Othello and Rainier Beach Healthy Street

As soon as next week, you may see crews starting to mark up the street as we begin construction of the permanent installments for the Othello-Rainier Beach Healthy Street. One of the first things planned is the preparation for 12 creative street art designs developed by Dunlap Elementary and South Shore PK-8 students as part of the Bike to Books Program!  

During construction, we will install permanent signage with a concrete block base and newly painted curb space around it at each intersection along the Healthy Street. At intersections where neighbors requested planters, we will install the permanent signage with a planter sign base. Unauthorized on-street parking located within 20 feet of the intersection will be removed for the permanent sign installation.

As part of this permanent Othello and Rainier Beach Healthy Street, we will also install additional safety enhancements at three locations, and local artist Damon Brown will create a mural installation! To explore the Healthy Street plans, see the “Design Elements” section below.

What to expect during construction:
Typical construction hours are weekdays, 7 AM to 5 PM, and may include weekend work.

Other expected construction effects may include:

• Noise and vibration
• Dust and debris
• Construction staging and parking impacts near the work sites
• “No Parking” areas and other parking impacts
• Crosswalk and sidewalk closures, with detours for people walking and biking
• Roadway closures and detours for vehicle traffic
• Tree trimming (for sign visibility)

Please note that the construction schedule may change due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., weather, soil conditions, etc.). We encourage you to sign up for email updates to get the most updated information on construction.

Helping to Choose the Othello & Rainier Beach Healthy Street Mural 

Artist Damon Brown created two design options for the Healthy Streets mural planned for S Kenyon St and 46th Ave S. He designed the two mural options based on original designs created by Dunlap Elementary students.

Because the mural design is based on artwork and ideas first suggested by students, we invited them, family members, and school staff to help choose the final design options. Last month, the Healthy Streets team hosted a pop-up event during the Dunlap Elementary Bike Bus and then a second pop-up welcomed South Shore K-8 to view the artwork. Students (and parents) also were invited to snack on a doughnut hole or oranges and to grab bookmarks, stickers, and safety reflectors for their bicycles. Check out a few of our photos: