Gateways Project
Gateways Project Team
Suzanne Simmons, Project Manager
Melvin Freeman, Design Team
Amanda Licorish Sahali, Design Team
Doreen Mitchum, Design Team
Gateways Project Survey
HCAACD desires your feedback regarding our Gateways Project in the Central Area. Gateways are defined as physical structures or design elements that mark the entrances or focal points of a neighborhood, and can be signs, landscape design, art, traffic-calming designs, or other markers to designate a community. Recognizing that there are current gateways in the CD, it is our hope that this project will add to existing markers. It is our goal to have an additional gateway underway by the end of 2026. Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Vision
“Gateways would be in the form of larger identity features such as iron or metal arches, large sculpted pieces, or actual archways, for example…”
Recommendation Submitted by: HCAACD Committee Chairs, Kibibi Monie (Place Making), Stephanie Johnson-Toliver (Community Audit) on May 24, 2017
Scope
Establish a Design Team to oversee the project from concept to installation of gateway sculptures at four entry points of the Central District.
Phase 1 (2023-2024)
The Design Team developed the gateway design criteria:
High visibility without traffic obstruction
Black cultural identity
Neighborhood relevant
The Design Team also reviewed over 20 artists with strong ties to the Central District and public art experience, and identified 8 artists to invite to submit project proposals.
Six potential gateway locations were identified (see map on the right)
Phase 2 (2025-2026)
Secure remaining funding: estimated cost per Gateway is $125K, for a total of $500K
Interview artists and select four proposals for contracting
Manage design development and art installation
The project is made possible thanks to support from the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, King County Office of Equity and Community Partnerships, and 4Culture.