University Heights Open Space South Lot
Project Information

Location: University Way NE and NE 50th Street

Project Status

June 2012
Parks and University Heights Community Center (UHCC) began design development work in May 2012. We have been working together refine the site plan to meet our mutual needs and are planning slight modifications to the schematic site design.

Our revised plan eliminates a proposed driveway along Brooklyn Ave NE within UHCC property. This allows for more landscaped area on UHCC land and it preserves more of much of the current play yard space. We have also eliminated the mid-block entry from NE 50th St. for several reasons. The existing code would require much wider entry features because it straddles an existing alley. Constructing such a wide entry would interfere with site uses including the outdoor market area and building it increases project expense.

In early June we will begin geo-technical work to help us design the rain gardens. We will be completing design development and initial construction documents in June – August 2012 and will be completing the final construction documents in fall of 2012. We will be poised for construction in 2013 and will work with UHCC to ensure that the construction schedule fits around the schedules and needs of UHCC tenants.

Project Description

Create a multi-use community open space for public use on the south side of University Heights Center for the Community (UHCC), including a performance area/plaza, rain gardens to improve storm water quality, landscaped areas and other amenities. The design will incorporate the farmers market use on a portion of Parks property and the removal of parking from the Parks-owned portion of the site.

This project is one of fifteen community initiated projects that received Opportunity Funds, and combines $254,000 development funds from the 2000 Pro Parks Levy and $747,000 funding from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund. The application received from the community is a preliminary concept and the final design may be constrained by the actual project budget. All Opportunity Fund projects will go through Park’s public involvement procedure which includes public meetings and community input. They will also go through an internal Parks process to ensure the most effective implementation.

Community Participation

Public Meeting #1 06/06/11

• Meeting Agenda
• Meeting Notes 
• Concept Drawings 

Public Meeting #2 07/11/11

• Meeting Agenda
• Meeting Notes 
• Preferred Schematic Design

Landmarks Preservation Board Architectural Review Committee Meeting 08/26/11

• Meeting Agenda
• Design Package Presentation 

Important Links

• Seattle Parks and Recreation
• Parks & Green Spaces Levy
• Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund
• University Heights Center for the Community
• University Heights Pro Parks Levy Acquisition

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