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Fighter Jets in a Station

2008 Apr 3, 22h

60% design stage

Some questions answered and comments:

• No LEED certification since it doesn’t apply to stations. Station is naturally ventilated, no air-con or heating? But ST is really dedicated to the environment.
• Three entrances instead of two was a decision made by the ST Board in 2006 as a convenience and connection to SCCC.
• TOD possibilities will be decided after station completion. ST might lease the property long-term to a developer.
• Possibility for space allowing public performances in the station.
• Lots of questions and comments on the public artwork. (see below)
• Green walls on station entrances will provide greenery year-round.
• Appreciation for accommodating bicyclists. Recommend plan for cyclists with the city’s Bicycle Master Plan.

Tid-bits:

• The “secret” elevator at the south entrance will take you directly from the surface to the platforms.
• I noticed the temporary art installed on the condemned property to discourage vandalism and improve aesthetics. Boarded up windows feature natural scenes. Vividly colored and lit artwork fill the empty storefronts. Graffiti will be removed within 48 hours. SPD and patrols round the clock.
• Many people were saddened by the loss of the piroshky shop. Me too!
• Truck haul routes will use Denny and Olive Ways to reduce turning movements on Broadway.

The big brouhaha:

Mike Ross’s art concept for the station generated a lot of noise in the crowd. The artwork is suspended from the ceiling revealing itself as you descend into the station. From abstract blobs in the early concept he finally chose to use colored decomposed fighter-jets arranged to look non-aggressive, tools of war turned into something peaceful. Many didn’t buy it. Referring to the anti-war marches and a long history of protest in Seattle, they felt it was an inappropriate choice for the neighborhood. Some didn’t want to look at a fighter-jet everyday. Each time someone made a comment, many clapped and cheered. One questioned using tax-dollars to buy a fighter jet for this art installation.