King Street Station Plaza

Pioneer Square has a new outdoor public space: Jackson Plaza at King Street Station. At Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor McGinn, the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band, and federal and neighborhood representatives, helped dedicate the new space.

Formerly a parking lot, the new 13,500-square-foot plaza was designed by ZGF Architects and built by Sellen Construction (both of whom we’re working with on the Federal Center South project). The space features cherry trees, benches, and a ground covering made of crushed granite and marble. About 98 percent of the material used in the space is recycled, a result of the old parking lot being strategically deconstructed rather than demolished.

King Street Station, built in 1906, was once a transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest, but fell into disrepair in the latter half of the century. It’s currently undergoing a sustainable seismic retrofit and rehabilitation to improve its safety while honoring its original style.  The project is anticipated to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

 We’re eager to see the refurbished station, and in the meantime are certainly excited to have another space near our office where we can enjoy Seattle’s balmy 65-degree summer days. Be sure to check it the next time you’re in Pioneer Square!