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Lake Union Park Update

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Greater Seattle

The South Lake Union district of Seattle is undergoing a massive revitalization project as part of Paul Allen's vision to transform the area from industrial/commercial to a thriving business, bio-medical and residential neighborhood. 

Part of the undertaking is the $20 million re-visioning of the Lake Union Park at the South end of Lake Union.  When complete, the 12-acre park will provide additional green space, walking paths, a model boat pond, a beach for hand-launched boats (kayaks) and an expanded Center for Wood Boats facility.  There is also a proposal to create a 6-mile pathway around the whole of Lake Union, similar to Green Lake.

Watch a flash animation of the park, provided by City Investors LLC.  (click on image)

 

Lake Union Park timeline:

Complete Phase I  (Fall 2007)
   North terraces to the water
   Boardwalk on West side
   Pedestrian bridge
   Bulkhead repair/replacement
   Site preparation and intial utilities
   Landscaping and greenery
   Street car stop

Begin Phase II  (Winter 2009)

Complete Phase II (Fall 2009)
   Valley Street entry & Tree Grove
   Water fountain installed
   Expanded Center for Wooden Boats
   Great lawn for events
   Model boat pond
   History trail
   Boardwalk extension
   Parking
   Pathways
   Beach for hand-launched boats
   Landscaping and greenery


Comments(2)

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Jacqulyn Richey
Prominent Realty Group - Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Real Estate
That should be quite a boon to residents. I'm sure it won't hurt property values either! -Charles
Apr 27, 2007 09:23 AM
Ben Kakimoto
Keller Williams Greater Seattle - Seattle, WA
Seattle Condo Specialist

It will be.  One irony about the park...back in the mid-90's there was a citizen based initiative to create the "Seattle Commons".  The Commons was a brainchild of a columnist in the Seattle Times who envision creating a huge civic park, emulating on a smaller scale something similar San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and Vancouver's Stanley Park.

Paul Allen was an early support of the Seattle Commons project and purchased considerable land in the South Lake Union area for the Commons.  Well, voters said "NO" to the Commons and as a result, Paul Allen is now developing the land he purchased into condos and offices.

Now, we have a much smaller park as a result.  At least, Paul Allen is putting up $10 million of his own money for the renovations at the new Lake Union Park. 

Apr 27, 2007 09:50 AM