community stakeholders from the surrounding businesses to define a set of goals for the design process:

Capitol Hill has long been the center of Seattle’s queer life and arts community, and the alley running from E Pike Street to E Pine Street between Broadway and Harvard touches some of the neighborhood’s significant queer and arts spaces. The blocks adjacent to the alley are home to Seattle Central College, affordable housing, theaters, and a wide variety of retail and restaurants. The alley is used for essential services for adjacent uses including loading and solid waste collection. The alley is currently used primarily for trash collection, garage access and as and entrance to Neighbours Nightclub and Lounge. For the purposes of the design process, this report refers to the alley as ‘Neighbours Alley.’

1. Make the alley safe, active and welcoming for pedestrians

Capitol Hill Housing secured a grant from the City’s Only in Seattle funding program in 2018 for a community-oriented design process to make the alley a safer, more pedestrian friendly space and improve the quality of life for current and future residents

2. Support local businesses who rely on the alley as an entrance, for loading, and for trash collection 3. Reflect the history and culture of the Capitol Hill neighborhood through design interventions. This report outlines short- and long-term design interventions for the alley, including physical improvements and operational recommendations. These elements and recommendations have been carefully chosen to create a more engaging space for the visitors and community to use in the future and build momentum.

Neighbours Alley has the potential to serve the Capitol

Coordination with City agencies began early in the

Throughout the course of the project, the team

Hill community as a beloved and memorable public

process to ensure that regulatory and functional

has coordinated with SPU and Recology on issues

space and a safe and inviting pedestrian thoroughfare.

requirements for the space are reflected in design

related to waste collection and cleaning in the alley,

The

and

recommendations and strategies to activate the

and worked with them to bring art into the alley and

constraints in the alley as it is today, and potential

project

team

examined

alley. At the start of the project, the team met with

activate the space during the December 2018 Capitol

design treatments to help unlock its potential.

representatives from the Seattle Department of

Hill Art Walk.

Stakeholder

businesses,

Transportation (SDOT) and the Office of Economic

property owners, the College and the broader

Development (OED), and toured the alley with

The design recommendations for the alley, below,

neighborhood. The engagement process encouraged

representatives from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU),

were drawn from public and stakeholder input:

stakeholders to learn more about current issues in the

Recology, and the Broadway Business Improvement

alley and the potential for a reimagined alley.

Area (BIA).

outreach

included

opportunities

local

PROCESS

EXISTING CONDITIONS

COMMUNITY PROCESS

RECOMMENDATIONS

Our team examined City records, surveys, and architectural plans of buildings along the alley to identify physical constraints and opportunities.

The proposed design came from regular stakeholder meetings and public input gathered from a workshop, a public event and an online survey.

Design principles were refined into actionable recommendations for short- and long-term implementation.

1. Remove dumpsters from the alley rightof-way. 2. Install lighting to create a safe place with distinct character. 3. Enliven the alley with art and infrastructure that supports a vibrant place. 4. Activate the alley through regular programming and special events. 5. Formalize and strengthen partnerships to ensure stewardship of the alley. 6. Reopen inactive openings and encourage future renovations and development to orient active uses toward the alley.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY + RECOMMENDATIONS

REMOVE DUMPSTERS FROM THE ALLEY WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Reclaim space on the alley occupied by dumpsters and manage waste through effective storage and collection

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DUMPSTER MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Consolidate waste storage among businesses on the alley in shared dumpsters with more frequent collection.

Transition businesses to prepaid bag collection with the Clear Alleys Program (CAP).

Corral and screen containers in a designated location that interferes less with pedestrian space.

Lock dumpsters between collections and when they are not being loaded.

Bale cardboard and compact garbage with shared compactors and balers for the use of all businesses on the alley to reduce waste volumes.

Look for ways to reduce waste.

Identify off-alley locations for waste storage.

Right-size containers and adjust collection frequency based on waste volumes.

Educate employees on what waste belongs in compost, landfill and recycling and which containers are used by which businesses.

Ensure containers are clearly marked with the name and address of the corresponding business.

INSTALL LIGHTING TO CREATE A SAFE PLACE WITH DISTINCT CHARACTER AMBIENT SAFETY LIGHTING

Replace existing lighting with efficient fixtures to create a distinct feel that honors the community and nearby nightlife.

Replace existing security lighting with energy efficient, low glare fixtures to reduce operation cost.

Establish a base uniform light level through the alley to allow for safe pedestrian access.

Clarify responsibility for operating lighting in the alley

UNIQUE CHARACTER LIGHTING

Draw eyes into the alley with character lighting that honors the community and creates the a visual experience for the space.

Build on existing elements of character lighting such as the ‘Neighbours’ sign.

Create opportunities to feature public art and artists with nighttime lighting.

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ENLIVEN THE ALLEY WITH ART AND INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE

Develop physical infrastructure to support safety and design improvements, integrate art and enliven the alley

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Create infrastructure to support overhead canopies.

Repair and seal alley pavement and pursue repaving options as part of future development and utility work.

Support opportunities to integrate landscaping in the alley with water sources and other infrastructure.

ARTS

Bring permanent or rotating works of art into the alley using building walls, sealed windows and canopies.

Use durable pavement paint to create visual interest along the ground plane.

ACTIVATE THE ALLEY THROUGH PROGRAMMING LESSONS LEARNED

Use event-based activation on a regular schedule to enliven the alley in coordination with neighboring businesses.

Ensure events are prominent and draw in people with refreshments, music, decorations and greeters.

Work closely with local businesses on the alley to promote events, and develop branded displays for future events.

Determine regular timing of events based on when businesses and neighborhood residents would be likely to participate.

SCHEDULE + LOGISTICS

Develop a publicly posted regular schedule of events coordinated with local businesses and available online.

Locate storage space in nearby buildings for bulky items such as tents and tables that are part of regular activation events.

Secure a Festival Street permit to close the alley to traffic on a set schedule throughout the year.

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FORMALIZE PARTNERSHIPS TO ENSURE STEWARDSHIP

Create formal relationships and roles for local businesses and neighborhood organizations, and secure ongoing funding for stewardship and management.

ROLES + PLAYERS

1 2

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Create a stewardship organization to manage stewardship of and events in the alley, and to coordinate with and involve businesses and neighborhood organizations. Develop a publicly available calendar of events and online presence for the alley.

FUNDING

Work to secure grant funding for physical improvements to the alley.

Collaborate with neighborhood organizations to find ongoing funding for maintenance and activation in the alley.

REACTIVATE OPENINGS + REORIENT ACTIVE USES ONTO THE ALLEY REACTIVATE ENTRIES + WINDOW OPENINGS

Reactivate former windows and entrances and create new active uses on the alley with major renovations or redevelopment.

Open boarded windows and doors at ground level on buildings along the west side of the alley.

Reopen corner building entries at the Pike Street entrance to the alley.

Restore upper story windows overlooking the alley from actively used corridors and rooms in the Seattle Central Fine Arts / Egyptian Theater building.

Repurpose underutilized ground floor spaces on the alley as active retail, service or cultural uses.

CREATE ACTIVE USES ALONG THE ALLEY

Ensure new development and major renovations treat the alley as a public space with access and windows onto the alley.

Locate primary entrances for active commercial uses onto the alley where feasible.

Create new active uses that interact with the alley as properties on the alley are renovated or redeveloped over time

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CONTEXT + EXISTING CONDITIONS

LOCATION + CONTEXT Neighbours Alley runs between Pike and Pine, next to the largest community college in the Seattle, one of Capitol Hill’s oldest gay bars, and the beautiful Egyptian Theater, home to one of the top film festivals in North America. Adjacent residential buildings—current and future—house low-income tenants. It sits on several bus lines along E Pine St and Broadway, three blocks from the Capitol Hill light rail station, less than a block from the streetcar. The alley is immediately adjacent to Seattle Central’s fine arts building and Erickson Theater.

Location of Neighbours Alley

Despite its prominent location at the center of one of Seattle’s liveliest neighborhoods, the alley is used primarily for solid waste storage and collection, deliveries and service access. The exception to these service uses is the line on weekends waiting to get into Neighbours. Although the other adjacent properties have turned away from the alley, Neighbours Alley has the potential to become a distinctive space unto itself, and contribute to the public space network on Capitol Hill in a variety of ways.

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neighbours alley is in the midst of the rich cultural assets and nightlife of capitol hill, with the potential to play a much larger role in the public realm Nearby LGBTQ+, Arts and Culture, and Nightlife Uses

Arts and Culture LGBTQ+ Nightlife LGBTQ+ / Nightlife Nightlife / Arts and Culture LGBTQ+ / Arts and Culture LGBTQ+ / Nightlife / Arts and Culture

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neighbours alley has an auto-row past, but has been central to the LBGTQ+ and arts scene since the 1980’s HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The alley was platted with the development of Seattle‘s auto row along Pike and Pine Streets. Apart from the Broadway Crossing apartments, all the buildings on the alley were built in the early 20th century, and were occupied by a set of auto-related uses with the exception of the Masonic Temple (now the Egyptian Theater) and tavern on E Pine Street. Many of the auto row businesses on the block opened onto the alley and used it as a secondary vehicular and pedestrian access. On the west side of the block, the Erickson Theater and Siegal Center were part of the Davies Chevrolet Company, and later the Eldridge Motor Company, with a showroom in the Siegal Center and used car sales operating out of the Erickson Theater.

The Neighbours Building at 1509 Broadway was later renovated for use as a bar and sandwich shop called Bogart’s. In 1983, Moustafa “Moe” Elassiouti, expanded his dance club business from Vancouver, British Columbia, and opened Neighbours Seattle. Neighbours has operated under the same ownership as the largest gay club space on Capitol Hill operating for over thirty-five years. The rear entrance from the alley has historically served as the club’s primary entrance, which has given club-goers a sense of security. The alley still serves as the club’s primary entrance on Friday and Saturday nights, but Neighbours has begun to use its Broadway entrance on other nights. The Neighbours building is currently up for sale, and the future of the building and the nightclub is not certain.

The buildings along Broadway housed a variety of auto-related businesses including an “Auto Kitchen” at 814-818 E Pike Street, a bank specializing in auto loans at 826 E Pike Street, where Starbucks is located. The Eldridge Tire building at 1519 Broadway was built by the Eldridge Motor Company in 1925, and was designated a historic landmark as part of the City’s registry in 2016.

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managing the trash in the alley is a prerequisite to a safe and welcoming public space CURRENT FUNCTION AND CONDITIONS Like Seattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other commercial alleys, Neighbours Alleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary purpose is to provide for freight and waste collection access to local businesses on Capitol Hill. A total of ten businesses on E Pike Street, E Pine Street, Broadway, and Harvard Avenue use the alley for waste collection and deliveries, as well as several office spaces and one multifamily housing development. There are five property owners on the alley with Seattle Central and Capitol Hill Housing owning roughly 75% of the surrounding land. Because only the Broadway Crossing Apartments and Walgreens have facilities to store trash internally, Neighbours Alley functions as a storage area for trash.

Dumpsters and bins are concentrated in the center of the alley along the rear of the Erickson Theater and SIFF Egyptian. The waste receptacles are emptied by Recology or Cedar Grove, and shift position along the alley because of maneuvering for collection. As the containers are fairly mobile, they often interfere with exits along the rear of the SIFF Egyptian, and can obstruct clear sight-lines down the alley, contributing to a sense of insecurity for pedestrians.

Running from E Pine Street on its northern end to E Pike Street to the south, the alley is just over 350 feet long and ranges from 16 to 20 feet in width. Originally platted at 16 feet wide, the alley was widened with the development of Broadway Crossing at E Pine Street and Broadway to 20 feet, starting 25 feet south of E Pine St to the northern facade of the former Atlas building at 1513 Broadway. Future development planned for 1515 and 1519 Broadway is expected to widen further segments of the alley north of Neighbours to 20 feet. The alley has substantial slope, descending roughly 14 feet from Pine Street to Pike Street along the entire length of the alley.

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the alley is long, sloping, and passes by a variety of uses that could connect along its length

SURVEY

The buildings around the alley were constructed in the early 20th century. The original 8-foot dedication on the alley created a 16-foot right-of-way has been widened to 20 feet on the north side of the alley with new construction. The alley slopes downward 14 feet from north to south, and drains roughly down the center line of the right-of-way.

BROADWAY

PLANNED NEW HOUSING

NEIGHBOURS CAPITOL CIDER

E PIKE STREET

E PINE STREET

WALGREENS / BROADWAY CROSSING HOUSING

CINNAHOLIC

“NEIGHBOURS ALLEY” SIFF EGYPTIAN / SCCC FINE ARTS BUILDING

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ERICKSON THEATER

SIEGAL CENTER

WALL PLANES + OPENINGS

existing and future openings can dramatically change the ability to activate the alley

There are a many active and inactive openings to onto the alley, with a majority of active openings serving as emergency access. Nearly all of the inactive openings are on the west side of the alley, and have been boarded up and sealed as part of renovations to convert these historic buildings to new uses or because of frequent vandalism as is the case with the Siegal Center. Future uses on the east side will provide an opportunity to add new openings with active uses.

WEST SIDE (HARVARD AVE) Active Entrance/Exit Inactive Opening 26’ SDOT CLEARANCE E Pike St GROUND LEVEL

EAST SIDE (BROADWAY) Active Entrance/Exit Inactive Opening

26’ SDOT CLEARANCE E Pike St GROUND LEVEL

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ENGAGEMENT + DESIGN PROCESS

Capitol Hill Housing convened a committee of neighboring business owners and stakeholders to help guide design and engagement and create meaningful connections along Neighbours Alley. The committee included representatives from Neighbours, SIFF Egyptian, Seattle Central Colleges, Capitol Cider, Cinnaholic, the Broadway Crossing Apartments, Seattle Central Greenways, and Peer Seattle. The stakeholder group met together four times in 2018 to share concerns with the existing space, discuss effective engagement, review and vet design ideas and discuss operations and maintenance issues involving the alley. The design process began with the stakeholder committee and consultation with various departments at the City of Seattle including Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Office of Economic Development. Early coordination with City representatives clarified regulatory constraints, potential areas of flexibility, and prospective solutions for current issues along the alley voiced by stakeholders and the community.

alley, and were open to waste solutions, lighting improvements, and other design interventions. The stakeholder committee was invited to join a walking tour of historic alleys in the Pioneer Square and Chinatown-International District neighborhoods, including Pioneer Passage, Nord Alley and Canton Alley. The Alliance for Pioneer Square and Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority hosted discussions on the history of these alleys and the design, community engagement and funding process behind their recent transformation. The design ideas and understanding of physical and regulatory constraints from that came out of this initial phase of the process informed what was presented to the public during engagement.

Members of the committee who use the alley regularly for trash, deliveries and as a pedestrian entrance voiced similar concerns about cleanliness, safety and security and pavement conditions. Core stakeholders showed interest in bringing art, activation and other placemaking in the

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Capitol Hill Housing and Framework invited input from the community on design ideas for the space at public events, and via a web survey promoted in the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog, through Capitol Hill Housingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mailing list, and on event posters at businesses along E Pike Street and E Pine Street. The survey was open from October 25 to December 3, 2018 and received a total of 189 responses. Survey questions allowed respondents to submit their own responses or include images of similar design elements. The project team invited the community to a workshop hosted by Capitol Cider on November 13, 2018. Participants voted on design concepts from streets and alleys around the world, and gave input on types and locations for treatments of the alley. Community members also attended a winter celebration on December 13, 2018, to learn more about the project and engage with the space through games, music, crafts and refreshments. The event coincided with Capitol Hill Art Walk and was intended to serve as a test for future community events and activities in the alley.

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WHAT WE HEARD Design Approach Community input informed a broader design approach to Neighbours Alley, and ultimately recommendations for improvements to the alley that are included in this report. Based on survey responses, design of the alley should create a safe and welcoming pedestrian connection that honors Capitol Hill’s history and LGBTQ+ community. This approach brings together two aims for the alley, which were both prioritized by more than half of survey respondents as the “most important” or a “more important” piece of the project: to create a safer more inviting space for pedestrians (73%) and to honor the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ history and community (62%). Safety, security and cleanliness were the primary concerns expressed by stakeholders through the survey and at the community workshop. These three fundamental challenges must be addressed for design interventions that bring art and activity to succeed.

Lighting From input at the events, there was strong support for improved pedestrian-scale lighting. The survey results concurred, with 58% of respondents indicating that lighting should be a priority

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“THE ALLEY NEEDS

MORE LIGHTING THAT'S ATTRACTIVE AND INVITING”

Lighting under the Clink Street Bridge in London, UK investment. The highest ranked image from both the survey and workshop input showed a layered lighting environment under the Clink Street Bridge in London, UK, which combined a kinetic LED display overhead with a regular rhythm of down-lights along the sides of the tunnel. While pedestrian safety lighting was prioritized, respondents were also supportive of decorative lighting, such as the neon LED shown to the right.

Neon LED lighting in Lincoln, NE

Infrastructure Images with lit canopies were consistently the most favored in survey responses and at the public workshop, whether presented as lighting or canopy options. Canopies and overhead treatments give alleys the perception of a ceiling plane, and a sense of intimacy, warmth and scale. In addition to the Clink Street in London, respondents liked the lantern canopy above Pittaki Street in Athens, Greece, composed of an eclectic mix of donated lamps. Another of the three best rated images from the workshop was a nighttime photo of the pink balls canopy installation with complementary lighting in Montreal’s Gay Village. These responses underscore the importance of creating an overhead feature that is distinct and attractive both during the day and at night. Finding space for and maintaining greenery in alleys can be challenging. However, design concepts that included landscaping as a central element were very well received in survey and workshop input. The image to the right shows robust green walls along the edge of a passageway in San Fransisco.

“A CANOPY WOULD

HELP GIVE DEFINITION TO THE SPACE”

“A LITTLE GREENERY IS ALWAYS CALMING AND BEAUTIFUL”

A lit canopy over Pittaki Street in Athens, Greece

A private passageway in San Francisco, CA

“I LOVE CANOPIES IN ALLEYS

- YOU CAN SEE ART OR LIGHTS BUT ALSO THE SKY; IT’S LIKE IT CONNECTS THE TWO”

Canopy on Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal, QC

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Art While bringing art into the alley was not a foremost priority, it enjoyed wide and consistent support as a design intervention. Only a third of survey respondents thought it was “most important” or a “more important” part of improving the alley, but examples of integrated public art on overhead features, building walls and roadway surfaces all rated well. Comments from the public workshop and alley event were supportive of public art in various media, but favored light installations and murals in particular. Alley Oop in Vancouver, British Columbia, ranked highly, with colorful basketball court markings as a mural that runs across the building walls and pavement of the alley. Preserving the alley as a queer space was a common theme in community input. Many community members wanted to see a reflection of Capitol Hill’s queer culture and representations of local LGBTQ+ history in the alley. Art on building walls, ground plane and incorporated into canopies was means to express that connection the neighborhood’s history, culture and community.

Activation

“I’D LOVE TO SEE ART

AND MURALS ALONG THE ALLEY”

Alley Oop in Vancouver, BC Murals in Hackescher Höfe in Berlin, Germany

Input from the public workshop and survey showed strong interest in activating the alley. Food and drink, and pop-up market events had the broadest support. Night markets with local vendors could integrated into the neighborhood’s local nightlife, and help draw people into the alley. Community celebrations like the winter celebration test event in the alley and drag and fashion shows also rated well, and night, holiday or flea markets could be a part of these events in the future. Members of the community wanted to see queer oriented events in the space, which could be a focus of market, community events or other activities like book and record swaps and games in Neighbours Alley. Events in the alley can showcase local LGBTQ+ artists and businesses, and complement other events on Capitol Hill during pride month.

“LOVE FLOOR TO CEILING MURAL ART”

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IMPLEMENTATION + NEXT STEPS

IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS Many recommendations in this report can be implemented immediately at minimal cost, and should be prioritized as part of follow-up.

ACTIONS + STRATEGIES

A critical step in improving the alley is the creation of a Stewardship Group to represent and coordinate between the alley stakeholders. The Stewardship Group is necessary to advance recommendations in the short term (1-2 years), mid term (3-5 years), and long term (over 5 years).

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

COST

TIMEFRAME

Waste Management + Mitigation Reach out to businesses about the relative costs and benefits of the Clear Alleys Program

Capitol Hill Housing

Ongoing

Lock dumpsters between collections when they are not being loaded

Property and/or business owners

Immediate

Ensure containers are clearly marked with the name and address of the corresponding business

Property and/or business owners

Immediate

Educate employees on what waste belongs in compost, landfill and recycling and which containers are used by which businesses

SPU working with Property and/or business owners

Short-Term

Identify off-alley locations for waste storage

Capitol Hill Housing / Property and/or business owners

Short-Term

Right-size containers and adjust collection frequency based on waste volumes

Property and/or business owners

Short-Term

Transition all businesses on the alley to prepaid bag collection with the Clear Alleys Program or consolidated collection with a designated storage location

Property and/or business owners in coordination with Capitol Hill Housing and the EcoDistrict

Short-Term

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ACTIONS + STRATEGIES

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

COST

TIMEFRAME

Safety + Character Lighting Adjust existing security light timing to account for seasonal variations in daylight hours.

Property Owners / Businesses

Immediate

Replace existing security lighting with energy efficient pedestrian scale fixtures

Property Owners / Stewardship Group

Short-Term

Install theatrical character lighting to illuminate focal points along the ground plane of the alley

Property Owners / Stewardship Group

Mid-Term

Create defined entryways to the alley using dramatic and artistic LED â&#x20AC;&#x153;neonâ&#x20AC;? light displays that honor the community and local nightlife

Property Owners / Stewardship Group

$$$

Long-Term

Illuminate works of art on building walls with wallmounted LED fixtures

Property Owners / Stewardship Group

Long-Term

Work with local artists to fill boarded and sealed windows on the Siegal Center and Egyptian Theater with murals and participatory public art

Seattle Central College / Capitol Hill Housing / Stewardship Group

Short-Term

Coordinate with local businesses regarding potential vitrines with upcoming events or a calendar of community events on building walls in the alley

Capitol Hill Housing / Stewardship Group with approval from Seattle Central College and the City

Short-Term

Patch major defects and pitting in the asphalt surface of the alley with quick-drying asphalt and reseal the alley with asphalt sealant

SDOT / Stewardship Group

Short-Term

Select a consultant to engineer wire canopies near the Capitol Hill Housing north and south entrances to the alley

$$$

Mid-Term

Install canopy anchors and wire frame to affix art, lighting or decorative elements within the load-bearing capacity of the canopy frame

Capitol Hill Housing

Mid-Term

Pursue repaving with concrete in coordination new construction and utility work on the Eldridge Tire and Atlas sites

Capitol Hill Housing / Utilities Providers

$$$

Long-Term

Art + Infrastructure

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ACTIONS + STRATEGIES

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

COST

TIMEFRAME

Activation + Programming Develop a schedule of regular events with signature activities in collaboration with adjacent businesses

Stewardship Group

Short-Term

Secure a Festival Street permit and create an annual schedule planned schedule of events and activities

Stewardship Group

Short-Term

Work with the Broadway BIA and Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce on event sponsorships, and promotion opportunities through regular programming

Stewardship Group / Broadway BIA / Captiol Hill Chamber of Commerce

Short- to Mid-Term

Develop a branded set of materials for refreshment stations and donations at events that feature participating businesses prominently

Stewardship Group

Short- to Mid-Term

Engage with businesses one-on-one to discuss the potential structure and roles as part of the Stewardship Group for the alley

Capitol Hill Housing

Immediate

Create Stewardship Group with leadership from the EcoDistrict and local community organizations, and advisory opportunities for stakeholders and businesses

Capitol Hill Housing / EcoDistrict

Short-Term

Work with adjacent businesses to address day-to-day concerns including waste management, cleanliness, and maintenance issues

Stewardship Group / Boradway BIA / Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce

Short-Term

Apply for funding through City Office of Economic Development’s ‘Only in Seattle’ grant program for implementation funding

Capitol Hill Housing / EcoDistrict

Short-Term

Evaluate other funding sources for placemaking, sustainability and complete streets

Capitol Hill Housing / EcoDistrict

Mid-Term

Work with the Broadway BIA and Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce for continuing funding of events

Capitol Hill Housing / EcoDistrict / Stewardship Group / Broadway BIA / Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce

Mid-Term

Stewardship + Management

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ACTIONS + STRATEGIES

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

COST

TIMEFRAME

Reactivate Openings + Create New Active Uses Restore alley-facing windows on the Egyptian Theater and Siegal Center buildings

Seattle Central College / Future Owner

$$$

Long-Term

Open the sealed entrance to the Siegal Center building Seattle Central College / Future Owner at the E Pike Street entrance to the alley

$$$

Long-Term

Repurpose the exit from the Egyptian Theater green room space as a public entrance to an active use as Seattle Central College / SIFF Egyptian part of future renovations

$$$

Long-Term

Restore upper story windows overlooking the alley on the Egyptian Theater in actively used corridors as part Seattle Central College / Future Owner of future renovations

$$$

Long-Term

Open the gated corner entrance to 814 E Pike Street to both the alley and Pike Street or adapt space for Alley Property Owners micro-retail with major renovations or redevelopment

$$$

Long-Term

Locate primary entrances for active uses on the alley as part of future development on the Atlas and Eldridge Capitol Hill Housing / Future Owners sites and potential redevelopment of Neighbours

$$$

Long-Term

Preserve alley facade of the Siegal Center and Future Owners or Developers Neighbours as part of new development

$$$

Long-Term

Future Development

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STEWARDSHIP

ISSUES

ROLES + PLAYERS

Leadership

Online Presence

Successful public spaces require a Stewardship Group to manage funding, programming, and maintenance. Capitol Hill Housing has convened a group of key stakeholders during the design process, which can comprise part of a permanent stewardship group for Neighbours Alley.

Leadership roles and organizational structure should be developed with the help of the full stakeholder committee, including the EcoDistrict, Capitol Hill Business Alliance, Broadway Business Improvement Area (BIA), adjacent businesses, and Capitol Hill Housing. With a broad base of local stakeholders, coordination between members of a leadership body, and stakeholders who wish to remain involved with stewardship and programming will be critical to successfully managing the space.

Part of successful activation and stewardship of the alley is building awareness of alley investments including those suggested in this report, events, and activities. A website for the alley would help make local residents more aware of the space, and give community members a central source of information on the alley. A regular schedule of events, once developed, could be incorporated into a website, social media presence and communications with stakeholders.

Regular communication with stakeholders both within and outside of the organization is necessary to maintain a sense of ownership and investment in the space. Coordination is also critical for events in the alley, as these can interfere with trash collection and deliveries. Developing a publicly available annual event calendar similar to the closure schedule required for a Festival Street permit from SDOT will also help establish regular coordination around each event to promote them through participants and nearby businesses and community organizations.

The Broadway BIA and Capitol Hill Business Alliance are well positioned to help, sponsor, and promote activation in the alley in close collaboration with the EcoDistrict and local businesses and stakeholders. Adjacent businesses may be willing to contribute to local events with refreshments or market their products, but staffing events may be too burdensome for some business owners. Volunteer staffing for regular events should be managed through the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core leadership group, and coordinated with any businesses that are featured at or contribute to alley programming.

Through the stakeholder engagement process, Capitol Hill Housing has developed relationships with businesses, property owners and neighborhood organizations around the alley. Relationships between businesses and property owners on the alley will help ensure day-to-day management of the alley and advance waste management and activation strategies that are vital to the long-term success of Neighbours Alley as a public space. Five of the alleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principal users were particularly active in the process: Neighbours, Capitol Cider, Cinnaholic, SIFF Egyptian and Seattle Central College. These key stakeholders have a public presence in the neighborhood and social media that should be leveraged to support regular programming of the alley.

Events

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STEWARDSHIP Day-to-Day Local businesses are better equipped to manage some of the alley’s day-to-day operations and work with leadership to develop new practices and coordinate stewardship. Adjacent businesses have taken an active interest in the alley’s safety and cleanliness, and this interest can translate into regular waste management, cleaning, and maintenance of design features integrated into individual building facades such as planters and vitrines.

FUNDING Making the alley a more welcoming pedestrian space will require funding for capital investments in the space; and continuing funding for ongoing maintenance, events, activation and marketing. The regular maintenance of public spaces is typically funded through tax levies or local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), like the Broadway BIA, which funds bi-weekly cleaning of the alley. Cleanliness was a common concern among stakeholders and community members, and a continuing funding source for more frequent cleaning of the alley by Recology should be identified, and may include local volunteer programs and sponsorships from businesses and organizations nearby as part of programming.

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Fees and concessions are difficult to integrate into a long-term funding program because the alley remains City right-of-way, but could be incorporated as part of special activities such as markets or fundraising events. Proceeds from these special activities could be dedicated to additional maintenance and other charitable causes locally that resonate in the neighborhood, such as homeless support services. Capitol Hill Housing secured initial grant funding through the City’s Office of Economic Development for the design and engagement process that culminated in this report and recommendations. Capitol Hill Housing and/or the new permanent stakeholder group should continue to work with the Office of Economic Development for Only in Seattle grant funding and with the City to secure other available funds for improvements to and activities in the alley. Future development and utility work on the alley also present opportunities to make physical improvements to the space. As part of work to replace underground utilities with new development or other utility work on adjacent properties, portions of the alley will need to be restored and could contribute to a full restoration of paving through the entire alley. Potential redevelopment on either side of the alley may also help fund or implement the improvements recommended in this report.

There are regional and state funding sources that may be able to help implement physical improvements to the alley. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) funds active transportation improvements. Because of the alley’s proximity to I-5, it may be considered for funding as part of the Pedestrian, Bicycle and Safe Routes to School Program’s next cycle (2022-2025). Sound Transit also funds investments in active transportation that make it easier for people to ride transit. The System Access Fund was approved by regional voters as part of ST3 and Sound Transit awarded their initial round of funding in summer 2019. There are limited federal programs that may be worth pursuing, including National Endowment for the Arts grants for creative placemaking. Capitol Hill Housing, the EcoDistrict, and the Stewardship Group for the alley should explore opportunities for funding works of public art in the alley in partnership with the Capitol Hill Arts District.

WASTE MANAGEMENT Capitol Hill Housing and the EcoDistrict assessed mitigation strategies for dumpsters in the rightof-way along the Pike/Pine Corridor in 2015. The recommendations in this section reference a number of those strategies including shared solid waste infrastructure, enforcement and compliance assistance through waste management practices. The Clear Alleys Program (CAP) and other collection programs, and dumpster beautification were also included in the report.

WASTE MANAGEMENT + REDUCTION Disposal of commercial waste in the alley is not well managed or controlled. Some businesses use containers that are too small. Some are missing containers for certain types of collection entirely, particularly compost. Between collections, most dumpsters and bins are not secured, which encourages illegal dumping and scavenging. The public has free and unobstructed access to most containers on the alley, exacerbating collection challenges for Recology and SPU, and undermining efforts to keep the alley clean. Fewer dumpsters and more orderly waste storage will reduce illegal dumping and limit opportunities for bad behavior.

Right-Sizing: To address collection issues with Seattle Public Utilities in the short term, businesses on the alley should track their waste volumes and right-size containers and collection frequency based how much solid waste they produce. Tracking usage over a typical month with quick visual audits of the container capacity used for each type of solid waste will help business owners and managers understand the volume of waste they produce and the appropriate container size and collection schedule for their usage. Monitoring waste output, even informally can help businesses better understand what their waste stream is composed of and what specific opportunities there may be to reduce the waste they generate, or set targets for waste reduction. Education: Educational resources and programs for staff at local businesses have been shown to improve compliance and improve waste diversion efforts. Local businesses should ensure that staff understand how certain types of waste should be stored for collection, and which dumpsters are assigned to specific businesses. Education programs that involve SPU, haulers and other organizations can also highlight ways to reduce waste.

Clearly Marked Containers: Each container in the alley is marked with the address of the corresponding business that contracts with a hauler for collection. Over time these labels wear away or are covered by graffiti, so that it can become unclear to the public and staff that each container belongs to a specific business. Each bin and dumpster on the alley should be relabeled periodically in a clear and prominent way to ensure that each business only uses the dumpster to which it is assigned, and keep businesses accountable for their trash storage. Secure Dumpsters: Solid waste containers on the alley are not regularly secured between collection or are damaged and should be replaced. As a result, some containers that are paid for by individual businesses are routinely filled by passersby or mistakenly by other businesses. Recology supplies locks and installation instructions for the dumpsters and toters they provide for $15, and keeps accesses them with a master key.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT DUMPSTER MITIGATION STRATEGIES Moving dumpsters out of the alley is critical to creating a public and pedestrian space that is seen as safe at all times of day. Dumpsters on the west side of the alley against the Erickson and Egyptian Theaters, building setbacks and access points create recesses and corners shielded from public view. These spaces encourage accumulation of litter and loose waste that is unsanitary. Removing the dumpsters from the alley would create clear sightlines, unobstructed pedestrian space, and a more welcoming environment for people walking through or waiting in the alley. There are various opportunities for dumpster mitigation such as consolidation, Seattle’s Clear Alleys Program, compaction and baling and alternative storage and screening options discussed in the following sections.

Consolidation of Waste Some businesses on the alley may not make full use of their dumpster space throughout the week. Most containers in the alley have a capacity of 2 to 4 cubic yards, an equivalent of 400-800 gallons in capacity. A more frequent collection schedule with dumpsters that are shared between the alley’s users would help create a cleaner space, with less area dedicated to trash storage.

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Businesses that generate food and recycling waste could work with one another to consolidate waste storage in larger containers and reduce the number of dumpsters and toters on the alley. Consolidation however would require management of waste volumes, with each business paying a share based on the volume of waste they produce (which could measured by bag). Close coordination between businesses would be critical to waste consolidation and could potentially lead to conflicts if one business or property owner no longer wishes to participate.

Clear Alleys Program (CAP) Seattle’s Clear Alleys Program (CAP) is an alternative solid waste collection program that uses prepaid bag service with more frequent pickup for garbage and recycling instead of dumpsters. CAP was initially extended to the Pike/Pine corridor to keep streets clear of dumpsters, and because Recology offers clear alleys collection service nearby, businesses with solid waste stored in the alley can opt into the program. If all businesses on the alley moved to the program, collection for all solid waste would be moved to the bag program, aside from glass recyclables and compost, which would be moved to 96 gallon toters with a collection schedule to be determined between SPU and each business.

CAP may help address some of the existing challenges with the alley space including: 1. Cleanliness: Dumpster free solid waste collection discourages illegal dumping including bulk waste, food and other refuse from passersby, and buildup of human waste in the alley. 2. Security: Removal of dumpsters reduces incidents of illegal activity including drug use by removing visual obstructions, and helps change perceptions of the alley as potentially unsafe. 3. Active Uses: Without dumpsters in the alley, the space can be activated and can be used by the public more often and throughout the day. 4. Waste Reduction: Businesses pay for collection by volume broken into much smaller units, which helps them understand how much waste they generate and take steps to reduce waste and cut costs.

WASTE MANAGEMENT CAP provides for three daily pickups for garbage and two daily pickups for recycling. On the CAP collection schedule, Recology would collect garbage three times a day, once at night, once in the early morning, and once midday with times that vary based on the collection route. A different collection schedule may need to be determined with Recology to avoid conflicts with Neighbours patrons on Friday and Saturday nights. Separate pickups would be scheduled for glass recycling and compost on a weekly basis, similar to current Recology services in the alley, and these materials would be stored in 96-gallon bins. A transition to CAP would likely result in a cost increases of 7.5-12.5 percent compared to the costs for current Recology services based on estimates of current volume. While garbage costs under CAP are relatively predictable based on raw volume, recycling costs vary widely based the makeup of recyclables. With CAP service, broken-down cardboard is collected for free, and glass is collected on a weekly schedule as needed by each business. Businesses with high volumes of glass and cardboard will have lower recycling costs. Restaurants and bars on the alley could see a cost increase of 15-20 percent compared to current services because of the volume of waste they generate, though this largely depends largely on the degree to which the current containers are filled when collected.

Compactors + Baling Trash compaction can reduce the volume of waste generated by businesses and the costs of trash collection, but would require investment in equipment and space to store and/or operate equipment. Walgreens is the only business on the alley which bales its cardboard for collection from a third party. Commercial baled cardboard is collected for free by several parties in the area who deliver baled cardboard to buyback programs. A shared baler for the businesses in the area would help reduce the volume of cardboard waste on the alley. A compact vertical baler has a roughly 4’ x 4’ footprint, and would cost between $4,000 and $7,000. A similar baler could be used for specific plastics, and some balers can be used for both cardboard and plastics. However, balers that can handle a range of plastics are larger and more expensive while compact vertical plastic or plastic/cardboard balers are typically designed for plastic film, bags and straps. Shared compactors have been used to effectively manage waste in Melbourne, Australia’s laneways, which have traditionally operated primarily as service streets for trash collection and loading. As part of the City’s efforts to make its laneways safer and more accessible to pedestrians, the City installed shared garbage compactors and recycling hubs with scaling fees based on frequency of use to reduce the number of collections and move dumpsters out of the street.

A similar solution was proposed as part of Capitol Hill Housing and the EcoDistrict’s 2015 Dumpsters in the Right-of-Way Report. Planned development on the Eldridge and Atlas sites (1515-1523 Broadway) offers a unique opportunity to explore shared garbage compactors as a solution for waste along the alley. Compactors would require consolidation of waste collection along the alley into two- or four-yard containers that fit the compactor. Garbage from the alley that goes into existing containers could be compacted at a ratio of roughly 1-to-3. There are, however, very few compactors that can be fed from ground level and compact garbage into a wheeled container which can be moved for waste collection. A small self-contained compactor that can be hand-fed with maneuverable containers such as Marathon’s MiniMAC compactor could be installed in a trash room with ramp access for collection on the alley. Based on estimated current waste volume would require four collections per week at a cost of roughly $3,600 for all businesses on the alley per month compared to an estimated $8,300 in current garbage collection costs. Capitol Hill Housing could accommodate one compactor with approximately 150-200 square feet of additional square feet in the trash room of the planned LGBTQ+ senior affordable housing development on the alley. A fee of $3.60

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WASTE MANAGEMENT per 30 gallon bag would cover the cost of garbage collection exclusively, and additional contributions would be necessary to offset the cost of the compactor and maintenance. A shared baler for cardboard could also be incorporated into the trash room with an additional 75 square feet depending on the configuration the room and containers or machinery stored there.

Dumpster Storage + Screening Dumpster storage may be shifted to designated locations nearby which can accommodate container storage so that there are fewer obstructions to visibility and access in the alley. Seattle Central College: Waste from offices and academic buildings that are part of the College could be shifted onto the main campus. College offices and classrooms in the Siegal Center and the Fine Arts Building produce very little waste compared to the bars and restaurants on the alley, and could be transferred to dumpsters on the main campus for collection. This would, however require College staff to cross E Pine Street with bags, containers or caddies of waste.

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Planned Capitol Hill Housing Site: During the design and entitlements process for Capitol Hill Housingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planned affordable LGBTQ+ senior housing development, the surface parking lot at the rear of the Eldridge tire site could accommodate dumpster storage. This interim storage for dumpsters on the alley would occupy two parking spaces in the lot. Walgreens currently maintains a lease on the parking lot that will expire soon, at which point there may be opportunity to move limited containers into the surface lot. Broadway Crossing: The Broadway Crossing building was developed with a dedicated area for garbage storage with separate access directly onto the alley. There may be additional space in this existing storage area that could be used for containers that would be shared between the alleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s users, particularly if trash storage could be shared between Broadway Crossing and the planned development on the Atlas and Eldridge sites.

While multifamily buildings may have consolidated trash storage between adjacent buildings per Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) and SPU, there are restrictions on shared trash storage between businesses. There are however opportunities to explore a campus-wide approach to waste storage on the alley as part of a land use decision from the SDCI with the agreement of Capitol Hill Housing and building management. Below is an estimated cost comparison of all mitigation options:

MITIGATION

COST

CONSOLIDATION OFF-SITE STORAGE COMPACTORS + BALING CLEAR ALLEYS PROGRAM

LIGHTING SAFETY LIGHTING Functional, low glare lighting that provides adequate ambient light and visibility is the most important short-term safety investment in the alley. Current light sources are insufficient after dark, and rely primarily on Seattle Central College’s security lighting to produce ambient illumination during nighttime hours. Improved lighting conditions will encourage nighttime use of the alley, and is supported by the City of Seattle’s Walking Preference Survey, which found that low light along with unpleasant conditions discourage walking especially at night. Neighbours and Seattle Central College both provide lighting on the alley. The College’s security lighting runs along all three buildings it owns on the west side of the alley, and is the main light source for the alley after dusk. However, the College’s lighting is timed to come on later in the evening, which leaves the alley dark during the early evening hours in the winter. As a public institution Seattle Central College is encouraged to keep its use of electricity as low as possible. Future investments in lighting should be energy efficient and rely on electrical connections from various adjacent users on the alley, so that the college is not solely responsible for lighting the alley.

The City of Seattle’s Pedestrian Lighting Citywide Plan (2012) defines priority pedestrian lighting areas throughout Seattle based on priority tiers. Neighbours Alley lies in a high priority pedestrian lighting area. Both Seattle’s Right-ofWay Improvement Manual and the Illumination Engineering Society (IES) recommend an average light level of 2 footcandles for pedestrian areas. A minimum uniformity ratio of 10:1, a ratio of the highest to lowest light levels in the space, would be appropriate, but more even lighting is preferable. Seattle Central College currently uses low-pressure sodium security lighting along its properties on the west side of the alley. Lenses on existing lights have yellowed over time, and thus produce less light and operate less efficiently. Improved security lighting should maintain an even 2 footcandles of illumination in the alley. Low glare, wall mounted LED fixtures are recommended as they consume less power and produce more light after dark. Warmer light color in the 2700K-3000K range is recommended as it is generally preferred by pedestrians to cold white security lights. New safety light fixtures should be dark sky friendly, with full shielding to minimize glare and light trespass.

Fixtures in the style of the image below are intended to create a base light level layer to the alley.

SAFETY LIGHTING

INSTALLATION COST

OPERATING COST

EXISTING LIGHTS

100 LINE LED

LED SAFETY LIGHTS Performance Sconces

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LIGHTING CHARACTER LIGHTING Illumination of the alley at night should contribute to the dynamic nature of the neighborhood. Lighting can help create a space for enjoyment, gatherings and events, with neon displays that complement existing elements of character lighting on the alley. The ‘Neighbours’ sign and red and blue down lights mounted on the Neighbours building are good examples of character lighting currently in the alley. The lighting improvements in this section are intended to reflect the arts uses on the alley and can be integrated into performances and events in the space. Below are rough cost comparisons for each layer of lighting discussed in this section, excluding canopies. CHARACTER LIGHTING

COST

FOCAL “SPOT” LIGHTS WALL MOUNTED ART LIGHTS “NEON” LED DISPLAY

The following solutions propose layers of light with different functions. These layers work together to provide safety and a night identity for this alley in the heart of Capitol Hill.

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1. Layer 1 - Ground Plane: The ground is the surface that best unifies the space and can be used to create the alley’s identity. The pavement is a blank canvas and can be seen from both entrances and experienced as one travels the alley. It offers interactive opportunities during the day and night. Focal accent lights distinct from security lighting mounted to the vertical surfaces could highlight simple stamps or complex art. This theatrical approach can create a holistic and unique look. 2. Layer 2 - Entrances: At both entrances LED neon art can give the alley a visible presence at night, and reflect the character and community of Capitol Hill. Neon entryway elements should be mounted well above ground level on either entrance, and should be positioned to minimize impacts on residential windows at the E Pine Street entrance to the alley. 3. Layer 3 - Building Walls: At the Pike Street entrance, the Siegal Center and Erickson Theater present opportunities to exhibit art on the alley walls. Lighting can highlight future art pieces with wall mounted linear fixtures. 4. Layer 4 - Canopy: Overhead canopies that integrate lighting can create a distinct and functional design element using canopy infrastructure. This could involve string lights in the short term, which require less support than a full wire canopy.

Focal lighting

Pavement art

Neon light installation

Integrated lighting at wall art

ART + INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE Overhead Canopies Neighbours Alley is a commercial alley regulated by the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. SDOT requires a minimum of 26 feet vertical clearance for a canopy along commercial alleys, primarily because of overhead trash loading. Near E Pike Street, buildings on the east side of the alley are under 26 feet in height as measured from the surface of the alley. To overcome clearance issues, canopy features can be mounted onto posts connected to the roof or parapet of buildings on the alley. SDOT also has the discretion to approve overhead canopies, entryways, signs or lighting that deviate from vertical clearance requirements if they do not interfere with deliveries and garbage collection. A designated dumpster location north the canopies area near the entrance would avoid interference with trash collection, and SDOT may be willing to grant a deviation from its clearance regulation. A canopy would create a ceiling in the alley space, give pedestrians a comfortable sense of enclosure, and can support works of art, flags or other decorative objects and additional lighting elements. The structure for a canopy of appropriate height could be created using catenary suspension or building-mounted supports

EYE AND FORK HARDWARE

Catenary: A canopy created with catenary suspension requires simple anchor infrastructure to secure a steel cable or string lights. There are no existing projections on which to mount a permanent suspended canopy on the south side of the alley. Seismic bracing and fire escapes on the Egyptian Theater should be explored as support options for a lightweight canopy. Anchors such as brackets or eye hooks mounted into the grout of building walls at an appropriate height can support lights and light-weight objects. Steel cable segments can be mounted across the alley using eye and fork cable hardware as shown to the right. This flexible cable structure would allow for canopy features to be changed at different times of year.

SIMPLE EYE BOLT

Steel Aircraft Cable

Building Wall

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PREPARED FOR:

PROJECT:

CANTON ALLEY: WEST KONG YICK BLDG.

ART + INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUE

PERM

Mounted Supports: A canopy of horizontal supports could be constructed from solid metal pieces with mounts or joints on either side of the alley. These mounts would hold each support running over the alley, without attaching the support itself to the building walls, which allows for building walls to shift, and for bars to slide out of the mounts as individual canopy pieces are replaced. This structure would, however, cost more than a catenary canopy, and may require further permitting review for approval. Below is an example of a cover plate that would allow for some movement in the building walls over time, for integrated lighting through each support beam, and for the removal or replacement supports spanning the alley. As illustrated, the plate can be mounted into grout without damaging masonry on building facades along the alley.

SEAL

PROJECT NUMBER PERMIT NUMBER DATE PROJECT TEAM CHECK REVISION

SCALE SHEET NAME

LIGHTING AND DET

A side by side comparison of canopy infrastructure is shown below. CANOPY TYPE

CATENARY

COST

MOUNTED SUPPORT

SHEET NUMBER

A diagram of preferred canopy locations on building elevations relative to existing SDOT vertical clearance requirements is shown on the following page.

PERMITTING DURABILITY LOAD CAPACITY

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ART + INFRASTRUCTURE CANOPY INFRASTRUCTURE Desired canopy locations are shown below for the east and west sides of the alley. Because of differences in building heights and window placement between building elevations near the E Pike Street entrance, a catenary canopy supported by wall anchors may be the best solution for the alley’s southern entrance.

WEST SIDE (looking west)

26’ SDOT CLEARANCE E Pike St 24.5’ GROUND LEVEL

24.5’ 26’ SDOT CLEARANCE

30.5’

33’

30.5’

20’

NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

GROUND LEVEL E Pike St

33’

20’

EAST SIDE (looking east)

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ART + INFRASTRUCTURE Pavement Improvements Neighbours Alley’s asphalt paving is in fair condition with some pitting, cracking and wear, particularly on the south side of the alley near the E Pike Street entrance to the alley. The most glaring potholes and defects in the surface of the alley can be addressed with fairly small patches in the near term. While SDOT may repair larger potholes in the alley reported through the Find It Fix It app, pitting along building walls could be addressed separately with quick drying asphalt repair patches. Once larger spots of pavement damage have been repaired, the surface can be sealed with an asphalt sealer designed for driveways, which will protect it from the elements, allow for easier cleaning, and provide a smoother surface for durable pavement paint. These minor repairs could serve as an interim solution, and would have a shorter lifetime because of heavy vehicle traffic. The redevelopment of the Atlas and Eldridge sites (1515-1523 Broadway) presents an opportunity to restore portions of the alley or repave the entirety of the right of way. Except for partial restorations of existing asphalt alleys, SDOT requires concrete paving to support solid waste trucks and other heavy vehicles which use alleys for service functions. Concrete and asphalt paving are set on a 6-inch aggregate base, with a top layer of 2 inches for concrete or 3 inches for asphalt.

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As an alternative to contiguous concrete or asphalt, resurfacing the alley with pavers could create similarly durable, but distinct ground surface along Neighbours Alley. Regardless of the material, pavers have more intensive infrastructure requirements and would need a deviation from the City’s standards at SDOT’s discretion. Roadway paver surfaces typically sit on a much deeper 14 inches base, composed of an 8-inch layer of concrete beneath a 6-inch layer of aggregate. On top of that base the pavers would be laid into an asphalt or mortar setting base with sand or grout to fill the gaps between pavers. Paver surfaces would be more difficult and expensive to repair and regular cleaning would be more time consuming because of the textured surface of the roadway. Overall paver cost depends largely on the type of paver and durability on the setting base. A comparison of full roadway restoration using asphalt, concrete and pavers is shown below. MATERIAL

ASPHALT

CONCRETE

A newly restored concrete and paver surface in Canton Alley in Chinatown International District Restoring the surface of Nord Alley in Pioneer Square with brick pavers

PAVER (BRICK)

DURABILITY COST MAINTENANCE PERMITTING

ART + INFRASTRUCTURE Landscaping + Improving Ecological Functions The entire alley is currently paved with asphalt, and drains to E Pike Street down the center line of the alley. Since the right-of-way only meets the SDOT standard width of 20 feet for commercial alleys where it has been widened, and the remainder of he alley is 16 feet wide, there are limited opportunities to reduce impervious cover and integrate landscaping. Any landscaping would rely on container, or wall-mounted plantings. When the Atlas and Eldridge sites enter the permitting and entitlement process, the fence separating the surface parking lot at the rear of the site from the alley could be removed, and large, impact-resistant plastic planters could be used to delineate the boundaries of the alley.

Permeable paving could allow for groundwater recharge from the alley surface, depending on the alley’s underlying soil conditions, but would require a deviation from SDOT for non-standard materials. The structural performance of permeable pavement has not been proven in areas with frequent and repetitive truck traffic. Permeable paving requires additional maintenance, including pressure washing, power vacuuming and regular milling to ensure proper performance. This prevents sediment and waste from clogging pores in the pavement, and allows water to pass through the surface. Adjacent businesses store a high volume of food and cooking waste in the alley, which can seep into and clog permeable pavement.

INTEGRATING ART Building Walls Throughout the community engagement process, the public was consistently supportive of integrating art into building walls. Most of the wall space on the alley is painted masonry or concrete which could be used as a canvas for large murals or street art. Works of art at ground level should be designed with mural or street artists so that new markings and graffitti integrate into murals with multiple elements woven together or patterns along building walls, as shown below in Sao Paolo’s Beco do Batman shown below.

Future development and structural renovations should support landscaping with permanent container plantings on the alley and water access. Connections to water in the alley would serve a dual purpose of maintaining plantings during Seattle’s extended dry periods, and allowing the alley’s stewards to regularly hose down the asphalt between Recology’s twice monthly cleanings.

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ART + INFRASTRUCTURE There are eight boarded and sealed windows along the ground level of the Siegal Center, six with an area of roughly 13.75 square feet and two with and area of 5.5 square feet (see Openings Diagram on Pg. 18) One entrance from the Siegal Center at the corner where the alley meets E Pike Street has been sealed and tiled over, but could be opened to the alley in future renovations. Each of these openings on the Siegal Center building could be used as a framed area for artwork as an interim improvement before these opening can be repurposed for new active uses. Three sealed windows on the ground level of the Egyptian theater could serve a similar purpose on the north side of the alley, or could be retrofitted as part of a new active use. Vitrines or marquees mounted onto alley facades or in former window openings could be used to showcase art, display a calendar of community events or to promote showings and events at the Erickson and Egyptian Theaters, Neighbours, Capitol Cider and new uses in the planned development of Atlas and Eldridge sites at 1515-1519 Broadway,. Displays promoting upcoming events at the businesses on the alley would help integrate the surrounding uses into the alley, and could be installed and maintained by individual businesses. Since these benefit the businesses that operate out of the buildings they are mounted to, the displays would give each business more of a stake in the

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alley. They would also help identify the alley with the businesses that use it regularly and help activate the space and serve as an extension of these local businesses. Any vitrines on the alley should integrate lighting to provide additional ambient light and create a more secure nighttime atmosphere.

Vitrines along an alley in Melbourne, Australia

Ground Plane Durable pavement paint can be used to create a colorful pattern along the pavement of the alley, or create a field of one solid color which unifies the space. A bright uniform pavement color could serve as a backdrop for more complex stenciled works of art to serve as focal points on the pavement, and can be highlighted at night with theatrical lighting from above. A color or pattern painted over the existing asphalt would signal to drivers in the alley for deliveries, garbage collection or for garage access that Neighbours alley is a space shared with pedestrians, and discourage cut-through traffic. Pavement paint, while durable in low-traffic environments, requires more regular maintenance. A bright color will show dirt and oil much more quickly than the existing asphalt between washing. Pavement paint could be temporary, and is easily maintained with regular power washing on low pressure.

Sealed openings and inactive access on the Siegal Center building

ACTIVATION There are many options for programming in the alley that can be explored by the Stakeholder Group. Capitol Hill Cider led a successful alley event, and Neighbours has used the alley during pride events. As part of this project, we held an ambitious winter event to test a variety of activities. The results of this testing that follow are intended to inform future event planning.

LESSONS LEARNED The project team hosted a winter celebration in the alley on December 13, 2018 to pilot event-based activation in the alley and gather community input. The following are the most significant takeaways from this first event, which should help guide future activities 1. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to draw people into the alley from the street, and music, decorations and greeters helped pull people into the alley. 2. Despite poor weather conditions, people were excited about activating Neighbours Alley, but a later start time could help boost attendance. 3. Children and families came out and stayed out because of activities that engaged them. 4. Participatory art and bowling are replicable activities that could be part of future events 5. Refreshments can be a regular features at events, but should have branded displays to support local businesses.

Bowling 1. Straw wattles, typically used for drainage and erosion control work well as gutters, but require some forethought. Wattles are difficult to source at a reasonable price, require a truck for transport, and are difficult to dispose of. A second use for wattles as mulch or drainage control should be found in advance. Other heavy permanent fixtures like wall bumpers could be used as gutters without the cleanup and reuse of straw wattles. 2. Platforms create a level area for pins, but should be kept simple. The slope of the alley is gradual and can be easily compensated for without ramping. A simple backdrop functions well to keep the ball and pins contained as long as the platform is sufficiently wide. 3. The surface of the alley bows toward the center, leaving a gap between the pavement and bowling platform. A portion of the bowling platform laid flat on the alley pavement (as shown on the right) can help make that transition smoother. 4. Finding a ball that can be used safely in the alley can be challenging. Rubber medicine balls are heavy and firm enough to be used as bowling balls without the risk of injury. 5. Children responded well to bowling and had more patience to compensate for cross slope.

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ACTIVATION

Dumpster Art 1. People of all ages wanted to be a part of the dumpster art and leave a mark on the space. 2. Dumpster art with an artist to develop designs is an easily replicable way to get more art in Capitol Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alleys in a way that engages the community in a space they may have never used or noticed. 3. Participatory art was a hit with the community and on social media. Similar pieces could be applied to the walls in the future. This could be a signature design element or activity in the alley to repeat and build a reputation. 4. Dumpster art should may be removed as businesses change garbage collection services, relocate or close.

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

Project Information 1. Information on the project and process gave the public the chance to give one last round of input. 2. A project information station gave the event an important sense of context but needed to be staffed throughout the event. 3. Crafts at the neighboring table helped people engage with the project materials in a less formal way.

Music 1. Live music helped pull people off the street from the Capitol Hill Art Walk and the neighborhood in general. The bands set a vibe for the event and helped draw people down the alley to other activities. 2. The larger music ensemble with harder hitting sound was more effective at drawing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to the alley 3. Performances could be a part of regular and predictable events in th alley.

ACTIVATION

Publicity 1. Even with people out for Art Walk, it was difficult to draw people into the alley. 2. Better publicity from participating business could have more effectively promoted alley activation 3. Some participating business needed volunteer staff for the event, and future activities could better coordinate staffing. 4. Recurring predictable events can help build a reputation for the space and help events reach more people. 5. Standard barricades may have discouraged people from walking into the alley, a more ornamental barricade could be more effective, but would require an SDOT approval process.

Lighting 1. The alley was dark and lacked sufficient lighting. Pedestrian lighting was not timed to fit seasonal variations in light. Security lighting should be carefully timed to dusk based on seasonal changes.

Timing 1. The event was too early in the evening for many passersby, and later nighttime events may draw more attendees, but fewer families. 2. Coverings such as tents are necessary for winter events because of inclement weather. 3. The event did not engage Neighbours patrons. Future activities could be coordinated with the nightclubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular events.

Food + Drink 1. Refreshments were not prominent enough and could be more visible from the street, food trucks may also offer more public visibility. 2. Food and beverage stations were not clearly identified with participating businesses, and formal stations for different pop-up shops from local businesses would better feature refreshments at future events. 3. Attendees were surprised to see people eating and drinking in the alley, and future activation could make this a more regular and familiar feature.

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

ACTIVATION SCHEDULE AND LOGISTICS

Infrastructure Needs

A regular schedule of community events in the alley would help draw more consistent attendance to alley events. Each of these events could coincide with Capitol Hill Art Walk, or with Neighboursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy nights on Friday and Saturday, when pop-up vendors would invite more foot traffic. With a predictable schedule of events, the alley would become a more visible public space on Capitol Hill where people come out and know to expect food, drink, and fun activities.

Events also require their own infrastructure. Bulky items for regular activities, and pickup of rental goods require storage space nearby. Pop-up stations for neighboring businesses such as the Egyptian and Cinnaholic can be stored in their own spaces. Key equipment that serves as the foundation of replicable signature activities should be stored close by. We recommend acquiring the following equipment:

A Stewardship Group for the alley should set the schedule of events and identify signature activities to support local business and complement neighborhood events like Art Walk, weekend farmers markets, and special events at Neighbours, and the Egyptian and Erickson Theaters. Arts programming for the Capitol Hill Arts District and Seattle Centralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine arts department in the Egyptian building could be integrated into future events. Working directly with Seattle Central staff in the fine arts department and administration will help engage the college and student body in the future. Event schedules and activity programs should be developed collaboratively with adjacent businesses and potential pop-up vendors. Special events in the alley could be scheduled to coordinate with high profile events at the Egyptian Theater and Neighbours, with vendors that complement, rather than compete with nearby businesses.

1. Weather Protection: Pop up canopies or tents and weights, tables, and flat surfaces to cover the roadway for crouching or sitting (for example, cardboard or plywood). 2. Performance Equipment: Stage kits, outdoor speakers and sound equipment, performance and stage lighting 3. Basics: One Type 3 and three Type 2 barricades or alternatives approved by SDOT, reusable road closure and activation event signage 4. Equipment for Activities: Solid gutters for outdoor bowling, tables, lawn games and other supplies used for alley activation 5. Lighting: Portable light fixtures and battery string lights for participatory arts activities and refreshment stations.

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

ACTIVATION There are limited opportunities for long term equipment storage in the buildings on either side of the alley. Given early support of this planning effort, some equipment such as tents and decorations can be stored for short periods in designated areas of Captiol Hill Housingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadway Crossing Apartments like the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trash room. Underutilized spaces on the upper stories of the Egypitan Theater and Seattle Centralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine arts building (805 E Pine Street) may be able to accommodate storage between events, but would mean moving objects up and down stairs at the beginning and end of events, likely at times when the Egyptian Theater is most busy. Permanent storage for activation can also be integrated into the new development planned for the Eldridge and Atlas sites or other redevelopment on the alley.

Larger events that draw up to 500 people at one time include vendors such as flea and holiday markets, which each rated very favorably during community engagement would require individual street and sidewalk activities permits from SDOT. Street and sidewalk activities permits would allow for vendors to be integrated into regularly scheduled activation or special events that coordinate with larger festivals and public events, or special events at adjacent businesses. Street use permit applications for special activities require a site plan and longer review.

Permitting For smaller events with under 300 attendees at one time and no sales or vending like the winter celebration, a Festival Street permit from the SDOT would set the stage for an annual schedule of events. The schedule and activities for Festival Street activation are pre-approved by SDOT for the entire year. This would require events to be planned ahead of time according to a predictable schedule with regular events and signature activities. Unplanned events would require separate block party or street and sidewalk activities permit.

Activation in Canton Alley, a designated festival street

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

BUILDINGS + USES REACTIVATE ENTRIES + OPENINGS

Ground Level Windows + Entries

As the historic buildings on the alley were adapted to other uses, the windows and entries that once opened onto the alley have been sealed or modified over time. The uses on the of block to the west, have turned away from the alley as structural renovations to retrofit automotive buildings and the masonic temple into the theaters, classrooms and offices that are there now. All the buildings on the west side of the alley once had more active openings onto the alley that were boarded or sealed over time. Window and entryway openings on the eastern facades of the Siegal Center and the Egyptian theater are the best opportunities to reactivate inactive openings in the facade. A more interactive relationship with the alley would help the alley feel more secure during the day with more eyes on the alleyway and ambient light during early evening hours.

All eight of the ground level windows on the Siegal Center that face the alley have been boarded because of repeated vandalism. The three ground floor windows on the Egyptian theater that faced the alley have been sealed and walled over, but the inset opening for each window remains on the building exterior. Each of these openings could be used to activate the space, even without restoring the windows that once overlooked the alley. As described in previous sections, these could serve as a natural frame for works of art or vitrines for business on the alley to promote upcoming events. After foundational improvements and activation have helped establish a safe and lively pedestrian space, the potential to reopen windows and entries along the alley should be explored.

The recommendations in this section are intended to serve as a long-term framework for improvements to the buildings on either side of the alley, implemented as they undergo renovation or the properties are redeveloped. These design concepts are part of a phased approach to activating the alley and making it more of a vibrant pedestrian space with interim improvements that can later translate into a larger shift in the orientation toward the alley.

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The following recommendations for the buildings that front on the alley would make a considerable difference to the quality of the alley as open space, and could benefit the building users:

1. Restore alley-facing windows on the Siegal Center building with tempered or bulletproof windows. Frosted and opaque glazing should be avoided for retail or office uses that do not require confidentiality. 2. Reopen the sealed entrance to the Siegal Center near E Pike Street as an entrance to ground floor businesses with a transparent storefront design that allows for visibility from the street at eye level. 3. Reopen the two southern window openings at ground level on the Egyptian theater with the creation of active uses in the Egyptian. 4. Repurpose the exit from the Egyptian Theater green room space as a public entrance for a small active use near the theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern wing with internal soundproofing between the use and theater seating, while maintaining emergency access. 5. Restore upper story windows overlooking the alley on the Egyptian Theater build in actively used corridors, classrooms, and offices. 6. Integrate fire escapes into lighting and art pieces that carry through the alley. 7. Open the gated corner entrance to 814 E Pike Street to both the alley and Pike Street or adapt space for micro-retail, and reopen the former entrance onto the alley.

BUILDINGS + USES New Active Uses Primary and secondary entrances from active uses would bring people from the street into the alley, welcome pedestrians to interact with spaces on the alley, and discourage illegal activities with more “eyes on the street”. Creating new active uses within the existing buildings on the alley would require significant investment from property owners or long-term tenants on Neighbours Alley. Potential spaces for new active uses are shown in the diagram on the following page. The earliest active uses on the alley should be fairly resilient and more reliant on word-of-mouth than a street presence to attract a customer base. Uses that tend to fit this profile include tattoo parlors, bicycle shops, arts and studio spaces, speakeasies, or restaurants and take-out with hours that overlap with nearby nightlife. The locations shown, together with the recommendations below are intended to guide future development, and major interior and exterior rehabilitation to existing structures.

1. Locate primary entrances for uses such as retail, restaurants, and nightlife that complement the existing fabric of Capitol Hill. 2. Integrate storefront spaces with 50% or more transparent glazing along the alley into new development. 3. Ensure that spaces for active commercial uses include visible space at pedestrian eye level from 4-8 feet above the ground. 4. Ensure the interior of space the space is visible or create window vitrines or display features at least 2 feet deep. 5. Blade signs for businesses with entrances in the alley should be encouraged, but must not interfere with canopy features or waste collection. 6. Consider preserving the Siegal Center’s alley facade with modifications to access doors and former entrances as part of prospective redevelopment in the future. 7. With any potential redevelopment of Neighbours, the character and the entry function of the existing Nieghbours entrance should be incorporated into a new facade with active uses. 8. Explore potential uses for classrooms and office space in the basement of the Egyptian Theater / Seattle Central Fine Arts Building that could reactivate the entrance on the south side of the building and enliven the alley.

A vertical blade sign at Chophouse Row

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BUILDINGS + USES EXISTING + POTENTIAL ACTIVE USES Current conditions in the alley include the active use at Neighbours, but a number of options for new active uses are available within, or connected to existing buildings, and can be planned for in future buildings.

BROADWAY

EXISTING ACTIVE SPACE: with pedestrian connection to alley on two levels

STARBUCKS PLANNED NEW HOUSING CAPITOL CIDER NEIGHBOURS

WALGREENS / BROADWAY CROSSING HOUSING

LAB / CLASSROOM

MANICURE

FA. BOOTH

OFFICE OFFICE

HALL

PEDICURE SUPPLIES

FA. BOOTH

STOR.

LIBRARIAN

FA. BOOTH

STAIR #2

Room

LTS

HAIR DRYING

CORRIDOR DISPLAY

SECRATARY CLOSET

PRODUCTION

STUDENT LOUNGE

JAN.

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ELEV.

CLOSET

LOCKER ROOM

WOMEN'S

MEN'S

BOARDROOM OFFICE

RECEPTION

MEN'S

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FILM STORAGE

STORAGE

OFFICE

HAIR WASHING

WOMEN'S STUDIO EDITING

MEN'S CONCESSIONS

EMERGENCY EXIT

LOBBY

ELECTRICAL

HALLWAY

SEATING PLATFORM CATWALK PLATFORM

TICKETS

ENTRY

100D

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CORRIDOR

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SIEGAL CENTER STAIR #1

POTENTIAL ACTIVE SPACE: requires building interior reconfiguration

MANAGER

PRINT SHOP

OFFICE CONFERENCE

STORAGE WOMEN'S

SEATING AISLE

PERFORMANCE PLATFORM

ERICKSON THEATER

CORRIDOR

EGYPTIAN THEATER / SCC FINE ARS BLDG

OFFICE

SCENE HANDLING

STAIR #4

FA. BOOTH

CINNAHOLIC

E PIKE STREET

E PINE STREET

POTENTIAL ACTIVE SPACE: included as part of new development

NEIGHBOURS ALLEY APPENDIX A COMMUNITY PROCESS

OUTREACH + ENGAGEMENT

SURVEY RESULTS SUMMARY The project team released a twelve-question survey with six visual preference questions for which respondents we asked to rate four images. Each question was designed to be fairly open-ended and allowed respondents to submit their own responses and, if they chose to, include compelling images of similar design elements. There were a total of 189 survey responses, with an overall completion rate of 88.4%. Respondents were asked about their relationship to the space, what, in their opinion, the most important principles should be reflected in the design are, and what most critical improvements to the alley would be in the future. The alley occupies a prominent place in Capitol Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial core and a critical part of the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s queer identity as the historic entrance to Neighbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nightclub and Lounge. A safe and defined pedestrian connection between E Pike Street and E Pine Street was most important to respondents, but a design that reflected the LGBTQ+ community and history of the Capitol Hill Community was also important to most respondents. Many of the written responses to the survey in response not only to direct question about what the design should reflect, but also to visual preference questions, and other open-ended questions on investments and prioritization articulated a desire to preserve and enhance the alley as a queer space.

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

The vast majority of responses showed support for alley improvements focused on safety, security and cleanliness. Cleanliness was the primary concern of most respondents, with nearly 79% indicating that it was a factor that made them reluctant to walk through the space. Safety and security was a close second with 72% of respondents indicating that it made them reluctant to walk down the alley, and a related concern about poor lighting was noted by 55% of respondents. These concerns were echoed both in comments about garbage and visibility in the alley and responses to a question asking respondents what they would like to see invested in first, in which 58% respondents indicated that pedestrian scale lighting should be the first priority in future plans for the alley.

VISUAL PREFERENCE Visual preference results helped shed light on what design interventions the community would most like to see in the alley. The highest rated images were those that involved both overhead canopy features and pedestrian scale lighting. Both of these features were met with the greatest enthusiasm from survey respondents. Many written responses specifically requested canopies that integrated either rain protection, lighting, or both. The idea of integrating greenery along the building walls on the alley was

well received, and the image of a fern wall included in the survey received the third highest average ranking of all images in the visual preference exercise at 3.81 out of 5.

INTEGRATION OF FEEDBACK Results from the survey helped refine recommendations for long- and short-term design improvements to the alley. Input on canopy fixtures, pavement improvements, and lighting are each integrated into various phased recommendations for improvements to the alley, with less capital intensive interventions reflected in short-term recommendations. Desires for active uses on the alley and repaving of the entire alley with more durable materials were included in long-term improvements that can be incorporated int plans for future development or rehabilitation of specific sites on the alley. A more detailed report of survey results is included on the following pages.

RESPONDENTS

189 SURVEY RESPONSES 75%

GO OUT NEARBY

55%

LIVE NEARBY

55%

SHOP NEARBY

53%

ATTEND CULTURAL EVENTS NEARBY

29%

WORK NEARBY

27%

WALK THROUGH THE ALLEY

GO TO SCHOOL NEARBY

DESIGN SHOULD REFLECT AVERAGE SCORE OUT OF 4 -

MORE IMPORTANT

LESS IMPORTANT

LEAST IMPORTANT

3.17

2.77

2.13

1.93

Safe & Welcoming Pedestrian Space

LGBTQ+ History & Community

MOST IMPORTANT

Showcase Intimate Local Gathering and Art & Artists Events Space Vision Report

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WHAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

145

1 CLEANLINESS 2

SAFETY + SECURITY

POOR LIGHTING

TRUCK TRAFFIC

NO CLEAR

105 45

PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION

6 OTHER 7

139

ADA ACCESS NOISE

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VISUAL PREFERENCE RESULTS LIGHTING

DECORATIVE LIGHTING

Avg Rating: 2.30

Avg Rating: 3.41

Avg Rating: 2.77

Avg Rating: 3.49

Avg Rating: 4.34

Avg Rating: 1.52

Avg Rating: 3.14

Avg Rating: 3.60

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VISUAL PREFERENCE RESULTS ENTRIES

PAVEMENT Avg Rating: 3.31

Avg Rating: 2.71

Avg Rating: 3.31

Avg Rating: 3.46

Avg Rating: 3.77

Avg Rating: 3.56

Avg Rating: 3.45

Avg Rating: 2.04

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VISUAL PREFERENCE RESULTS WALLS

CANOPIES

Avg Rating: 2.23

Avg Rating: 3.67

Avg Rating: 3.46

Avg Rating: 2.98

Avg Rating: 3.35

Avg Rating: 3.97

Avg Rating: 3.81

Avg Rating: 2.31

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WHAT SHOULD WE DO FIRST?

ACTIVITIES #1

Pedestrian Scale Lighting

13%

Pavement Improvements

58% 10%

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

FLEA / HOLIDAY MARKETS

71%

FOOD + DRINK

56%

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

53%

DRAG + FASHION SHOWS

37%

BOOK / RECORD SWAP

27%

GAMES

24%

FUNDRAISERS

Canopy Features

19% #4

78%

Other Incl. Arts Walls and Events

PUBLIC WORKSHOP SUMMARY

LESSONS LEARNED

VISUAL PREFERENCE

The project team organized a public workshop hosted by Capitol Cider, at which participants were encouraged to provide input on various design ideas that are feasible based on existing constraints in the alley. The workshop drew 24 attendees, along with several patrons of Capitol Cider who provided feedback, but were not recorded on the sign-in document. Concepts from alleys and streets around the world were presented at the workshop, and participants could vote for the images they found most pleasing or compelling. The images provided at the workshop were largely consistent with those included in the survey with the exception of a few examples of art, pavement treatments, canopies and entries. By and large the responses to visual preference results in-person and via survey were consistent, with strong favorites in lit canopies,and landscaping primarily along building walls. Participants were also given the opportunity to provide input on what treatments would best fit where, and what they would like to see on building facades.

Effective outreach for community workshops can be difficult, particularly in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill with a wide draw for workers and commuter students during the day, and visitors at night. The following are some lessons learned to raise awareness of community engagement events:

The visual preference results from the workshop were limited to votes for specific images, so respondents voiced support for ideas or images they liked exclusively. The pattern of responses was similar to visual preference results gleaned through the online survey made available to the public, with a clear preference for concepts that included landscaping, canopy features and flea and holiday markets as activities. There was more pronounced support for arts and LGBTQ+ oriented activities at the workshop than was expressed in the survey. Workshop responses were more favorable toward entryway features that define the alley space and invite the public to walk through it.

1. Promoting engagement through the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog is an effective way to reach local stakeholders with varied opinions. 2. Activities that are simple, visual and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require writing are a great way to draw bystanders into community engagement. 3. Lead with free snacks and refreshments to encourage better attendance. 4. Work closely with nearby businesses for promotion, especially when they are directly involved or their good are featured at the event. 5. Marketing through local businesses with posters and postcards would be more successful paired with social media outreach. 6. Posting on utility poles was not very effective at drawing attention to the project and community engagement efforts.

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

INPUT ON BOARDS AND COMMENTS

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Generally, feedback through comments, stickers and voting exercises were fairly uniform in support for landscaping in some form, lighting and canopies. A more detailed report on workshop results is included in the following pages.

BOURS P H G I E N RKSHO O W Y ALLE 18

HARVA

Participants at the workshop tended to express the same desire to create a space that reflects the queer identity of the neighborhood, but also focused on more practical concerns. Some of the clear priorities articulated at the workshop were finding solutions to address waste collection on the alley and deterring drug use and other illegal activity. Further, the comments expressed specific concerns about the development concept for the planned development of the Atlas and Eldridge sites at 15151519 Broadway, and included requests to activate the parking lot behind the historic Eldridge Tire building on Broadway.

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= 1 VOTE

VISUAL PREFERENCE RESULTS LIGHTING

PAVEMENT

ENTRIES

5 3

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= 1 VOTE

VISUAL PREFERENCE RESULTS CANOPIES

WALLS

ACTIVITIES

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NEIGHBOURS ALLEY

HELP US FIGURE OUT WHAT GOES WHERE Workshop participants were encouraged to place stickers representing design interventions where they would like to see them in the alley. Responses for this exercise were limited, but show a desire to use the whole alley and take advantage of the new building, and the approval process to activate and improve the alley.

Vision Report

NEIGHBOURS ALLEY