McGraw Square Redesign

Updated: August 5, 2022

What’s happening now?

Project Timeline Design Phase Phase

SDOT is partnering with the Downtown Seattle Association and the development team for the 500 – 600 Olive Planned Community Development to gather public input on design priorities and desires for McGraw Square. The goal of this project is to optimize the design and use of McGraw Square so it can continue to serve as a vital and active public space in the heart of Downtown Seattle.

Please take our survey and let us know how you currently use McGraw Square and how you might like to use it in the future! The survey will remain open through Sunday, August 21, 2022.

Project Background and Purpose

Developer Kilroy Realty Corporation proposes three new buildings and rehabilitation of one historic structure on two blocks bounded by Stewart St, Olive Way, and 5th and 7th Aves to be considered together as a “Planned Community Development” (PCD) by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.

Seattle Department of Constructions and Inspections has identified improvements to publicly-owned McGraw Square and new ground level connections between McGraw Square and the PCD building at 500 Olive as required public benefit for the PCD project. The new tower will introduce active uses along McGraw Square.

SDOT is leading a process to develop concepts for improving the use and design for the Square emphasizing activation for people staying in and walking through the space in partnership with the development team. The project aims to make McGraw Square a more inviting place to linger, attend small-scale public events, and connect to the SLU streetcar by providing enhanced seating, lighting, art elements, wayfinding, and opportunities for street vending.

Project Location

Map showing the location of McGraw Square in downtown Seattle.

McGraw Square, bounded by 5th Ave at the south, Stewart St, Olive Way, and the existing Bank of America building to the north, is a publicly owned open air gathering space in the downtown core. The site is currently the south terminus of the South Lake Union streetcar line.

Timeline

Summer 2022: Concept Design
Fall 2022-Spring 2023: Permitting
Summer 2023: Construction