Northwest Native Canoe Center

Spring 2026

TEMPORARY BRIDGE CLOSURE – May 11-June 7, 2026

The Northwest Native Canoe Center Carving House is under construction! Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the United Indians of All Tribes (UIATF) are excited to have reached the 50% completion milestone of the facility. The project’s contractor, Western Ventures Construction, will continue to minimize impacts for the park, trail and water visitors; however, intermittent closures are necessary for the pedestrian bridge, Goose Beach, and other pedestrian walkways around the site.

The project is trenching for the building’s utility connections located near the west bank of the pedestrian bridge; as a precaution for public safety the bridge will be closed during this time. A 2-minutes alternate path is available for pedestrians seeking to visit the full park, rerouting around the south end of the waterway.

Project History

In February 2021, the design team from Jones & Jones presented the project to the Seattle Design Commission. In April, SPR updated the South Lake Union Community Council. Both groups were excited to see the project moving forward.

"This first phase of the Northwest Native Canoe Center (the Canoe Carving House) has been a dream of ours for many years," said Mike Tulee, Executive Director of UIATF. "The facility fits directly into our mission and will provide educational and cultural opportunities that reconnect Indigenous people to their heritage and will strengthen their sense of belonging."

The entire center will comprise the Canoe Carving House and the Welcome House. The Phase 2 Welcome House will provide educational interactive displays, a gift shop, a catering kitchen and a multi-use space for cultural events. UIATF is launching fundraising efforts for the Welcome House portion of the project. Please visit the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation's website to contribute. Once funding is secured, SPR and UIATF will move forward with the second phase of the Center.