Victor Steinbrueck Park

Early 2023

Victor Steinbrueck Park is closed until fall 2023 during the Victor Steinbrueck Park Renovation project. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) awarded Kassel & Associates, Inc. the construction contract for the project. The contractor will be working on demolition of site elements, excavation, and utility installation through February and March. The totem poles will be removed by early March, pending final coordination with the crane operator. The totem poles will be stored off site for the duration of construction.

The waterproofing membrane on the westerly portion of the park between the parking garage below and the park is failing. In addition to the park improvements, replacement of the waterproofing membrane is the primary goal for this project.

This improvement and maintenance project provides public safety improvements that include better sight lines into the park, renovating the seating area, renovating the former children’s play area, improving and expanding lighting, and upgrading landscaping. The project will provide circulation updates creating a connection to MarketFront (honoring Victor Steinbrueck’s vision that the park be an extension of the Market), and an improved connection into the Tree of Life area.

During the public and stakeholder outreach process, SPR and the design team heard from the community the importance of honoring the significance of the park to Seattle’s Native American communities, specifically the Urban Native community. Coast Salish welcome text at the entrance walls, special concrete path paving with a Coast Salish basket-weave pattern, a Coast Salish map, and Coast Salish column wraps at the Pavilion are elements that will be included in the park. These design elements support of the original design intent of the park as a place that welcomes all people, recognize Seattle’s Native American communities, and reflects the local Coast Salish culture.

We received the Certificate of Approval from the Pike Place Market Historic Commission for the proposed improvements in September 2019. See the presentation with the design, site features and furnishings.