DPD has published a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Northgate Urban Center. The UDF lays out a general direction for the type of development the City would like to see in the area in the future and the types of public improvements that should accompany that development.
While the UDF includes recommendations about the entire urban center, its focus is on the area closest to the planned light rail station – especially the large park-and-ride lot that currently serves Metro’s bus transit facility there. Anticipating the arrival of light rail here in 2021, Metro is planning to develop its property. The UDF provides guidance for producing new buildings and uses on the site that will create a new lively and attractive neighborhood that builds on the existing Thornton Place development and that provides new riders for the light rail.
The UDF can be viewed on DPD’s Northgate Urban Design website. We will also soon post a questionnaire about preferences for the future of the area on our site.
DPD’s work on the Northgate light rail station area is part of an effort led by the Puget Sound Regional Council. That effort is identifying how jurisdictions throughout the region can shape station areas in ways that will benefit the local communities while meeting common regional goals.