Former substation on Market Street slated to become an electric vehicle charging site

Seattle City Light is planning to create an electric vehicle charging site at the former Market Street Substation (2826 NW Market St) next to Sloop Tavern and the VFW, and they’re looking for community feedback on the idea.

City Light purchased the parcel in 1957, and it was used as a substation for several decades. The substation was decommissioned in 1999 when larger, more reliable substations were developed in the area.

The site is currently a vacant and relatively flat gravel lot that’s been used for various purposes over the past 20 years. More recently, it was the site of an encampment for people experiencing homelessness from November 2015 to March 2018.

Now, City Light wants to turn it into an electrical vehicle charging site. They plan to lease it to two third-party electric vehicle service providers, which will be selected through a public charging competition on the site.

To comment on the project, email SCL_CommOutreach@seattle.gov before March 19, 2021. You can learn more about the project here.