Downtown Seattle is undergoing a significant transformation with the Pike Pine Streetscape and Bicycle Improvements project. As part of the Downtown Seattle Association’s Pike Pine Renaissance program, this initiative is set to revitalize Pike and Pine streets, creating a more vibrant and accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Focusing on improved east-west connections, particularly concerning Pike Street Lanes, this project aims to seamlessly link Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, and the evolving waterfront.
The collaborative effort between the City of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) underscores a commitment to creating safer and more enjoyable urban spaces. The redesigned Pike and Pine streets promise enhanced safety and comfort for all users. Key improvements include more visible crosswalks, expanded sidewalks, increased greenery, and notably, protected pike street lanes, alongside ample seating and provisions for street activities. The project also aims to establish a consistent character and identity throughout Pike and Pine streets.
A pivotal aspect of this project is the conversion of Pike and Pine Streets into a one-way system between First Avenue and Bellevue Avenue. Pike Street will operate eastbound, while Pine Street will be westbound. This strategic shift to one-way streets east of 8th Avenue is crucial, as it liberates considerable space. This space is then repurposed to significantly benefit pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone navigating these key downtown arteries.
Specifically addressing the needs of cyclists, the project introduces and repositions existing protected bike lanes to form a dedicated bike lane couplet on Pike and Pine Streets between Second and Melrose Avenues. The eastbound pike street lane will be situated on the north side of Pike Street, while the westbound bike lane will run along the south side of Pine Street. These pike street lanes are designed with safety in mind, separated from vehicular traffic by either a planted buffer or a curbed island, offering a secure and defined space for cyclists.
Honoring Heritage and Greenery: Cherry Trees on Pike Street
The Pike Pine Streetscapes and Bicycle Improvements Project also demonstrates a commitment to environmental enhancement and community heritage. Securing 27 cherry trees for planting across the city, the project replaced existing trees on Pike Street with eight new cherry trees between 1st and 2nd Avenues. In a meaningful collaboration with the Japanese American community and the Consulate General of Japan, a commemorative plaque was created. This plaque explains the cultural significance of these trees, recognizing their symbolic connection to the Japanese American farmers who historically played a vital role at the Pike Place Market. A ceremony held on December 6, 2023, marked the unveiling of this plaque, presided over by Angela Brady, director of the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, and featuring addresses from Consul General of Japan Makoto Iyori, Mayor Bruce Harrell, and Karen Yoshitomi, Executive Director of the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW).
Furthering Mayor Harrell’s commitment to urban greening, with a pledge to plant three trees for every one removed, the city has extended the planting initiative. Eight additional trees have been planted on the Park Promenade along the waterfront, and another 11 at the JCCCW in the Chinatown International District, significantly contributing to Seattle’s urban forest.
Public Art Integration
Adding an artistic dimension to the streetscape improvements, artists Derek Bruno and Gage Hamilton were selected to create public art for the Pike Pine project. Working as a team, they have developed a unifying concept designed to visually connect Pike and Pine streets. This artistic vision aims to create a clear and engaging pathway from Capitol Hill, through the downtown retail core, to Pike Place Market, acting as a welcoming gateway to the waterfront. Through strategically placed artwork along the route, the artists will contribute to a cohesive and distinctive identity for these revitalized streets, enhancing the overall pedestrian experience and reinforcing the improvements made to areas like the pike street lanes.
In conclusion, the Pike Pine Streetscape and Bicycle Improvements project represents a holistic approach to urban development. By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety through initiatives like the dedicated pike street lanes, enhancing green spaces with cherry tree plantings, and integrating public art, this project is set to create a more vibrant, accessible, and culturally rich downtown Seattle for residents and visitors alike.
