Dakota Place Park Development (formerly California Substation)
Pro Parks Project Information

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PROJECT STATUS

EVENTS: There are no meetings or events planned at this time. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Kelly Goold 800 Maynard Ave S Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98134-1336 206-684-0586 kelly.goold@seattle.gov Dakota Place Park Design details from the schematic design Click an image for the larger, detailed view.

Thank you Seattle. Phase One is complete!
Though the landscaping and art are in place, there is one more phase for Dakota Place which involves the completion of the city-landmark substation building’s interior renovations, so it can serve as a satellite facility for Hiawatha Community Center.

This community initiated project creates a new neighborhood gathering space. The Friends of Dakota Place Park were instrumental in this development and hosted a fabulous dedication ceremony in October of 2009. The park opened three months prior to the celebration.

• The Friends of Dakota Place Park fundraising, together with a Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant from the Department of Neighborhoods, provided integrated art work, site furnishings, and extensive plantings.

• Project elements include: plaza with integrated artwork, ADA access, site lighting, multiple seating elements, refurbishing existing historic elements, automated irrigation, and partial rehabilitation of the exiting historic City Light Substation Building.

• Building improvements include: hazardous material abatement, historically correct window and door replacement, new roof, brick re-pointing, and seismic upgrades. The building is a now a complete weather tight shell that ensures preservation of this historic asset.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

After the completion of an environmental cleanup, the former California Substation was transferred from Seattle City Light to Seattle Parks and Recreation on Aug. 31, 2005. The Pro Parks Levy provided funding for the acquisition and development of the substation building and surrounding land.

History and Background

"Edison agents turn on first electric lightbulb in the West in Seattle on March 22, 1886"

On March 22, 1886, representatives of Thomas Edison demonstrate the first electrical generator in Seattle. The Seattle Electric Company's steam-powered dynamo, located in Pioneer Square, powers the first incandescent light bulb to shine west of the Rocky Mountains.

Edison agents Sidney Mitchell and F. H. Sparling arrived in Seattle in 1885. They arranged for generous municipal franchises and solicited investors for a new Seattle Electric Company. George D. Hill and J. M. Frink constructed the city's first central electric power station. They purchased the required generating equipment from the Edison Machine Works.

Puget Sound Power & Light bought property at 4304 SW Dakota and California Avenue SW in October 1925 for a future substation location. This would be one of four substations in the area. In 1930, a brick building known as the California Substation was built. With 2418 sq. feet of space the California substation was much larger than most substation buildings.

Fear of monopoly control spurred development of Seattle City Light, beginning in 1902. In 1950, after decades of political and economic competition, City Light acquired Puget Power's services and assets within the Seattle City limits. (http://www.historylink.org)

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Seattle Parks and Recreation
• Pro Parks Levy
• Dakota Place Park (California Substation) acquisition project
• Dakota Place Park - Phase II