For four years, the huge lot at N. 40th and Stone Way has been nothing more than a really big hole in the ground. A QFC and multi-use development were supposed to go into the space, but the economy has put those plans on hold indefinitely.
So what to do with this eyesore and with other such empty lots around town? The city wants your input: The Seattle Design Commission is looking for ideas for “Holding Patterns” to temporarily take the place of construction projects that have been stalled by the economy.
Whether a concert space or a bumper car track, basketball hoops or a fleeting performance stage, from temporary to semi-permanent, wacky, practical or both, the Design Commission is welcoming any and all ideas. Artists, designers, non-profits, businesses, developers, students, astronauts, everyone is invited to contribute ideas.
What would you like to see temporarily at N. 40th and Stone Way? Tell us, or tell Valerie Kinast, Seattle Design Commission coordinator, at 206-233-7911 or valerie.kinast@seattle.gov by May 24. Please see the “Holding Patterns” submission guidelines for more information.
The citizens on the Seattle Design Commission Commission are not limited to merely cosmetic issues. The commission has considerable latitude and discretion on development matters, and staff give considerable deference to their decisions.
Many on the commission are uncompensated professionals who have the background to review and make binding recommendations on significant issues. The commission is supported by city staff who share the responsibility to look at overarching issues.
Consider:
1) Public safety:
The chain link fence and pedestrian rail along N 40th St and Stone Way are not sufficient vehicular protection from the significant drop-off to the bottom of excavation. A van left the roadway and nearly made it through the N 40th St fencing. Provide sufficient vehicular barrier to prevent catastrophic accident. This could take the form of ‘jersey’ type barriers. or guard railing, along the ENTIRE arterial frontage. Currently there are a few barriers only at the intersection of 40th & Stone Way.
2) Protection of public and private improvement:
The shoring phase of the excavation and shoring permit was intended only for temporary (i.e., 6 months) support. Periodic surveying to check that the roadways and private improvements have not moved is necessary but not sufficient to ensure public safety. Until the building foundation is installed to provide permanent support of the existing retaining wall and the temporary soldier piles and timber cribbing, the pit should be backfilled with soil to provide adequate support (i.e., a minimum of 2 horiz. to 1 vertical). The backfill should be removed by owner/contractor if and when construction proceeds.
3) Views:
Any cosmetic changes should leave the site interior visible to the general public. Graffetti removal remains the property owner responsibility. It is also important for citizens to see that the storm water collected in the pit is being treated and disposed of properly.
4) Utilities:
A temporary plastic sewer line is suspended from the east shoring wall. The PVC pipe material photo-ages, and was not intended for exposure to sunlight as it fatigues. Note trespassing graffetti artists have used the pipe to access blank walls. Keep the sewage enclosed. I would suggest replacement with ductile iron or similar long-term durable material.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment. I trust this will spark discussion of issues beyond how these incompletely developed sites look.
Abdul Alhazred