October 31, 2024

Returning vibrancy to Harbor Steps

Sindell

Marshall

The Harbor Steps is a vital link between two of Seattle’s iconic destinations - the waterfront and the downtown core. Much like its original inspiration of the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Harbor Steps are a destination for residents, workers and tourists looking for a place to enjoy the sun and views of the Sound.

Restaurants and retail spaces have historically contributed to life on the steps, but started to languish before and going into the pandemic. First completed in 1994, this public space was in need of a refresh to return its vibrancy in the age of Seattle’s redeveloping waterfront.

USER EXPERIENCE

The design team conducted detailed studies to better understand use by residents and visitors, revealing how people moved through, used, and hung out on the steps. What we learned — the bottom of the steps was underutilized, the top functioned well for events, people walked on the edges, sought out the sun, and there was a general lack of comfortable seating, warmth of any kind, and depth perception issues with the homogonous grey tone of the materials.

Photos courtesy of Equity Residential [enlarge]

The redesign team conducted detailed studies to better understand the way residents and visitors used the public space connecting downtown with the waterfront that was created in 1994.

In response, we incorporated a series of weathered steel planters with tiered wood seating draped over the central area of the steps to host office workers on their lunch breaks, tourists taking a break from the climb up from the waterfront, and concert-goers attending one of the summer music events. A diversity of fixed and moveable seating allows for lounging in the sun or shade. These seating clusters, along with dedicated outdoor dining areas, support the eateries that are now thriving again at Harbor Steps.

LINKING DOWNTOWN AND THE WATERFRONT

Established downtown character at First & University and emerging waterfront upgrades inspired the renovation of Harbor Steps. The implied water course beginning at the Garden of Remembrance is continued through the steps by repeating the garden’s dark natural stone.

Water spouts and cascades of varying heights delight the senses with sound and motion before landing on Western Avenue, gesturing on to the waterfront. The wood and weathered steel so prominent along the waterfront’s promenade were used to contrast the natural concrete that defined the original palette of the Harbor Steps. These warmer materials were placed where people congregate and linger.

The dual influence of city and water also influenced the planting design. The upper and eastern half of the steps is defined by a civic and ornamental planting palette that features exciting foliage and blooms, including a revival of the beloved flowering cherry trees formerly on site. The lower western half of the steps is inspired by the waterfront with birches, ferns, and sedges recalling the historical shoreline.

With the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and opening of the promenade, increased pedestrian traffic was eagerly anticipated to energize the open space of the steps and adjoining restaurants. The Harbor Steps is a rare conduit between the waterfront and downtown that offers lush relief and places to stop and rest on the way up and down.

[enlarge]

The redesign team incorporated wood and weathered steel, prominent along the waterfront’s promenade, to contrast the natural concrete that defined the original palette of the Harbor Steps.

Opening just as adjacent portions of the waterfront redevelopment were completed has proved very beneficial for the steps and its restaurants. As soon as the construction fences came down, every bench and chair was occupied with locals and tourists passing through. Also observed were people stopping to frame and capture moments along the steps in selfies and family photos.

Often featuring in these photos is the new and iconic signage that punctuates the steps. These wayfinding elements are critical to making the connection between city and waterfront and guiding people to all points between. Special attention was paid to creating visibility from a block or two away as visitors approach from each end. A careful balance was also struck between reenergizing the area with bold and modern signage while paying homage to historical roots as in the newest incarnation of the Post Alley sign.

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES

As a renovation project, the Harbor Steps had to rely on more subtle sustainability strategies than seen on many newer projects. By looking for ways to refresh many of the features of the existing plaza rather than total demolition, the project cut down on unnecessary materials, emissions, and construction waste. Numerous concrete planters, seatwalls, stair treads, handrails, and a metal trellis were preserved and either painted or cladded in new materials.

The project utilizes energy-efficient LED lights controlled by smart timers and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on the water feature pumps allow the power delivered to each pump to be minimized. Planted area was increased nearly 350% from existing conditions and a variety of native and adaptive plants provide habitat for urban wildlife. New trees shade paved surfaces as well as keep visitors more comfortable in hot weather. These trees and shrubs sequester carbon from the atmosphere and greater areas of plantings and soil volume hold stormwater and release it slowly, helping to protect downstream environments. The decking and cladding used in the plaza is made of rapidly-renewable and durable bamboo.

LOOKING AHEAD

With a fresh face and stronger connections to vibrant and engaging areas of the city, the Harbor Steps welcomes all to spend an hour or an afternoon enjoying the beauty of water, blooms, or a meal with friends.

Mark Sindell is a principal at GGLO and led the Harbor Steps design effort. David Marshall is a senior associate at GGLO and led the delivery of the project.

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