Res 32191 — Version 1 https://webapi.legistar.com/v1/seattle/Matters/16847/Texts/18187 CITY OF SEATTLE RESOLUTION __________________ ..title A RESOLUTION identifying the opportunity to develop a regional transportation hub adjacent to Westlake Park; creating a vision for how this hub will integrate with the surrounding neighborhoods; and setting forth directions for functionality, safety, and urban compatibility, along with guiding principles for the public projects planned for the area adjacent to Westlake Park. ..body WHEREAS, Westlake Park and its surrounding area have long served as a civic center, a place at the intersection of social gatherings, park use, urban living, retail shopping, and a transit hub; and WHEREAS, there are three public projects scheduled for the area surrounding Westlake Park, including the Westlake Park Renovation Phase 1, which is currently underway and scheduled for completion by Spring 2026, the Sound Transit Westlake Station expansion to support the Ballard Link light rail extension, and future planning for Monorail station upgrades to improve safety, reliability, and passenger capacity; and WHEREAS, these public projects, along with Metro transit routes that serve the Westlake area, will create a comprehensive multi-modal transportation hub that is essential for a connected and efficient regional transportation system, as well as public spaces that are welcoming, lively, and safe, contributing to the livability and economic vitality of the downtown core; and WHEREAS, the City convened a Westlake Civic Committee in 2025 to review projects underway and establish a shared planning framework for the area around Westlake Park and establish guiding principles to inform planning and the integration of the public projects that will impact this area; and WHEREAS, the members of the Westlake Civic Committee included the following individuals who represent residents and businesses immediately adjacent to Westlake Park, along with others with a historical perspective and understanding: Mari Horita, Co-Chair (Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Kraken) Matt Griffin, Co-Chair (Downtown Advocate, Resident) Gina Klem (Amazon) Gordon McHenry, Jr. (United Way of King County) Holly Golden (Hillis, Clark, Martin & Peterson P.S.) Janel Jensen (BH Properties, owners of Pacific Place) Joe Olujic (Muckleshoot Development Corporation) Jon Scholes (Downtown Seattle Association) Josh LaBelle (Seattle Theatre Group) Laura Best (Nordstrom) Laurie Black (Nordstrom, former director Boys & Girls Club King County) Rebecca Bear (Seattle Parks Foundation) Stanley McCammon (Joshua Green Corporation); and WHEREAS, as the Westlake Park area changes and evolves in the coming years, the City of Seattle wishes to take advantage of this unique opportunity to create a revitalized urban center that enhances downtown and benefits all those who live, work, play, visit, and commute through Westlake; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT: Section 1. Consistent with the recommendations of the Westlake Civic Committee, the City finds and declares that: A. The area adjacent to Westlake Park will become a multi-modal transportation hub connecting the region to downtown Seattle with the completion of current and planned public projects, including Phase 1 of the Westlake Park renovation, scheduled for 2026, the Westlake Monorail station improvements, and the Sound Transit Westlake Station expansion for the Ballard Link extension. B. These public projects offer a unique chance to create a retail center, celebrated for its design and usability, that serves as a welcoming "front door" to the city's lively urban core, meets the needs of current and future residents, and that is closely connected to and fully compatible with the transportation hub. C. All planning, design, and development of public projects in the Westlake area, as well as any private projects that may occur, should advance the following foundational elements regarding functionality, safety, and urban compatibility: 1. An efficient and effective transportation hub that provides users an enjoyable and pleasant experience. 2. A clean, safe, well-lit, and attractive experience for everyone who passes through the hub. 3. A functional urban destination with interesting sidewalks, retail, and services, including overhead weather protection. 4. Comfortable, accessible, and easy wayfinding, enabling users of all abilities to easily and efficiently navigate through the hub to reach their destinations. 5. An economic catalyst for the retail core, creating interest and desirability for nearby shopping and attractions. 6. A unique, vibrant, and livable urban neighborhood with amenities that enable people and families to meet their needs and thrive. D. The following guiding principles are adopted for all public projects underway or planned for the Westlake transportation hub: 1. Celebrate and represent the city's diverse culture and heritage, innovative spirit, and natural beauty through natural materials, technology, historic elements, art, and design. 2. Act as an inviting gateway to Downtown, the Pike-Pine neighborhood, and provide easily accessible connections to the Pike Place Market, Waterfront Park, Seattle Convention Center, Historic Theater District, and Seattle Center. 3. Provide high-quality and seamlessly interconnected public spaces that create a cohesive pedestrian and transportation experience for everyone using Light Rail, Metro Transit, bicycles, and other mobility options. E. Subsequent efforts by the City departments engaged in projects underway or planned for the area will endeavor to fully incorporate these guiding principles into their work, and to build partnerships with the downtown community and other key agencies and stakeholders to advance a cohesive vision for the Westlake area based on these principles. Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2026, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2026. ____________________________________ President ____________ of the City Council The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2026. ____________________________________ Katie B. Wilson, Mayor Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2026. ____________________________________ Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk (Seal) Tim Burgess/Markham McIntyre/Alicia Teel LEG Westlake Vision and Planning RES D1a 2 Template last revised December 13, 2022 2 Version No. 1