Site Report 4
From rezoning to street renewal, block 20 is set to see major changes in coming years. There are several developments and projects proposed by Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD). The recent rezoning and augmentation of high restrictions will allow U District to build higher, increasing population density. The neighborhood is filled with single family homes and midrise apartment buildings; these dwellings are predominantly occupied by college age students. The college age population is the primary driver of commercial business and industry in the University District. Because of proximity and property ownership, The University of Washington has become one of the largest stakeholders in the neighborhood. However, they are not the only stakeholders. Private property and commercial business owners have had a large impact on discussions for changes to come. Because of the large commercial revenue generated by students in the area, most stakeholders see the importance of catering to this, generally car-less, population. There have been several proposals which have made headway and are expected to break ground in the near future.
Firstly, within block 20, the DPD has marked two parcels of land on the south portion of the commercial block which are areas for potential high rise development. The ideal size for parcels is 10k square feet, but these two parcels are less than that so it is possible the city might try to combine these two plots to make a footprint large enough for a high rise. While they are less desirable plots that those marked in orange and green, they may still be redeveloped and alter the appearance of the southern half of the block considerably. If this were to occur, private property owners would likely make it a multi-use building with stores or restaurants on the ground floor. This would attract foot traffic from surrounding UW Clinics, which are all within reasonable walking distance, and in turn drive up the foot traffic and property values on block 20. As such, commercial businesses and investors are greatly interested in increased density in the area.
The concept of the walking-city has gained massive support from people in the area because it has ecological benefits and the population has lower access to cars. Block 20 has been classified as part of the “Core” area of the district which means that it has good population density and commercial vendors. The Seattle METRO has recognized the need for mobility in this population which has prompted the construction of a new Link Station in the “Core”. The city and businesses have pushed for this because it will serve two purposes. Firstly, it means that there will be less car traffic and lower emissions, and secondly, it makes the University District more accessible to people in the greater city of Seattle, which will increase foot traffic (O’Mara 10).
To encourage and prepare for higher foot, bus, and bike traffic the University Community Urban Center Approval and Adoption Matrix has offered several proposals. The two most significant proposals are D8 and D15. D15 focuses on cleaning up 11th Avenue NE; as part of this improvement the city would aim to improve the vacant triangle on the SE corner of my block. At the moment it is covered with weeds and houses a bus stop. If acted upon, the triangle would potentially have trees or garden beds, and the bus stop would be upgraded. This will make waiting for the bus more pleasant which will encourage less car use. Proposal D8 focuses on road improvements along NE 42nd Street. NE 42nd Street is considered an arterial road and major thoroughfare from 1-5 to the University. The plans initially wanted to designate the street as a “green street” or “key pedestrian street” so that later physical changes could take place on the street.
The D8 plans for NE 42nd Street finally came through in 2015 in the U District Green Streets Concept Plan which outlines the physical plans for street renovation. The plans include the widening of sidewalks, creation of bicycle lanes, installment of curb bulbs to better facilitate street parking. The concept sketch includes the proposed measurements for necessary space. These street alterations will make storefronts and housing safer and more accessible to walkers and bikers. At the moment the sidewalks on 41st and 42nd street are dangerous to walk on or non-existent. These improvements were promoted by majority stakeholders for the foreseeable benefits it will provide to the University District community.