Alaskan Way

The 17-block stretch of Alaskan Way, linking Belltown with Pioneer Square, has been rebuilt with two lanes of car traffic in either direction and—opening later this year—a two-way protected bike path and park promenade. Lush native landscaping and shade trees filter and reduce stormwater runoff, thereby helping nearshore habitats.

Dzidzilalich (pronounced: dzee-dzuh-lah-leech) means “little crossing-over place” in Lushootseed, one of the languages of the Coast Salish people, and refers to one of the several villages that once stood here. This honorary street name honors the lands and shared waters of the Puget Sound Coast Salish People.

Elliott Bay Seawall

The Elliott Bay Seawall was built in 2017 with habitat enhancements—such as a sidewalk with translucent panels to allow sunlight to reach the water below—that help restore and protect the waterfront’s natural ecosystem, including its critical salmon migration corridor.

Overlook Walk

Overlook Walk, both a pedestrian bridge and a park, spans Alaskan Way and connects two of the city’s icons: Pike Place Market (85 Pike St) and Seattle Aquarium (1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59). “Since 2020, Friends of Waterfront Park has been activating Pier 62,” says Jason Merges with Friends of Waterfront Park. “We’re excited about how Overlook Walk will create more opportunities to connect, play, and relax.” He notes the structure’s play elements, cafe, and native plantings selected by Indigenous landscape architect Valerie Segrest.

The project also includes redesigned streets and bridges joining the waterfront with Belltown, downtown, and Pioneer Square; a rebuilt Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge connecting the newly renovated ferry terminal at Colman Dock to downtown’s First Avenue; and newly rebuilt and revamped piers. Waterfront Park will offer a new playground, restroom, and engaging public art.

South End Projects

New features at the south end of the development include Washington Street Boat Landing Pergola, which will contain a branch of popular ice cream shop Molly Moon’s, and Railroad Way, a broad pedestrian path connecting Waterfront Park with Lumen Field (800 Occidental Ave S) and T-Mobile Park (1250 First Ave S). And be sure to visit Pioneer Square Habitat Beach, a new 200-foot-long green space that Brady describes as “an important marine habitat improvement that not only supports salmon migration but also provides people with a direct connection to the water and a glimpse into what a natural Pacific Northwest coastline looks like.”