the waterfront Downtown Seattle is situated on the Puget Sound, yet the city hardly interacts with its waterfront. The waterfront is disconnected from downtown, and views of the water are blocked by the Viaduct in many places. Access routes to the water are unclear and uninviting in most cases. While conducting data collection along 1st Avenue, several tourists asked, “How do we get down to the water?” This demonstrates the lack of obvious invitations for access. There is only one place where those with disabilities can actually get to the waterfront from downtown without using an elevator.
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SUMMARY
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Recreation Open Space Marina
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At the moment downtown is not taking advantage of it’s spectacular natural setting in any way.
Waterfront Access ve tA 1s
The promenade along the water has potential, but currently has heavy traffic volumes and high noise levels. The promenade has few inviting places to sit. The fence along the promenade makes it difficult to see the water for wheelchair users and others.
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Once at the waterfront, there are few recreational activities aside from the commercial spaces. Parks and public spaces along the water are generally run down and uninviting. Olympic Sculpture Park is a positive exception with numerous places to rest.
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Aquarium International Conference Center Hotel
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Restaurants and Shops Parking Water Taxi, Ferry and Crouise Tour
Yesler Way
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GEHL ARCHITECTS • SEATTLE PUBLIC SPACE & PUBLIC LIFE • ANALYSIS - THE CITY
S Jackson St
2nd Ave
ADA Accessible Elevator Wheelchair Travel Route (no step) Overhead Walkway Stair Access
disconnected Downtown is disconnected from its waterfront. The waterfront itself lacks invitations for public life and could become much more attractive. The Olympic Sculpture Park is the positive exception. Along the commercial stretch is room for improvements.
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