Seattle Unveils Revamped Central Waterfront Amid Mixed Reactions

The city of Seattle is celebrating the grand opening of its newly remodeled central waterfront, a project that took over a decade to complete. The transformation has turned a once-elevated corridor into a prominent public space. The new highway separating the waterfront from the rest of Seattle includes pedestrian and bike facilities, but its expansion to nine lanes, especially near Colman Dock for ferry queuing, has sparked mixed feelings among urbanists. Some see it as an upgrade, while others are concerned about the emphasis on car lanes and missed opportunities for more balanced development. South of King County’s ferry terminal at Pier 50, the dilapidated Pier 48, owned by WSDOT, may be repurposed for Kitsap Transit. Pier 48, initially planned as a fast ferry terminal, was envisioned to play a significant role in transforming Seattle's waterfront. The site, offering over four acres of flexible space with panoramic views, presents a unique opportunity for creating a large public open space with recreational amenities and a year-round event venue. Pier 48, not owned by the City of Seattle and thus excluded from core waterfront projects, is structurally unsound and needs rebuilding. Ambitious plans envision it as the largest overwater event venue in the area, spanning over four acres and accommodating more than 6,000 attendees, with a design that honors its historical significance. Nirvana performed one of their most famous shows at Pier 48, which was envisioned as a multi-purpose venue with an indoor headhouse for year-round events, multiple outdoor event spaces, and boat moorage.