
Photo: Joshua Trujillo / P-I
Urban growth is on the rise. Two articles posted recently in the Seattle-PI show possibilities for the direction of two distinct neighborhoods: South Downtown and South Lake Union.
South Downtown (think Stadium district) is in the process of revealing a proposal to add more 6,000 new housing units (consisting of condos most likely) and enough business development to support 16,000 additional jobs. The PI published this list of development plan highlights:
OVERALL: The plan would urge developers to build more housing, especially near mass transit. Taller, denser projects would be allowed in some areas and environmentally friendly practices encouraged.
PIONEER SQUARE: Developers would be allowed to construct taller buildings in parts of this district, except the central historic area of First Avenue South. Better east-west walkways over the railroad tracks to link Pioneer Square with the International District are suggested.
INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT: The plan aims to improve sidewalks and streetscapes throughout the area but largely recommends against allowing taller buildings in the retail core of Chinatown.
The South Lake Union neighborhood, known for recent growth, is looking to approve new zoning proposals that would raise height restrictions.
The upzones range from most dense, 125 to 400 feet, to medium density, 85 feet to 400 feet, to the “least dense/stair-step” plan, 85 feet to 240 feet.
When I participated in the Capitol Hill Community Council Steering Committee, there was discussion about the South Lake Union neighborhood and the increasing amount of tall residential buildings being developed. Residents of Capitol Hill worried that they would lose their views and congestion would increase around the borders between South Lake Union and Capitol Hill. The South Lake Union community group is trying to address those fears, as reported in the PI:
The community group’s board members told City Council members last week that taller, more slender buildings would allow more light, help retain views, allow for more open or green space at street level and make neighborhoods more walkable and livable.
Honestly, I am torn between two different feelings in regards to proposals like these. On one hand, I really enjoy Seattle the way it is. Change is uncertain. On the other hand, the Seattle core is unable to expand any further out and must instead expand up. Urban density can work for a city if the citizens are willing to work with each other and the government.
Regardless of what ultimately is approved, Seattle is going to look very different in 20 years.