On September 6 2025, Seattle’s new waterfront park held its grand opening. 20 acres on Alaskan way were transformed into a playground and sculpture park connecting the aquarium and the Ferris wheel, marking the end of a multi-decade project to improve Seattle’s coastline on the Puget sound.
The 806 million dollar development includes a new park, a pavilion and skybridge at the aquarium, a large promenade, art exhibits, and multiple event spaces. It was organized primarily by James Corner Field Operations, who most notably worked on the High Line in New York City, another elevated park walk. The renovation, officially dubbed Central Waterfront Improvement Program (CWIS), came after the removal of Seattle’s old Alaskan Way Viaduct, which got reconstructed into a tunnel in 2019.
One of the main goals of the project was to put Seattle’s local art scene on a stage, which is displayed with the combination of permanent sculptures and temporary exhibits from rotating local artists. From October 13 through November 23, the promenade gallery will display a DIA DE MUERTOS altar made by El Sueño, a dance group that aims to highlight underrepresented communities with its art. Among the permanent installations there’s a variety of sculptures that are designed by local indigenous artists, including people from the Muckleshoot, Puyallup, and Suquamish tribes.
A large playground and turf area were built in the latest addition on pier 58, which previously housed a deteriorating boardwalk. The plaza constructed on top expands the pier and the playground is a sculptural artwork themed around Seattle’s marine ecosystems. This revitalization of the pier creates a space that fosters new connections, ideas, and cultural growth. The city’s development represents a new era for Seattle – one where community comes first.
The new additions to the Seattle waterfront will have major effects on the culture of downtown Seattle. “I think it’s going to breed some new life into the downtown Seattle area.” Sam Wensley said, a local Seattle resident. Wensley expanded, “it’s nice that we have somewhere in the urban area where you can sit. I think hostile architecture and anti-homeless developments have really brought down the availability of 3rd places in society…”
Seattle has become increasingly expensive throughout the years, resulting in a higher homeless population. Countless people have been forced to reside on the streets of Seattle and due to city development, there are less common areas for the public. Nonetheless, the new waterfront addition is an area that welcomes everyone. The waterfront additions are evidently not a solution to the high homeless population in Seattle, but, “you want this place [Seattle] to be nice, you want it to be more accessible. You want it to be more prosperous. And making a beautiful place like this is going to bring people in.” Wensley said.
Although the waterfront is beautiful, it has also been heavily criticized for turning the waterfront and Pike’s Place into a tourist attraction. When asked about tourism, Wensley remarked that Seattle citizens carry a “bit of a reputation for being really bitter, cold, exclusionary people.” However, Increased tourism also brings economic growth to businesses in Seattle and the city of Seattle itself. “Tourism is an inherent part of Seattle” and that we are in an “interconnected world where people care about it, people come to see it.” Wensley added. To Wensley and many other Seattle residents, the transformation of the waterfront will grow the community and make Seattle more welcoming to all.
Miner’s Landing
One of the main attractions of the waterfront as well as one of the most famous instances in Seattle of old and new colliding is the Miners Landing. Resting on top of the historic structure known as Pier 57, Miners Landing was built in 1989 and is a tribute to the Alaska Gold Rush and Seattle’s impact on it. It’s now home to the Great Wheel, a massive arcade, the flight simulation; Wings Over Washington, seafood restaurants, gift-shops, and a vintage carousel.
Ivar’s
Originally started as an aquarium and fish and chip stand in 1938, Ivars is one of the oldest restaurants on Pier 55. The restaurant wasn’t officially open for business until 1946 by founder Ivar Haglund, who was known for folk-singing as well as being an entertainer who pushed for Seattle traditions and local causes. He later expanded into more restaurants like the Salmon House and used his charisma and unique marketing techniques to promote his businesses. Ivars remains a Seattle waterfront staple even 40 years after Haglund has passed away.
The Frankfurter
The Frankfurter is a classic hot dog stand from the 70’s that sits in between piers 54 and 55. Most known for their “Seattle dogs”, and unique menu that includes food from hot dogs, lentil soup, pasta salad, and chocolate chip cookies. This is the perfect spot to enjoy cheap food while admiring breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Elliot Bay.
Molly Moons
Opened May 2025 and housed in the old ferry terminal is Seattle’s 7th location of Molly Moons. This location overlooks the water and uses a combination of historical architecture and the previous foundation with modern twist. The owner Molly’s mission is to create communal spaces for everyone in Seattle which lines up perfectly with the waterfront’s goal to bring more people, both tourists and locals alike together to enjoy the ocean as well as quality time with each other.
