CAPITOL HILL Light Rail Station lot size building size location primary project type
97,960 square feet 110,000 square feet 140 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102 civic
CAPITOL HILL LIGHT RAIL STATION seattle, wa 110,000 SF
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most urban and diverse neighborhoods. The commercial district around the station is a truly dynamic blend of retail, residential lofts, and social activity – and it was critical to Sound Transit and the community that the architecture of the new light rail station reflect the neighborhood’s energy, enhance its connection to the greater Seattle community, while providing a centering point for future commercial and residential development. The station platform is 90 feet below grade. It is critical that passengers are presented with an intuitive, safe, and delightful experience. The station platform is served by three entrances. The most complex entrance is off the intersection of Broadway and John; there is another at the Seattle Community College with an underground passage to the mezzanine level and a third entrance adjacent to Cal Anderson Park – a community gathering place. Natural light through clerestories lead passengers to their destination and provide a setting for outstanding art pieces by Mike Ross (Jet Kiss) and Ellen Forney (Crossed Pinkies and Walking Fingers).
The essence of connection – from a local to regional scale – particularly inspired the design team. Not only does this light rail station function as a key component for local mobility, but it also is a vital connector in a large-scale regional transportation plan. The design at the platform is simple and utilitarian incorporating elements of continuity within the Sound Transit system (i.e. pavers, wayfinding braids, and signage). Structural braces cross the station at two levels to alleviate hydrostatic pressure and provide a cathedral-like ceiling form.
E HARRISON ST MELROSE AVE E
I-5
E
CAPITOL HILL
E JOHN ST
NORTH ENTRY
AY W
O
PLATFORM
(underground) E DENNY WAY
SOUTH ENTRY
WEST ENTRY NAGLE PL
BROADWAY E
CRAWFORD PL
BELLEVUE AVE
MELROSE AVE
HARVARD AVE
E HOWELL ST
BROADWAY E
CAPITOL HILL STATION
V LI
CAPITOL HILL STATION
BOYLSTON AVE
SOUTH LAKE UNION
BOYLSTON AVE E
I-5
E THOMAS ST BELMONT AVE
HOWELL ST
LAKE UNION
E OLIVE ST
E JOHN ST
DENNY PARK DENNY WAY
E PINE ST
SEATTLE CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE LIV
EO
W O NT E W R O D CO
T
EE
CAL ANDERSON PARK E PINE STREET
AY EW
E DENNY WAY
N
SO
E
I AD
R ST
M
E PIKE STREET
N
FIRST HILL
CENTRAL DISTRICT N
N N
South Entry - North Elevation
North Entry - North Elevation
West Entry - East Elevation
The goal was to provide safe and accommodating ways for diverse user groups to experience mass transit in the greater Seattle area.
The simple building form at the street level of each station entry point allows for future transit-oriented development, currently under design.
The simultaneous experience of arrival and departure was a primary consideration in providing an architectural response that uses light, air, and color throughout the circulation spaces. This helps relieve user anxiety and creates a variety of experiences within the station box.
Mezzanine Level Plan
Platform Level Plan
Sharing Sound Transit’s commitment to permanent public art meant incorporating artwork that reflects the community spirit and enhances the transit experience for a diverse user group. Clockwise from top right: _Crossed Pinkies by Ellen Forney _Walking Fingers by Ellen Forney _Jet Kiss (partial view) by Mike Ross