Sea of asphalt to be transformed to neighborhood for the new century

July 19, 2005

Sea of asphalt to be transformed to neighborhood for the new century

Lofts and town homes could be perched above a jazz club, a sidewalk café or a gallery in a new century development that is just a stroll to trains, buses and streetcars as part of a development envisioned for the north half of the north parking lot of Qwest Field. King County is seeking qualified developers who could transform what is now one of the largest undeveloped pieces of land in downtown Seattle into an exciting new neighborhood.

"We're looking for developers who can put a heartbeat into a new neighborhood," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "If we do this right, we will have a new community that is a national model for urban development and a new icon for Seattle, just like the Space Needle and the Pike Place Market."

"We have an opportunity to turn a sea of asphalt into a rich and vibrant neighborhood that includes all the amenities, is environmentally friendly, and is in the transit hub of the city," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

The north half lot is adjacent to the largest transit transfer hub in the State of Washington, where light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit, Amtrak, and (potentially) monorail meet within a two block radius. The parking lot is bordered on the northeast by the King Street train station, which is home to Amtrak and Sound Transit. The Metro bus tunnel is one block away and will eventually become home to Sound Transit's light rail line. The waterfront street car is two blocks away. Interstate and inter city bus service are also within walking distance.

The county's goal is to provide a mix of uses that include market rate and affordable housing, environmentally sustainable construction and community-friendly retail and commercial uses that are compatible with other existing and planned uses in Pioneer Square and the International District. King County is committed to replacing approximately 500 parking spaces that are now on the north lot as part of a contractual agreement with the Washington State Public Stadium Authority that operates Qwest Field.

Potential developers must show evidence of past experience with large, highly visible, complex, mix-use developments that include interface with public transportation systems and public corridors.

King County formally issued a request for qualifications for the sale and development of the property July 14. Copies of the document can be found at:

http://www.metrokc.gov/finance/procurement/Kingdome_ParkingLot.asp (scroll down)

Proposals are due August 30, 2005. Once developer qualifications have been evaluated, a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) will follow.