Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Phillips called today’s proposal to relocate the Waterfront Streetcar Trolley Barn into Pioneer Square a chance to move forward with plans to develop the spectacular new waterfront park without sacrificing the public’s beloved waterfront streetcar.

“This proposal accomplishes what I’ve advocated for three years: an affordable plan that ensures both great assets are available to the public,” said Phillips. “By moving the trolley barn from the site of Olympic Sculpture Park, we are opening up the view of the Olympics and access to Elliott Bay to citizens for decades to come. Our region will keep waterfront trolley service and gain a new park to treasure.”

Phillips spoke at a news conference today in Occidental Park as County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels unveiled a plan for construction of the new maintenance facility on the existing trolley line at Occidental Avenue near Second Avenue in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The new facility would replace an existing parking lot. The trolley barn would be part of a block-long mixed-use building that would contain the facility at street level with housing above, parking underground, and a cafe offering views into the trolley facility.

“This development, including the trolley barn maintenance facility, could become a central point for the many events taking place in the Pioneer Square community,” said Phillips. “Just like the sculpture park, this new trolley barn would become a community asset, acknowledging the past even as we focus on the future.”

Phillips looks forward to joining with his county council colleagues to examine this plan in more detail.