McGraw Square Reopens as Part of Westlake Transportation Hub

Newly opened McGraw Square

McGraw Square Before Hub Construction (SDOT)

I was in Seattle last weekend and happened past the recently reopened McGraw square. After working across the street for over a year, and passing through McGraw Square nearly everyday, I can attest to the major improvement in pedestrian connectivity this provides. The previous square functioned as a slightly oversize pedestrian refuge in a sea of vehicles, rather than a public space as the new McGraw Square undoubtedly will. This initial phase is part of a larger hub strategy. Design features include a second streetcar platform (boarding from both sides), bicycle parking for up to 10 bikes, landscaped rain garden, energy efficient (LED) light tiles, trees to replace those removed during construction and oversized curb ramp with utility connection to facilitate mobile food vending and plaza programming. This first phase of the transportation hub strategy is a definite improvement and hopefully will build momentum for the remaining phases of the Westlake transportation hub strategy.

Redesigned McGraw Square (SDOT)

Seattle Streetcar at McGraw Square