Seattle's Rebuilt Waterfront Keeps Taking Shape

SEATTLE, WA — Removing the Alaskan Way Viaduct opened a stretch of central waterfront that had been cut off from the city for more than 60 years. The rebuild has since added park space, a rebuilt promenade and new connections up the bluff toward Pike Place Market.

Waterfront Park and the Overlook Walk now link the market to the shoreline with stairs, elevators and landscaped terraces. The completed promenade runs from Pioneer Square north toward the Seattle Center side of the bay.

The aquarium anchors the north end

The Seattle Aquarium opened its Ocean Pavilion in 2024, expanding its exhibits and adding a public plaza at the north end of the waterfront. The building was designed as part of the waterfront park rather than as a separate attraction.

Paid for through a mix of city, state and philanthropic money, the waterfront program is one of the largest civic projects in Seattle's recent history. Ferries, the streetcar and the light rail at Pioneer Square keep the district connected to the rest of the region.

Businesses along Western Avenue and the market have reported changing foot traffic patterns as the new routes settle in.