January 2013
- Crews continue to install structural steel into the frame of King Street Station and have now started work framing the clock tower. All the new steel columns in the main hall are in place.
- Check out the latest photos on Seattle DOT's Flickr site.
- Download the project fact sheet (770 KB pdf)
- For an update on the progress of this project, visit the City of Seattle Web site.
Overview
WSDOT and the city of Seattle are working to transform the busy and historic King Street Station and adjacent tracks and platforms to meet current and future needs of expanding passenger rail service.
King Street Station in downtown Seattle is the busiest train station in the Pacific Northwest, serving more than a half-million Amtrak Cascades passengers in 2011. WSDOT and the city of Seattle are working to restore and upgrade the busy and historic King Street Station to meet current and future needs of expanding passenger rail service.
Why is WSDOT
involved in this project?
The City of Seattle 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.
Increases in rail travel created the need to bring King Street Station into 21st century as a transportation hub. 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.
Passenger stations are part of the travel experience and effectively act as the destination gateway. These improvements will leave passengers with a lasting positive impression.
WSDOT will further improve the track layout at King Street Station. Learn about this track improvement project.
The End Result
The building exterior is being restored to its original character. Completed interior renovation has already expanded the waiting room, renovated restrooms, and restored the Compass Room entry to its original 1906 stature.
Improvements 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.
- Improves public safety and prolongs the life of the building by strengthening the building walls and clock tower
- Improves the customer experience at the station, one of the busiest train stations in the Pacific Northwest
- Restores historic features of King Street Station while creating a modernized train station for Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder customers
What is the project timeline?
Construction on the seismic upgrades are underway and will be complete by summer 2013.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Sound Transit
- Surface Transportation Program (STP) Enhancement
- Amtrak
- State Appropriation - includes Transportation Improvement Board (TIB)
- South Downtown (SODO) Foundation
- City of Seattle Department of Transportation
- 4Culture Services Agency
- Federal High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Grand (HSIPR)
- Total Funding From All Sources - $47.27 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Website: www.seattle.gov/transportation/kingstreet.htm
Trevina Wang
King Street Station Restoration Project Manager
SDOT Major Projects Office
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3800
Phone: 206-684-3072
E-mail: trevina.wang@seattle.gov
Jason R. Biggs
WSDOT Project Manager
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-6985
E-mail: BiggsJR@wsdot.wa.gov
Information about hours, parking, and services is available at the King Street Station Web page on the Amtrak Cascades website.
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