UPDATE: March 2, 1998.
A non-profit group, Friends of King St. Station has been formed to find funding sources to renovate King St. Station in Seattle. They will also educate people on the importance of renovating King St. Station. For more information, please contact Kris Hill.
For OLD Media Articles on the proposed King St. Station Renovation, please click one of the links below.
This Joint Statement of Principles by the Washington State Department of Transportation, Amtrak, the City of Seattle, King County, the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, the Washington State Public Stadium Authority, and First & Goal, Inc. summarizes the common interests of these organizations and our commitment to assure that King Street Station Reactions efficiently and effectively as a transportation hub and that the station operates in ways that are compatible with adjacent facilities and neighborhoods.
King Street Station is a vital part of local, state and federal efforts to implement fast, frequent Amtrak service in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, it serves important public transportation needs central to the planning and transportation policies of Washington State, Seattle and King County. The station's continued functionality is also of critical importance to Amtrak, to economic development, to future Regional Transit Authority Commuter Rail operations, and to the new Stadium/Exhibition Center, should that site be ultimately selected as a result of the environmental review process.
Designs are currently being developed to transform King Street Station into an efficient and safe regional transportation hub. The station currently serves over 400,000 passengers annually and is projected to serve over six million annually by 2007.
This project has received the support and cooperation of the City of Seattle, King County, the Regional Transit Authority, the Public Stadium Authority, and First & Goal. Each of the signatories to this letter is currently planning major investment in the South Downtown area and each has agreed that the smooth operation of King Street Station as a regional, multi-modal transportation hub meets their common interests. At the same time, King Street Station impacts other projects and interests in South Downtown. This letter outlines our mutual commitment toward meeting common interests.
Statements of Common Interest:Access, staging, and loading for taxis, buses and, possibly, for major events in the prospective new stadium/exhibition center complex will be provided primarily by a dedicated North/south easement at the eastern edge of the King Dome's North Parking Lot, possibly also using the western edge of BNSF property, and by a floating East/West easement across the lot. Recognizing that there are pending decisions on the ultimate use of the North Lot, access configuration decisions will be accommodated in the design decisions regarding potential f'uture development of the North Lot. Future specific East/West access routing will be determined by the property owner, WSDOT, and Amtrak
We understand that specific details of compliance with these common commitments will be developed as more becomes known about specific plans and requirements of various projects. We pledge to continue to work vigorously toward the optimal functionality of King Street Station.
SIGNED:Officials say money now there; work set to begin in fall:
By David Schaefer, Seattle Times. Dated Thursday, February 26, 1998
State Transportation Officals say there have enough money to begin renovation of the historic King Street Station near Pioneer Square, although they are still trying to secure final title to the building and complete the building.
King St. Station - the one Paul Allen does not own - is a passenger terminal for Amtrak trains and is expected to be used by the Regional Transit Authority commuter rail trains when they begin operating late next year.
Jim Slakey, Head of the state Department of Transportation rail division, said yesterday that work would begin this fall on teh first stage of renovation. That probably mean replacing the outside awnings and passenger loading areas, although it could include work on the inside of the building.
The station was built in 1906 for the Great Northern and Northern Pacific Railroads and now is owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe. A "renovation" in the mid-1960's covered up much of the ornate interior.
Architects retained by the state now say that they could undo the damage from that job and upgrade the building to current seismic codes for an estimated $43 million.
Earlier this month, Amtrak committed $5 million, which Slakey said could be used for the first phase of renovation.
Amtrak is expected to contribute another $5 million; about $4 million is expected from the Federal Transit Administration plus $10 million from state government sources. A group called Friends of King St. Station has been formed to solicit donations from other agencies and private foundations.
Billionare Paul Allen already stepped in to save Union Station, across the street. Kris Hill, executive director of Friends of King St. Station, said they have an appointment with the Allen Foundation to talk about getting some help.
Lead architect, Jeff Wolfe of Otak, said a complete renovation will require taking up the antique marble floor of the waiting room, driving some new piling and pouring a new concrete slab. Other seismic improvements would include additional bracing for the clock tower. The budget also calls for a complete cleaning of the exterior and a new bus and taxi zone.
"The building is in very good shape for the time period," Wolfe said, and shows no cracks or other effects of the earthquakes felt in the area sicne it was built.
Additional piling is needed, he said, because the area is built on fill. At one point, Puget Sound was 60-80 feet deep there.
Because the financing isn't secured, Slakey said, the renovation may have to be done in stages. The construction job would be expected to take about 18 months.
The state hopes to secure title or a long-term lease from the current owner.
Details of the project were unveiled yesterday in an open house in the station's main waiting area, and seem popular with the crowd.
"City after City has renovated their old train stations," Mark Blitzer, who was viewing the exhibits at the open house. "It always seems to have a positive effect."
He also noted the renovation of Union Station, construction of the new county office building next door, and construction of football and baseball stadiums. The city of Seattle also has committed $6 million to street improvements in the area.
"This area will not recongizable in five years," Blizter said.
Friends of King St. Station can be reached at 206-329-4023 or at their web site.
The Day of Trains.
King St. Project aims to bring back the past.
Liza Javier, NW Asian WeeklyIn the early 1900's, long before planes ruled the sky and the car became America's object of worship, the train reigned as the most visible mode of inter-city transportation.
Elaborately designed train stations, such as Seattle's King St. Station in Pioneer Square, stood out like bustling temples in the heart of the city. Those stations were integral and functioning icons of a city's self identity, a community interconnected.
My recent trip to San Francisco by train brought me to the King Street Station, where a strong sense of nostalgia of an era long past overwhelmed me. Yet, symbolically, it also represented a contemporary challenge Seattle faces headed into the 21st Century: realizing the importance of interconnectedness between our strong and diverse communities.
Thanks to the Great American Station Foundation, a growing movement to preserve these cultural and historical treasures has spread across the nation. In Seattle, its local branch, "Friends of King Street Station," an emerging citizens support group will spearhead the advocacy movement to fully restore the King Street Station to its original splendor.
Once revived, the King Street Station would fully function as Seattle's regional transportation hub for the next century, servicing the region's Amtrak service, airport shuttle service, tour buses, inter-city bus service, the waterfront street car, the Washington state ferry system, and future commuter rail. With all these modes of transportation focusing at the King Street Station, users passing through the facility are projected to reach 17,000 daily.
"It is truly a remarkable building and project." said Friend's organizer Kristine Hill. She said that people involved with the project "feel very passionate about it. It is a building that speaks to us as a cultural landmark."
Built in 1906, the King Street Station was designed in the neo-classical revival style by the architectural firm of Reed & Stern. The most prominent characteristic of the station is the clock tower, which stands 245 feet tall.
Most the what users see now as they stroll through the terminal is the product of a 1950's and 60's modernization program. Hidden beneath the veneer lies a neo-classical treasure trove - sculpted plaster ceilings, elaborate terra cotta tile work, staircases and mahogany carved benches. The top two dilapidated floors would be fully restored, enabling the entire three floors of the station to function in full use.
Hill commented that the Washington State Department of Transportation, in partnership with Amtrak, has taken the lead in commissioning seismic and geo-technical evaluations of the station. The King Street Station is reportedly a very sound building and within specifications for seismic upgrade. Most of Pioneer Square lies on landfill, but the station fortunately lies on timber pilings, which gave it a hard and secure foundation.
Formed less that a month ago, the Friends of the King Street Station is still in its infancy, yet the community has already been tremendously responsive to the project. On November 20, the organization was to appoint its board of directors, to be comprised of civic leaders, corporations, and private citizens. Members, including two Asian-Americans, are clear of their two-fold mission: to advocate the King Street Station restoration, and to raise the money need to make restoration a reality.
King Street Station is located between the Seattle Kingdome and Union Station, just west of Chinatown-Downtown area. Friends of King Street Station welcome participation from interested community leaders.
For more information, contact organizers Kristine Hill at (206) 706-1580 or Gretchen Bakamis at (206) 329-4023.
Information Courtesy Stan Suchan, WSDOT Rail Office Media Relations.
The Great American Station Foundation Tour is scheduled to be in the Pacific Northwest in Early August. A historic train is part of the tour.
Note: These places, dates and times are still tentative at this time, and subject to change. If changes come my way, I will revise this information.
HERE ARE THE DATES AND TIMES:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 1997:At this time, both WashARP and WSDOT plan to have information tables at Washington State locations for this event. Volunteers are needed at all locations. Please email Jim Hamre if you like to volunteer. For further information on this event, please email Stan Suchan.
The top of King Street Station's landmark tower is actually glass that, if it weren't so dirty, could shine "like a beacon" at night when the lights were turned on.
The waiting room has an ornate cast-plaster ceiling that was covered over by acoustical tile in an ill-conceived remodel in the 1960s.
The old, rusted, corrugated-metal awnings once were made of glass, allowing much more light onto the platforms and into waiting rooms.
The details of the 91-year-old railroad station are being revealed as preservation specialists investigate how to bring back its former glory.
On Monday, the state will begin seismic and structural tests to make sure the building is safe. Over the next year, architects will design a major renovation. State transportation officials hope they will then be able to find someone to finance it.
"There are no cracks between the tower and the building. It is in surprisingly good shape," said Jeff Wolfe, an architect with Otak, which is in charge of the renovation plan.
Wolfe led a tour of the building yesterday, which included a climb up the iron stairway to the top of the 240-foot clock tower.
"We could put lighting behind the glass tiles in the face of the clock and the sloped section of the tower." Wolfe said "It could be quite a beacon for the city."
Wolfe also noted areas of Italian marble, ornate plaster casing and intricate lighting that have been covered up in remodeling projects.
The station, completed in 1906, is owned by the Burlington Northern Fe Railroad and is currently used by Amtrak. It become the focus of interest because of the number of other development plans in the area.
King County is planning an office building in the adjacent parking lot. Both the proposed new Seahawks football stadium and Mariner baseball stadium could attract commuter-rail traffic. The Regional Transit Authority plans to use it as a station for its commuter rail line.
Stan Suchan, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said the state will spend about $4.1 million on the station redesign. He said the state also would like to determine whether the station should become a public building or be turned over to a developer.
Cost of renovating the main waiting room, ticketing and baggage area and taking care of seismic problems would be about $18.5 million. Renovation of the entire building, including abandoned office and retail areas on the second and third floors, could cost $90 million, Suchan said.
He said that if the state decides the building should be renovated, it will look for additional federal money as well as for financial help from Amtrak and the RTA.
An RTA spokesman noted that the agency has budgeted about $11 million to improve platforms and parts of the station for its commuter rail program.
Public tours of the station and a historic train are planned Aug. 9.
If Seattle's King Street Station leaves a message with the 400,000 railroad passengers who pass through each year, it's this: Take a plane.
The station's waiting room has all the charm of a medium-security prison. Pipe-like heaters and smoke from a million cigarettes decorate a false ceiling. Cream colored paint covers the walls.
Travelers can contemplate it all while resting in black vinyl seats as fluorescent bulbs cast a dim light overhead.
"I think it's criminal what they did to this space," Jeff Wolfe, an architect, told reporters in the waiting room yesterday before taking then on a tour of the 91-year old depot. He gave them a glimpse of what the station was and what it could become.
Otak Inc., a Kirkland architectural and engineering firm, and Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, a Los Angeles architectural firm, are in the midst of studying the station. The result will be a report this fall on the soundness of the building and designs for returning it to a state that James J. Hill would recognize as a station he built for his Great Northern Railroad.
Hill's depot so fascinated Seattle that crowds packed it on May 14 1906, when the first trains arrived, days before the waiting room was finished. In 1973, the station became a historic landmark.
Renovation the building depends in part on the building's soundness, but even more on finding the money to do it. A first phase of renovation alone would cost more than $18 million, money that hasn't been found.
"If the money is available, we're going to bring it back" said Stephanie Kingsnorth, an architect with the Los Angeles firm.
Any renovation would come at a time when the station can expect increased use. It will be a hub in a new commuter rail system; nearby will be new football and baseball stadiums; and 10 years from now, more than 6 million Amtrak and commuter-mil passengers are expected to pass through King Street Station.
That is a bonus for Kingsnorth. Many old stations have been renovated, but for new purposes. Tacoma's is a federal courthouse, and St Louis' a shopping center and hotel.
"One of the special things about this station is that it will remain a station, Kingsnorth said.
Travelers who arrive at King Street Station today get a Lesson in what might be called the worst of 1960s architecture.
A renovation of the waiting room in 1965 included removing marble walls, plaster molding and tile trim of green and gold.
A false ceiling cut about 15 feet off the 44 feet of headroom visitors once enjoyed.
Renovators hid a curved, ornate balcony that looked out on the waiting loom from a mezzanine, said Wolfe. who is with the Otak firm. Windows in the mezzanine were filled with concrete. Exterior windows were frequently painted over, leaving the waiting room dark.
As Wolfe walked outside, he painted to the canopy under which departing passengers walk to reach their trains. Today, it is corrugated tin, spotted with peeling paint. Once, it was glass through which light streamed.
Some of the old building's features remain including the carved granite and round windows over the entrance. The marble and tile can still be seen in the foyer. Some of the original molding exists on the station's upper two floors, which once housed Burlington Northern offices, are now vacant.
Looking at the past requires ascending the 245-foot clock tower, patterned after a bell tower in a Venice piazza. A series of iron staircases leads to the clock and the little office where the time is set.
The walls of the tower's peak are covered in glass tiles, once green but long ago turned a light purple by the sun.
"There's so much history in this building" Wolfe said after climbing the spiral staircase. "It's like stepping hack in time."
A first-phase renovation of $18.5 million will involve the waiting room, the exterior and any improvements needed to protect the station against earthquakes. Later phases would turn to the upper floors so that they could be rented out as offices.
Since June, $4 million of federal and state money has been paying for a study and tests of the building. Much has to do with its structural integrity, Wolfe said. So far, few cracks and little settling have been found, Wolfe said.
"Our gut feeling is that it's in extremely good shape," he said.
Return to WashARP On Line ||
Happenings
|| Table of Contents
|| Send E-Mail
Last Update: 01/03/00
Web Author: Warren Y. Yee
