January 14, 2026

Say goodbye to the Westlake Park arch

Screengrab from Sellen’s Instagram page [enlarge]

A crane pick removes the 67,000-pound granite lintel from the Westlake Park arch last week.

As part of the $4 million renovation of Westlake Park, crews with Sellen Construction are removing the park's fountain and arch.

The 64-foot-long fountain has been salvaged completely. The salvage of the arch is ongoing and is currently anticipated to be completed next week.

The arch and fountain were designed by Robert Maki, in collaboration with the landscape architect Robert Hanna, and have been some of the most prominent features of the triangular park since it opened at 401 Pine St. in 1988.

As the DJC has previously reported, Westlake Park is getting a long overdue redesign in advance of the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup. Construction began in October and is scheduled to be completed this spring.

City of Seattle photo [enlarge]

Historic photo of the Westlake Park fountain and arch.

The upgraded space will have modernized infrastructure, new landscaping and improved lighting. Vehicle barriers are also being added for safety.

The fountain and arch are being permanently removed. The arch is part of a speaker's stage that also includes a raised platform and series of large steps beneath the 24-foot-tall structure. The stage will be kept but upgraded for accessibility. Carved granite from the arch will be salvaged and incorporated into the redesign.

The fountain is broken and hasn't flowed for many years.

Maki also designed Westlake Park's distinctive interlocking red, white and gray granite paving stones, patterned after a Salish basket weave motif. The paving is being retained.

Berger Partnership is the landscape architect for the renovation. The project is spearheaded by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Parks Foundation. Pine Street Group is the development manager. The goal is to make the space feel more “people-centered” and welcoming.

Westlake Park is closed during construction.