The City of Seattle has approved work that will remove portions of the historic structures at Gas Works Park, a site recognized both as a local landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Information shared by Historic Seattle indicates the project includes taking down several structural elements connected to the park’s well-known towers, including features used for access and circulation.
The project plans outline: “Partial demolition/deconstruction of pedestrian appurtenances (ladders, catwalks and stairways, and associated supports) and removal of segment of elevated pipe connecting north and south cracking towers at Gasworks park, per plan.”
The site plan has visuals of what would be removed, shown in red below.
The work follows a safety-related directive issued by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), requiring the agency to address concerns associated with the towers. The order set a timeline for completing the work and outlined potential penalties for noncompliance.
Seattle Parks issued a report outlining its intentions in October:
“Specifically remove ‘Pedestrian Appurtenances that are designed to convey human beings vertically and horizontally along the towers, designed for the purposes of maintaining/servicing and operating the former gas works facility. The working assumption is that these appurtenances provide platforms and access for graffiti and have been accessed by trespassers to climb the towers, notwithstanding fencing and signage. Falls have occurred resulting in serious injury and death. Removing the appurtenances will eliminate them as a means of access, promoting public health and safety.”
Spokesperson for Seattle Parks Christina Hirsch says that as the property owner, SPR has previously worked to prevent and limit access to the cracking towers, which she says are not designed or maintained for public climbing or use.
“SPR has previously implemented and strengthened multiple safety measures, including hardened fencing, signs, and increased monitoring and maintenance efforts. The department has also evaluated additional deterrent strategies and consulted with experts in safety and human behavior to identify effective solutions,” she said in a statement to My Ballard.
“Despite these efforts, individuals continued to trespass and climb structures that include unsound components. SPR does not believe additional deterrent measures would sufficiently mitigate the safety risks to allow the structures to remain in their present condition.”
Historic Seattle also reports that the permit was issued without completing the usual review through the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, which typically evaluates proposed changes to designated landmarks before permits are granted.
Reporting from KING 5 adds context to the city’s actions. The outlet reports that the decision to remove portions of the towers comes amid a combination of factors, including a fatal fall involving a teenager, a lawsuit related to conditions at the park, and a long history of injuries tied to climbing on the structures.
KING 5 also reports that the city’s order to remove parts of the towers is tied to a deadline connected to those safety and legal concerns.
The City has set a May 15 deadline for addressing the safety concerns identified at the towers. If those conditions are not met by the deadline, the order outlines the possibility of enforcement actions, including fines.
Historic Seattle is encouraging residents to contact city officials to share their perspectives on both the project and the permitting process.
Photo: Seattle Parks and Recreation