In April, the City of Seattle and Sound Transit co-hosted two open house events at Union Station to gather public input on the South Downtown Hub plan. This planning effort, which began in 2023, focuses on improving mobility and public spaces in Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District (CID), and nearby areas. The planning process is expected to wrap up in early 2026.
At the open houses, we joined staff from Sound Transit and other City departments welcomed attendees to review and respond to proposed ideas. These included:
- Safer, narrower streets and improved intersections on 2nd Ave Ext S, 4th Ave S, and S Jackson St
- Activating Union Station and its surrounding plazas by enhancing their community-serving features
- Transforming S King St into a pedestrian-friendly “festival” street and enhancing S Jefferson St with an accessible “hill climb” ramp system
- Realigning the street grid at Seattle Blvd S
- Improving road and intersection safety on Dearborn St
- Planning for development around the future Midtown and CID light rail station sites, including public realm upgrades
Participants also learned about other City efforts underway in South Downtown, such as the Downtown Subarea Plan, and were asked to share their vision for community planning around future light rail stations.
What We Heard
People shared a wide range of ideas about what they want to see in neighborhoods around the future stations. Common themes included:
- More accessible public spaces and recreation areas
- Clear and convenient station locations
- More great restaurants and place to eat outside
- Improved public safety
When asked about priorities for future development, participants highlighted:
- Affordable housing
- Parks and green space
- Safer street crossings
- Community-led development
- Public plazas
A group of elder residents from the CID also shared excitement about using Union Station itself as a gathering space for popular activities like dancing, stretching, socializing, and playing mahjong. They appreciated that the space is now open to the public, clean, safe, and includes a public restroom.
What’s Next?
The City and Sound Transit are using community feedback to help shape the final conceptual designs. The next phase will focus on how to carry these ideas forward. This includes identifying phasing, funding sources, and implementation responsibilities. A full report is expected by early 2026.
For More Information
- South Downtown Hub project page and exhibition materials
- Downtown Subarea Plan website
- Community Planning: South Downtown Hub & Beyond display boards