EVERETT STATION. Creating a People-Oriented Place

EVERETT STATION Creating a People-Oriented Place May 21, 2013

Photo by Jeff Aken OVERVIEW Transit is interested in developing housing around Station, and the City of is leading a Comprehensive Plan update process focused on the greater Station area. In May 2013, Forterra hosted a community event to involve community members in this process with conversation and a walking tour of the neighborhood. Forterra is a regional conservation and community-building nonprofit organization with a goal of focusing new growth near transit and thus conserving the region s important natural landscapes like farms and forests. At the event, Forterra staff led conversations about how the built environment contributes to healthy, safe, and walkable neighborhoods and led a community visioning session to hear what the community would like to see in the Station area. Community members had a diverse range of opinions, and in general supported residential uses, new destinations and neighborhood amenities, safe pedestrian and bike connections, soft open spaces, and business opportunities. Forterra staff at the event included Jeff Aken, Nick Cilluffo, Skye Schell, and Sabrina Bolieu. Christian Runge from Mithun attended as a guest presenter. This project was funded by a grant from the Boeing Company to help build healthy communities in Snohomish County. 2 Station

Photo by Jeff Aken EVENT SUMMARY The evening began with a presentation from Tom Hingson, Director of Transit, who talked about the proposal to allow residential uses in the Station area. Jeff Aken discussed Forterra s philosophy that healthy neighborhoods or people-oriented places are those in which people can live, work, and play, with walkable connections to healthy food, urban open space and other community amenities. Nick Cilluffo then led a walking tour of the Station area, during which participants highlighted many of the strengths and weaknesses of the neighborhood. Everyone returned to the meeting room, and Skye Schell facilitated a visioning session in which community members shared their ideas for the future of Station. After all of the attendees shared their ideas, Mithun Landscape Designer Christian Runge spoke about the Mariposa project, a redevelopment project in a Denver neighborhood with many similarities to Station, and how Mithun enhanced health and safety with new residential uses in the area. Lastly, Tom Hingson, Jeff Aken, and Christian Runge answered questions and addressed concerns that community members presented. Forty-eight people attended the event, representing a wide range of interests and roles including area residents, City staff, business owners, and community organizations. Station 3

WALKING TOUR Participants walked a half-mile route on the west side of Station with three stops along the way to discuss the pedestrian experience and connections to the core downtown area of the City. The walk began in front of Station and followed 32nd Street west to McDougall Avenue, turning north and making the first stop midblock on McDougall Avenue. Walkers identified strengths and weaknesses here: Strengths Pedestrian friendly sidewalks along 32nd Street Street trees Safe crossing at 32nd Street and McDougall Avenue Pedestrian-oriented building on NW corner of 32nd Street and McDougall Avenue United Way location investment in the area Proximity to core downtown and Comcast Arena Weaknesses No sidewalk on east side of McDougall Avenue (north of 32nd Street) Some buildings setback with auto area immediately in front Some blank wall space Industrial environment on east side of Mc- Dougall Avenue Photo by Skye Schell 4 Station

Next, walkers went south to McDougall Avenue and 33rd Street for the second stop, providing another opportunity to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the block: Strengths Restaurant on McDougall Avenue Wide, comfortable sidewalks along 33rd Street Street trees buffering pedestrians from traffic Weaknesses Disconnected sidewalks along McDougall Avenue (parking interruptions) No sidewalk on west side of McDougall Avenue (south of 32nd Street) No destinations - lack of a place to go Blank wall space along McDougall Avenue (south of 33rd Street) Industrial environment The group then walked east on 33rd Street and turned north at Smith Avenue, ending at the entrance to Station on 32nd Street. This final stop provided a view looking westward of the station area and the City s downtown just ½ mile in the background. Having a fresh look at the physical environment around Station, and after identifying some of the strengths and weaknesses of the area, staff posed the question: What is the vision for Station? and reconvened for the facilitated community visioning session. Photo by Skye Schell Station 5

COMMUNITY VISIONING SESSION After returning from the walking tour, Skye Schell led a visioning session. Participants reflected on their long-term vision for Station, and shared their ideas with neighbors and then with the larger group. Many community members seconded or echoed ideas from other speakers, and many agreed on the desire for residential uses, destinations and neighborhood amenities, safe pedestrian and bike connections, soft open spaces, and business opportunities. The following are highlights from the community: Residential uses New multi-family development would provide the residential units to support a vibrant station area. Ideas included condominium developments and other dense housing options. Considerations in residential development include the need for quality affordable housing mixed among market-rate housing. The station area could host a mix of housing options affordable to a full range of incomes and provide quality living space for all. Photo by Jeff Aken Destinations and neighborhood amenities Community members identified the absence of a place to go in the station area. There are few areas where people can gather and simply enjoy the neighborhood. Art and cultural installations would create a sense of place and provide a welcoming feel to the area. Other amenities, like a public book exchange or farmer s market, could activate the neighborhood and attract residents from within and outside the neighborhood. 6 Station

Pedestrian and bike connections Simply allowing residential uses will not create safe connections for pedestrians and bikers. Dedicated paths for bikers and walkers should be installed to provide circulation throughout the neighborhood. Additionally, clear connections to the downtown area and Comcast Arena would help tie the station area to the core of the city. Such connections would be enhanced by way-finding signs that assist people in navigating the neighborhood. Soft open spaces Participants expressed a clear need and desire to soften the station area by using trees, shrubs, and other green features. Pocket parks and small green spaces would provide respite from the hardscapes of the built environment and could also help buffer residential areas from the activity of the transit station. Business opportunities Allowing mixed-use development provides the opportunity for businesses to co-locate with residential use, allowing shops and restaurants to thrive. In addition to shops, restaurants, and markets, other businesses of appropriate scale would create job opportunities within the neighborhood. Having workplaces located near residential and transit access would help create a complete neighborhood. Photo by Jeff Aken Station 7

CONCLUSION At Forterra, we believe that creating dense, walkable and affordable communities near transit is one of the key strategies for ensuring our region s sustainability over time. Station has an outstanding opportunity for redevelopment and enhancement of neighborhood quality-of-life for s residents, employees, and commuters. Forterra staff were impressed by the level of engagement and energy among community members and encourages participants to stay involved as the City of hosts the public process for the Comprehensive Plan update. Forterra would like to thank the City of and Transit for their efforts making this project a success, Christian Runge from Mithun for an excellent presentation, and the Boeing Company for funding the work. Photo by Skye Schell 8 Station

VISIONING SESSION NOTES (AS RECORDED DURING EVENT) Ensure ped connectivity w/ upcoming riverfront project Need a place to park to catch the bus-- need to remember the main role as place to catch the bus Residential-- condos with view of cascades Business owner: worried about eliminating jobs via redevelopment Residential condos New style small vehicles for transit (Fl. Keys) out of the box idea-- affordable/convenient Mixed-use Mini/pocket parks scattered throughout rather than concentrated green spaces Trees-- green it up, soften environment Mixed use + urban ag + solar energy Gathering place a la 3rd Place Lot access/parking needs-- long term Way-finding signs + connectivity Reasons to stay, not just come and go Clear core Pedestrian corridor between station and Comcast Arena (up Smith Street then into downtown) Light commercial Farmers market Unlimited density & height Shops, restaurant, entertainment 50% dedication to low/affordable housing (w/ dignity)-(working class families) Live/work spaces Creating proper buffer between trains and residential (sound buffer w/ view preservation) Neighborhood sized businesses Places for all ages Inviting gathering places, art, music Protected Bike paths Bike share Book exchange Mix of housing-- mixed income Photo by Skye Schell Station 9

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Join the city s mailing list to stay in the loop about the Comprehensive Plan update process by contacting Jim Hanson at (425) 257-7133 or email jhanson@everettwa.gov. View Christian Runge s presentation on healthy neighborhood design based on Mithun s Mariposa project in Denver: http:// www.forterra.org/files/pdfs/_station_ Mithun-Mariposa-presentation-20130521.pdf Read Mithun s toolkit for the Mariposa Healthy Living Initiative: http://mithun.com/ projects/project_detail/mariposa_healthy_ living_initiative/ Check out the map of walking distances from Station at the end of this report or in high resolution here: http://www.forterra.org/files/pdfs/ StationWalkability_11x17.pdf Please contact Forterra if there are any questions about this report: 901 5th Avenue, Ste. 2200 Seattle, WA 98164 info@forterra.org (206) 905-6905 Cover photos by Jeff Aken Document designed by Nathan Machida Photo by Jeff Aken 10 Station

Edwards Ave Laurel Dr Niles Ave Sharon Crest 35th St Charles Ave 40th St 42nd St 40th St Restaurant Clinton Pl 38th St Marine View Dr Norton Ave Grand Ave The Sisters Sandwichs Grand Ave Safeway High St Prohibition Grill Cafe 23rd St Vertical World Snohomish Health District 39th St 42nd St 19th St Rucker Ave Rucker Ave 33rd St Burger Stop Clinic 25th St Salvation Army 21st St Wilsons Delicatessen Public Library Bento Factory 37th St Beijing Garden Chinese Bayside 40th St 44th St 17th St Hoyt Ave Hoyt Ave Jasmine Schack Wall St Imagine Children's Museum Toshi Teryaki 34th St 22nd St American Deli Calvary Baptist Methodist 39th St 41st St 43rd St Colby Ave Bar 18th St Colby Ave A Pizza House Grill Historic Theatre 32nd St 24th St 36th St 20th St Arts Center Police Dept. First Baptist Wetmore Ave 35th St YMCA Port Gardner Bay Winery Veterans Center First Presbyterian Balefire Washington Oakes Retirement Community Firewheel Books and Beans Oakes Ave Brooklyn Bros. Pizza 38th St Trinity Lutheran Catholic Community Services Wendy's Country Cafe Temple Beth Or Immanuel Lutheran Covenant Art Glass Red Rock Subs Pho On Broadway Broadway Ave Walgreens Alfy's Pizza Tim's Bike Shop Henry's Donuts Broadway Hobbies China Doll Bartell Drugs Ruen Thai Tampico Mexican QFC 39th St 16th St Safeway Soccer Arena H & L Sports Depot Cafe & Smokehouse S 4th Ave Paine St Paine St S 3rd Ave 20th St Snohomish County Public Utility District Pita King Bakery Dakota St Lowe's Home Improvement Smith Ave Mission 38th St 22nd St 39th St 41st St 17th St 19th St 40th St Se 21st St 24th St Bethany Christian Assembly Public Works 18th St Cash & Carry Christian School Terracotta Red 34th St Se 25th St Our Lady of Perpetual Help Para Transit Victor Pl Buck's American Cafe Group Health Chestnut St Hayes St 20th St 22nd St 26th St 23nd St 24th St 25th St Smith Island Road 4th St Se E V E R E T T S T A T I O N Estimated Walking Distance Along Existing Sidewalks, Washington Fulton St Dale Pl Langus Riverfront s e s n S o s i o u n d N a v a l S t a t i o n E v e r e t t 529 Grand Avenue Grand Ave Rucker Ave Colby Ave Rockefeller Ave Lombard Ave Mc Dougall Ave Rainier Ave Baker Ave Pine St Leonard Dr Walnut St Senator Henry M Jackson State St E Marine View Dr Summit Ave Cleveland Ave Summit S n o h o m i s h R i v e r P o s Bayside Ngbh. Bed & Breakfast Hoyt Ave Wetmore Ave Oakes Ave Broadway Ave Virginia Ave Fulton St Cedar St Maple St Garfield Elementary School Chestnut St Highland Ave 5 21st St Cleveland Ave 23rd St Garfield E Grand Ave Gedney St Bond St Terminal Ave Federal Ave Bobby's Hawaiian Style Nassau St California St W Marine View Dr Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-Op Grand Ave Ave The Replay Rucker Ave of Christ Hewitt Ave Elks Lodge Thai Cuisine Art Center Kate's Greek & 26th St Colby Ave Federal Building High School El Paraiso Mexican Performing Wetmore Ave City Hall Rockefeller Ave Snohomish County Central Campus Oakes Ave Clark Fire Dept. Lombard Ave Comcast Arena Snohomish County Jail 529 Broadway Ave JJ Hill Bagshaw Mc Dougall Ave Field North Middle School 26th St Fulton St Ave Hewitt Ave Cedar St California St Pine St Maple St Judd and Black State St Highland Ave California St Summit Ave Ave Harrison Ave Riverside Railway Ave 2 Warren St 32nd St Providence Regional Medical Center Pacific Ave US Post Office Pacific Ave Station Hill Ave 32nd St Pacific Ave Vernon Av e Kromer Ave Pigeon Creek Road Sevenich Dr Snohomish Ave Rucker Hill Bell Ave 34th St Reservoir Number Four Tulalip Ave Tulalip Ave Jackson Elementary School Federal Ave Federal St Short St Earl Ave 36th St Doyle Sequoia High School High St First United Rockefeller Ave Kiwanis Lombard Ave Broadway Ave Mc Dougall Ave Gospel 33rd St 36th St Se Railway Ave m i s h R i v e r S n o h o E b e y I s l a n d W i l d l i f e A r e a Reservoir Number Two E View Ridge Dr Home Pl F o r e s t P a r k 40th Pl 41st Pl Kromer Ave 41st St Grandview St Angle Lane Olive Dr Nassau Pl 39th St Temple Dr E Mukilteo Blvd Friday Ave 40th St Ivar's Seafood E v e r e t t M e m o r i a l S t a d i u m E v e r g r e e n C e m e t a r y 5 Paine St Sumner Pl W Mukilteo Blvd Federal St Elk Hill Dr Sumn er L n 43rd St Mukilteo Blvd Road Crescent Ave Thomson Ave Evergreen Way Commercial Ave 44th St L o w e l l R i v e r f r o n t T r a i l Transportation Estimated Walking Distance Station is located within walking distance of common services provided in the downtown core. The area immediately around the station and extending to the west is well connected for pedestrian access. Nearby services and US or State Highway Other Road Railroad amenities include Snohomish County administration, City of administration, healthcare options, schools, and parks and recreation facilities. Water Features River or Stream 1-1¼ Miles Water Body ¾ - 1 Miles These existing features of the area, along with housing options are essential components of a complete community. Additionally, Station is an important connection for local and regional transportation. The station area is well-positioned to be a complete, compact, and connected community. Public Amenities, Recreation, or Natural Area Comcast Arena Points of Interest ½ - ¾ Miles ¼ - ½ Miles 0 - ¼ Miles Miles 0 ⅛ ¼ ½ ¾