Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled details of his Downtown Activation Plan, which has been in the works since earlier this year. City officials have deemed these bold, immediate and long-term actions necessary for progress to be made along with visionary aspirations requiring “Space Needle thinking”.
The first part of the plan involves a rezone to allow taller towers in some areas, increasing maximum heights from 170 feet to 440 feet and offering height bonuses of 20 feet for projects that include educational or childcare facilities. Additionally, plans call for expanding floor-area ratios in Belltown to boost hotel development as well as extending master-use permits up to six years so developers can start their projects without delay.
Harrell also wants recovery and crisis centers built alongside a state-of-the art downtown arts district accompanied by a year round sports facility; Westlake Park is set become transformed into an interactive plaza with community programming too!
This ambitious project seeks not only revitalize Seattle’s downtown area but also create opportunities within its communities – something we should all strive towards achieving together!
