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The Elliott Bay Connections project is on track to meet the mayor's deadline to open before the 2026 World Cup.
Sellen Construction has been hired to build Elliott Bay Connections, a public-private partnership backed by high-profile philanthropists and Expedia Group (Nasdaq: EXPE).
The Elliott Bay Connections (EBC) project aims to connect and restore public parks along the bay, from Pier 62 just north of the Seattle Aquarium to the beach at Expedia’s headquarters.
“The project is going well and on track,” an EBC spokesperson wrote in an email Monday. “Construction will begin in early 2025 and be on track to open before the 2026 World Cup.” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell set the deadline when the $45 million project, which is backed by Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott and the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, was announced last summer.
Seattle landscape architecture company Walker Macy is working on EBC, which entails building a pedestrian and bicycle greenway trail on the east side of Alaskan Way to Olympic Sculpture Park, and restoration and revitalization of Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks. Planned improvements at Myrtle Edwards will make it easier for people to access the water.
EBC, plus Waterfront Park and the improved Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks, will total 50 acres of public space running for nearly 3.5 miles. A gathering plaza with concessions, public restrooms and an amenities building are planned for the north end of the corridor.
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EBC is separate from Waterfront Park and related projects, like the aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion, which total $806 million. The Downtown Seattle Association is implementing Elliott Bay Connections, while the city and the not-for-profit Friends of Waterfront Park are heading up the other projects.
It’s a key moment for the 20-acre Waterfront Park, which is homing in on completion of construction after 15 years of work. It’s been opening in phases with one of the biggest segments, Overlook Walk, set to open this fall with the date to be determined, Friends of Waterfront Park CEO Joy Shigaki said.
Overlook Walk is an elevated view park connecting the expanding aquarium to Pike Place Market. It will have seating, landscaping, play elements, public art and a concessionaire.
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