September 2009
On March 6, 2008, the City of Seattle purchased King Street Station from BNSF Railway. The city plans a $29.07 million renovation that includes replacing the leaky glazed tile roof, seismic reinforcement, clock face repairs, and restoration of the exterior and the waiting area. The work on the roof has been completed.
For an update on the progress of this project, visit the
City of Seattle Web site
Overview
Amtrak, WSDOT, SDOT, and Sound Transit are working in partnership with BNSF Railway to transform the busy and historic King Street Station and adjacent tracks and platforms to meet current and future needs of expanding intercity and commuter rail service.
Why is WSDOT
involved in this project?
The City of Seattle has identified King Street Station as one of three important downtown transportation hubs. The station is currently served by 12 WSDOT-sponsored Amtrak Cascades trains, Amtrak long distance trains (Coast Starlight and Empire Builder) and 16 weekday Sounder commuter trains, as well as Amtrak Thruway intercity bus services.
The station has been poorly maintained and allowed to deteriorate during a period of declining rail travel. The renovation will bring the building up to modern codes and standards, improve space and amenities for the traveling public and transportation employees, and preserve the historic character of the building.
The 2005 Transportation Partnership Account approved funding for WSDOT to partner with other stakeholders to improve the track layout at King Street Station. Learn about this track improvement project.
The End Result
The building exterior will be restored to its original grandeur. Completed interior renovation has already expanded the waiting room, renovated restrooms, and restored the Compass Room entry to its original 1906 stature.
Improvements to come will include seismic upgrades; new electrical, heating and ventilation systems; a new ticket/information office; restoration of the plaster ceiling, marble and tile in the waiting room; new signage and wayfinding; and restoration of the grand staircase. The parking lot on 4th and Jackson Street will be rebuilt as a new pedestrian plaza.
Project Benefits
- Improved transportation facility that meets future needs for rail passenger travel.
- Larger more comfortable, waiting area and improved ticketing and baggage facilities.
- Improved station access and traveler information.
- Enhanced safety and security.
What is the project timeline?
Renovation work will begin after completion of various agreements identified above. The project will then take about two years to complete.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) - $2.88 million
- Sound Transit - $4.1 million
- Surface Transportation Program (STP) Enhancement - $5.74 million
- Amtrak - $2.5 million
- State Appropriation - includes Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) - $3.6 million
- South Downtown (SODO) Foundation - $250,000
- City of Seattle Department of Transportation - $10.0 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $29.07 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Website: www.seattle.gov/transportation/kingstreet.htm
Josh Stepherson
Public Outreach and Communications
Consultant - Stepherson & Associates
SDOT Major Projects Office
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3800
(206) 684-3136
E-mail: Josh Stepherson
Cathy Silins
Assistant Director
WSDOT Public Transportation
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 360-705-7919
E-mail: Cathy Silins
Information about hours, parking, and services is available at the King Street Station Web page on the Amtrak Cascades Web site.
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