Third Avenue Design Vision

Transforming downtown’s most traveled corridor

 

A Street for Everyone

Third Avenue is a critical north-south transportation route in downtown Seattle. It is the gateway to the city core, carrying approximately 52,000 people per day. Over the past decade, several planning efforts yielded incremental improvements to Third Avenue. However, underlying issues persist, and conditions are inconsistent and often feel unwelcoming and unsafe.

How Third Avenue Compares

Vancouver

Granville Mall

2LANES

Bus Only30’SidewalkWidth

52.0k Riders

NumberofBuses =89

Seattle

Third Avenue

4Lanes

Bus Onlyat Peak19’SidewalkWidth

52.4k Riders

NumberofBuses =215

Denver

16thStreet

2LANES

Bus Only(Electric)36’SidewalkWidth

45.0k Riders

NumberofBuses =80

 + 

:

 

:

 

Minneapolis

Nicolet Mall

Minneapolis

Nicolet Mall

2 LANES

Bus Only35’ Sidewalk Width

12.4k Riders12.4k Riders

NumberofBuses =60NumberofBuses =60

 

:

 

:

 

Numberof RidersNumberof Buses215608980

DailyOn-boardingsThird AvenueGranville MallNicolet MallNicolet Mall16thStreetMarket StreetFifthAvenueWilshire Corridor At PeakHour(BothDirections)

52,40012,40052,00045,00045,000

SeattleDenverVancouverMinneapolisMinneapolis

17015040,000115,000115,000

New York City

7255,00055,000

Los AngelesSan Francisco

 

Transportation

Third Avenue is an essential hub for downtown transit, acting as an arrival and departure gateway for tens of thousands of people every day. This vision will preserve transportation capacity to and through the heart of the city while providing a safe and welcoming pedestrian environment. 

Private Properties and Retail

Buildings with lively ground floors add energy and dynamism to their neighborhoods. A shared understanding with property owners will help activate the Third Avenue streetscape through improvements like facade upgrades and pedestrian-friendly enhancements. 

Parks & Public Space

Well-managed public spaces cultivate a welcoming atmosphere and attract a wide range of people during more hours of the day. Leveraging parks and plazas along Third Avenue and improving underutilized spaces will foster vibrant public life. 

Management & Stewardship

The Third Avenue Design Vision sets a common approach across government and the private sector. The project will identify opportunities to make rapid, visible changes via smaller projects and major improvements through long-term initiatives. Investments to upgrade infrastructure will pair with coordinated management and maintenance to support long-term success.

Strategies for Success

The Third Avenue Design Vision is a comprehensive approach to transform this busy urban corridor into one of America’s great streets.

Urban Design

Third Avenue will be reimagined as a distinct and iconic street, incorporating high-quality materials and design emphasizing its importance to downtown. Transparency, color, light and greenery will enhance the sidewalks and invite foot traffic. Reducing clutter and sightline obstacles will boost storefront visibility and create a positive urban atmosphere.

A Long-term Vision to Create an Inviting and Attractive Third Avenue for All

The hallmark of successful cities are great streets — ones that balance the competing needs of users, encourage social interaction, are well-maintained and memorable.

 Pine Street PlazaCommuters on Third Avenue

Partners

The Downtown Seattle Association, the City of Seattle, King County and a consulting team are coordinating the project’s preliminary design and implementation. DSA is also convening a task force of government agency staff, business owners, residents and property owners to provide advice and oversight.