Thomas Street Improvement - Seattle Center

Review Status

On July 17th, 2025 we reviewed the Concept phase (30% design) for the Thomas Street Improvements. At this meeting, the Commission voted 9-0 to approve the current design phase.

Project Description

Seattle Center has developed a proposal to redesign the Thomas Street corridor from 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue within the Seattle Center campus. This segment of Thomas Street, vacated as part of the Century 21 Worlds Fair, currently serves as the busiest pedestrian corridor on campus and the primary point of entry for many visitors. The existing retail spaces along the street require updating and the Armory plaza has accessibility issues.

The project coordinates with several concurrent Seattle Center projects including the Monorail Station ADA improvements, the Thomas Street Retail Site RFP, and planned remodels at Seattle Children's Theatre and MOPOP. Several of the retail spaces along the corridor require updating. The Armory Plaza that fronts along this segment also has issues with accessibility.

The proposal includes streetscape improvements, accessibility upgrades, stormwater management infrastructure, tree preservation where feasible, and spaces designed to accommodate both daily pedestrian traffic and event programming.

July 17, 2025 Meeting

Seattle Design Commission

Address: 600 4th Avenue, 5th Floor, Seattle, WA, 98124
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94788, Seattle, WA, 98124-7088
Phone: (206) 684-0435
sdc_administration@seattle.gov

The Seattle Design Commission advises the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on the design of capital improvements and other projects and policies that shape Seattle's public realm.