Seattle Light Rail Review Panel

Formal Action on Schematic Design for University District Stations

March 1, 2000

The Panel thanks the consultants for a thorough and beautifully rendered presentation, and recommends approval of the schematic designs as presented for the NE 45th and Pacific Street Stations. The Panel compliments the consultants on the clean, elegant design of the two pairs of headhouses, including the incorporation of drainage as a water feature at NE 45th; the inclusion of a bicycle facility at Pacific; and the attention paid to subterranean spaces.

The Panel is nonetheless wrestling with the extent to which the design of station entrances, the surrounding site improvements, and improvements within the station successfully achieve the LRRP's design principle to "fit within the... context of the surrounding neighborhood, affirming local characteristics...". The Panel recognizes the challenge of reflecting such a diverse context in station architecture, but requests further examination and development of design ideas in the following areas:

Further development of station designs and related site improvements to affirm the local context: While the University appears to be well-expressed in the station designs, there is not a corresponding relationship to the character and identity of the University District including the "Ave" merchants and culture, surrounding residential neighborhood, and other institutional uses. Further evaluation of the art and architecture program at the station platforms: Although the concept for vaulted chambers relate well to the University in both the formal (at 45th and 43rd), and abstract (at Pacific/life sciences), the "vitrine" concept of showcasing precious objects needs additional consideration; e.g. what objects would be showcased; are the objects intended to serve as a rotating exhibit; is there a relationship between the objects and the Burke Museum and/or Henry Gallery, and if so how might the objects be curated; and lastly, how else might the art program be expressed and draw inspiration from its context.

Further exploration of formal partnerships with the Burke, Henry, and other cultural and neighborhood institutions is recommended: In the event that participation by or partnership with such institutions is not be feasible or cost effective in terms of displaying collections of precious materials, a less involved approach (such as display cases for posters, enamel panels with historical notices, handbills, or posters, and bronze inlays) may still be worthy of exploration. Continued coordination with the City, University, and community on street improvements for 15th Avenue NE, NE 43rd Street, and other streets as deemed appropriate: The Panel applauds the joint discussions that have taken place to date, and supports coordinating capital projects in order to obtain the greatest public benefit possible with existing funds in addition to the opportunity to create a seamless and integrated design. Further development of the detailing and programming for station plazas, with special attention to the needs of cyclists and connections to the surrounding community: The Panel notes that this appears to be well-handled at the NE 45th station, but needs more attention at Pacific.

In addition, the Panel requests regular updating on the progress of Sound Transit's discussions with the University (Board of Regents, Architectural Review Committee, and any others) in order to stay abreast of design changes and developments.

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