Photo by Jon Silver Big changes are ahead for the Seattle central waterfront, where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is set to come down in 2016 or 2017. James Corner Field Operations is leading the design to reconnect downtown with Elliott Bay.

Mack Urban's tower first out of the blocks
An apartment building at Western and University will be the first property to be developed under the city’s $1 billion waterfront plan.

By MARTHA BARKMAN
Mack Urban

Some of the biggest changes — that you won't see
Engineers must decide how to bury utilities and meet traffic needs without disrupting urban design plans.

By KATHRYN COX-CZOSNYKA and ANDREW BARASH
CH2M Hill

We still have a lot to learn from Pike Place Market
With its mazelike layout and colorful variety of stalls, shops, restaurants and housing, the market is a model of mixed-use done right.

By DAVID MILLER
The Miller Hull Partnership

The task: make a new waterfront, but keep it real
Designers must draw on local history, culture and ecology to reshape the waterfront in Seattle’s image.

By GUY MICHAELSEN
Berger Partnership

Art takes center stage on new waterfront

Six artists are creating large-scale works. Ann Hamilton's piece will be the largest art commission in the city’s history.

By ERIC FREDERICKSEN
City of Seattle

Putting a whole new light on the waterfront
Walkways will be lit with warmer, more varied lighting to give users a richer experience.

By JILL CODY
dark | light design

Thousands of public comments help shape the design

Many respondents will see their wish lists will go unfulfilled, but some ideas do find their way into the city’s plans.

By ERIN TAM and LAUREN STENSLAND
EnviroIssues