Aug 02 2009
Belltown: Boulevard of Dreams
The neighborhood that’s considered one of Seattle’s favorite hubs for living (we counted more than 27 seattle condo buildings), dining and nightlife will soon incorporate a park boulevard into the mix. In June, a unanimous vote by the Seattle City Council voted to turn five blocks of Bell Street into a beauty spot, complete with landscaping and attractive night lighting.
Between First and 5th Avenues, there will be only one lane of traffic (at present there are two) and the sidewalk will extend out to 30 feet, encouraging pedestrian use. Plans also include a walker-friendly link to Denny Park and the Seattle waterfront. The $2.5 million come from the $146 million parks levy, approved by voters in 20008. This fall, the city will take on the area block by block, putting together teams of residents and designers to brainstorm the transformation. Open plazas, park benches and children’s playgrounds are just a couple of ideas. It’s been 20 years since Bell Street was designated a Seattle “green” area; soon it will live up to its own reputation!
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