Challenges Remain for Waterfront Reinvention

The reinvention of Seattle's waterfront has made great strides, but it ain't over till it's over. Come hear about what's next at Bisnow's Waterfront & Beyond event, beginning at 730am at Hyatt Olive 8 on July 21.

Among our speakers will be Pillar Properties SVP Billy Pettit, who tells us it's inevitable there will be obstacles along the way to such a substantial goal, but it's far more important to focus on the opportunity that comes with this once-in-a-lifetime project. "We're lucky to have the chance to revitalize the Seattle waterfront and connect the Downtown core to fully realize a vibrant community, and we need to find a way to work past any challenges to make that a reality.”   

Another speaker will be Mack Urban VP of development Martha Barkman, who tells us as far as Cyrene, her company's waterfront project, is concerned, the challenge now is the uncertainty of when the Viaduct is coming down, and the timing for public improvements along the waterfront. The 16-story, 160-unit apartment project at 50 University St was one of the first out of the ground on the waterfront while the redesign effort is underway.

Martha says Cyrene is already under construction and it’s difficult to be out marketing retail spaces when you can’t answer timing questions about the construction and development of the waterfront as a whole. "We all understand that Bertha getting stuck was a setback, but the lack of clarity for the public improvements is definitely a challenge." Come hear more about the Seattle shoreline renaissance at Bisnow's Waterfront & Beyond event, beginning at 730am at Hyatt Olive 8 on July 21. Sign up here.