Field Notes: McGraw Square – Seattle, Washington
McGraw Square and the smaller Westlake Square one block to the north are small triangle parcels that sit at the intersection of 6th and Westlake Avenues. McGraw Square has served as a space for a transit stop and a public restroom, but now it’s a blank spot in the middle of the street. Downtown Seattle Association believes that Westlake Square has the potential to serve the community and become a small, unexpected oasis. By simply adding some greenery the site has already become much more comfortable. The space will become even better with added tables and chairs. We hope to keep bringing amenities to this site, creating an inviting pocket park in the middle of the city.
Phase III Improvements
Lighting: As part of or proposed improvements, DSA will work with SDOT to add additional access to power on site so that additional decorative lighting can be brought to the site, which could include tree lighting, projections onto adjacent buildings, or cafe catenary lighting treatments.
Seasonal Planters: Nine new planters have been added to McGraw Square, as well as custom made planting poles. These green elements frame and add lushness to the space. Grown by a local nursery and rotated seasonally, this welcoming splash of color is a perfect addition to the space and one that we hope to expand as the site develops.
An additional goal for this space is to gauge how the public responds to these amenities and adjust accordingly. This feedback will be critical when we implement more substantial changes in the future and the plaza becomes a larger community space.
What’s New
The existing shelter for bicycle racks has been converted to cover two custom drop chairs. People are invited to sit and spin in these raindrop-like chairs. Additionally, more consistent staffing will provide users with information and amenities such as maps, games, and reading materials.
Acquired by the City in 1911, McGraw Square is used by those who work and live in the downtown neighborhoods, as well as tourists and shoppers. A statue of former Washington State Governor John Harte McGraw overlooks the plaza. In 2007, McGraw Square became the southern terminus of the South Lake Union streetcar line. In 2011, the Seattle Department of Transportation expanded the plaza area and added amenities including in ground lighting, rain gardens and a shelter for bicycle racks.