Belltown and Denny Triangle are rapidly evolving neighborhoods in Seattle’s center city. Connected by the streets that run inland from the edge of Elliott Bay—Wall, Battery, Bell, Blanchard, Lenora and Stewart—Belltown and Denny Triangle share many characteristics and aspirations. One of the shared aspirations is a high quality public realm—parks, streetscapes, restaurants and shops where people can enjoy their neighborhood and each other.
The need for this study was identified as part of the Lake to Bay project, a multi-neighborhood vision connecting Elliott Bay, Seattle Center, Lake Union and the surrounding area. With so much development proposed and underway, coordinated planning of the public realm will leverage the large public and private investments on the horizon, clarify neighborhood priorities, and create synergies between new and existing public spaces.
GOALS
The project set out to foster a high quality public realm in Belltown/Denny Triangle by connecting leaders in the two neighborhoods, by initiating discussions and identifying key opportunities for neighborhoods, and by creating a framework for a set of actions based on community needs and interests. There is particular value in the interaction of Belltown and Denny Triangle neighbors, because Belltown’s growth over the past 15 years has resulted in many lessons learned, while Denny Triangle is now in the midst of unprecedented growth. Belltown stakeholders have been on the forefront of using streets as green spaces, especially with the Growing Vine Street project and Bell Street Park. By working together, these communities can build on the innovative thinking about urban public space already in place.
PROCESS
The project was guided by a Steering Committee of Belltown and Denny Triangle stakeholders, including community leaders, residents, property owners, and City staff. The Steering Committee worked with the consultant team to find ways to engage the community and accomplish the project goals. The group reviewed the urban form of the district and previous planning efforts; they organized three public events intended to solicit interest in neighborhood’s future. The first event brought people together to look at the blocks in Denny Triangle with current and planned development. The public (including well-behaved dogs) was invited on the walk, to have a chance to learn what was underway and hear from City staff and project designers about planned development. The second event, held at Cornish College of the Arts, brought dozens of stakeholders together for a lively charrette to identify what people liked and disliked about the neighborhoods. Public comment was also solicited via an online survey; over a hundred people responded. The third event was a “report-back” and a chance to meet others interested in pursuing various recommendations from the process.
FULL REPORT
You can find out more, including the recommendations and findings by reading the full report:
BELLTOWN & DENNY TRIANGLE 