27 Jul Pioneer Square getting new information center

WSDOT Viaduct Simulation Website

As part of negotiations with Pioneer Square regarding the impact of viaduct construction on our neighborhood, WSDOT has promised an info center where people can stop by to learn more about the project and how it will affect Pioneer Square:

Planning is underway for an information center in Pioneer Square that will create a place to draw visitors to Pioneer Square to educate them about the past, present, and future of Pioneer Square as well as unique historical, archaeological, and engineering aspects of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project. The idea for the center originated during our Section 106 discussions, and it was one of the commitments of our Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Leasing a centrally located, attractive space in Pioneer Square has been a top priority. Location and visibility were among the many factors we considered as we toured available spaces in the neighborhood. After consulting with the Alliance for Pioneer Square, we have entered into a lease for a space at 211 1^st Avenue, which is located between Main Street and Washington Street. The building is historically known as the Parker Building and it was constructed immediately following the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. (It even has an areaway!)

Since “information center” didn’t adequately describe our multiple goals for the space, we put out a call for more creative alternatives. With input from the Alliance, we selected a winner last week from more than 100 entries:  “Center Square – Where the past meets the future.” Logo design will begin shortly.

Now that we’ve chosen a name and, hopefully, a space, we can focus all of our efforts on interior design, content, staffing and all of the other details that we hope will make this a Pioneer Square attraction. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is an exciting opportunity that we look forward to delivering to our friends in Pioneer Square and the taxpayers of Washington.