Community Building Placemaking Chinatown

COMMUNITY BUILDING AND PLACEMAKING: Eleven Projects for Neighborhood Revitalization in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District

Work of Community Design Studio Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Washington, Spring 2002 Edited by Jeffrey Hou and Michael Horner

COMMUNITY BUILDING & PLACEMAKING:

Eleven Projects for Neighborhood Revitalization in Seattle’s

Chinatown-International District

Edited by Jeffrey Hou and Michael Horner

Community Design Studio Department of Landscape Architecture

University of Washington

Instructor: Jeffrey Hou, Assistant Professor Graduate Students: Nathalie Abcede, Ellen Fitzsimmons, Sunny C-W. Ho,

Kristin Kildall, Peter T-H. Lau, Trent Lloyd, Anna O'Connell, Carolyn Salisbury, Jan Satterthwaite, Douglas Shaw, Gretchen Stromberg

Spring 2002

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Table of Content Acknowledgement iii 1. Introduction 1-1 Purpose and Objectives 1-1 Unfolding of the Studio Process 1-2 Common Ground and Contested Terrain 1-2 Eleven Projects vs. One Master Plan 1-3 2. Community Interviews 2-1 Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area 2-3 Chinatown Chamber of Commerce 2-5 Chong Wa Benevolent Association 2-7 Inter*Im Community Development Association 2-9 International District Housing Alliance 2-11 Little Saigon Business Association 2-13 Wing Luke Asian Museum 2-15 Analysis of Interview Findings 2-18 3. Site Analysis 3-1 Surrounding Context 3-2 Traffic and Parking Conditions 3-4 Natural Processes 3-6 Street Conditions 3-8 Location Pattern 3-10 Building Conditions and Typology 3-12 Cultural Characters 3-16 Sacred Places 3-18 4. Design Projects 4-1 Urban Families Enclave/ Nathalie Abcede 4-4 Little Saigon Urban Design Guideline/ Ellen Fitzsimmons 4-8

Street as Symbolic Landscape/ Sunny C-W. Ho 4-13 Go Hing Festival Alley/ Kristin Kildall 4-18 Urban Incubators/ Peter T-H. Lau 4-25 Intersections as Courtyards/ Trent Lloyd 4-29 Jackson Street: Rethinking Urban Open Space/ Anna O'Connell 4-31 Maynard Artisans’ Alley/ Carolyn Salisbury 4-34 Jackson Street: Engaging the Narrative Landscape/ Jan Satterthwaite 4-38 Pattern Language for Community Self-made Design/ Douglas Shaw 4-41 Alley as Living Space/ Gretchen Stromberg 4-43 5. Design and Policy Recommendations 5-1

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Acknowledgement This project and its outcome would not be possible without the participation of many community members and professionals in the Chinatown-International District. We would also like to thank all those who have participated in the interviews and shared with us their views on important issues in the community. We are especially grateful to those who helped arrange the community interviews – Stella Chao of IDHA, Tom Im of Inter*Im Community Development Association, Betty Lau of Chong Wa Benevolent Association, Tam Nguyen of the Little Saigon Business Association, May Wang of Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Pauline Zeestraten of Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area and the staff of Wing Luke Asian Museum. This studio was conceived through an initial contact between Kenneth Yeh and Dan Abramson that also led to a class taught by Dan in Winter 2002. Tom Im provided important community contacts and assisted throughout the course of the studio project. Doug Chin gave a lecture to the class on the history of the neighborhood and prepared us with a better understanding of the community. Bob Santos, along with Tom Im, took us on an inspiring tour of the neighborhood and shared with us their insights on many pertinent issues. Dan Abramson made a presentation on the background of architectural forms in Chinatowns in the U.S. and worked with the students in the studio. Lynne Manzo prepared the students for conducting the focus-group interviews and developed the initial list of interview questions. She also conducted two of the focus-group interviews. Members of the design team including Kenichi Nakano, Edgar Yang, Jim Yamaguchi, Nhon Truong, Nicole Kistler and Kenneth Yeh spent long hours in critiquing the students’ work. Their input greatly enriched the work of the studio. Chair Iain Robertson has lent his strong support and encouragement for the project since the beginning. Joel Schwartz of the University’s News and Information Office was quick to distribute press releases for the studio’s final review. We would also like to thank those who participated in the final studio review, including the community/focus-group representatives, members of the design team, architects Dennis Su and Ming Zhang, Dan Abramson, and the faculty of the UW Department of Landscape Architecture – Kristina Hill, Julie Johnson, Lynne Manzo, Nancy Rottle and Daniel Winterbottom.

1. INTRODUCTION Purpose and Objectives Started as an ethnic enclave in the 1860’s, the Chinatown-International District in Seattle today is a place of immigrant histories, personal and family memories, community pride, and home to many elderly residents, restaurants and businesses. Being a multi-ethnic neighborhood located at the edge of downtown Seattle, it is also a place where forces of cultural and spatial contestations are manifested in the everyday environment, from the encroaching office development to issues of cultural representation in the design of streetscapes and public art. This report presents the work of a graduate-level community design studio in the Department of Landscape Architecture at University of Washington in studying the urban design problems and opportunities of the Chinatown-International District and in generating preliminary concepts and strategies in response to the identified issues. The scope of this project included an inventory of the physical conditions of the District (as defined by 4th Avenue, Yesler Way, Rainier Avenue and Dearborn Street), focus-group interviews with selected community organizations and the development of a series of urban design proposals in response to the issues identified in the site survey and community interviews. Rather than focusing solely on physical solutions, this studio places urban design in the larger context of community building, placemaking, identity formation and collective actions. The central question in the studio concerns the roles of ethnic communities in cities and how placemaking through architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and community participation can help articulate and facilitate those roles. As part of an ongoing effort to develop an urban design master plan to guide future development and improvement in the District, the primary goals of the studio are (1) to assist the local community organizations in setting goals for the master plan, and (2) to develop preliminary design strategies that can facilitate dialogues in the planning and design process.

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Through the focus-group interviews and distribution of this report, we hope to encourage discussions among the community groups, residents and businesses about the implications and opportunities of the current planning process in creating an urban design plan for the District. Through interactions with the community and presentation of the proposals, we hope to encourage the community members to participate in a public process to discuss the future of the community and the issues and opportunities for improving the quality of life and the environment in the District. We hope the work of the studio will contribute to the creation of a plan that addresses the concerns and the interests of the community as well as design outcomes that embody the cultural and place identities of the neighborhood.. Unfolding of the Studio Process The design studio took place from April to June 2002. Eleven students from the departments of Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, and Architecture at the University of Washington began with a preliminary visit of the site and finalized on a set of interview questions with the help of Assistant Professors Lynne Manzo and Dan Abramson. They also developed a list of issues to study through site observations. In the following two weeks, the students conducted a series of interviews with five local community organizations including the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (BIA), InterIm Community Development Association, International District Housing Alliance, and Little Saigon Business Association. In addition, Professor Lynne Manzo kindly contributed her expertise to moderate two additional interviews with Chong Wa Benevolent Association and Wing Luke Asian Museum. While the number of organizations was limited by the time constraint of this project, the selection was intended to reflect a broad range of perspectives from different sectors in the community. In between the focus-group interviews, the students also conducted detailed inventories of the physical condition of the District on topics ranging from street conditions to the location pattern of businesses in the District. The findings from the interviews and site observations formed the basis for the next stage of developing design proposals. A list of criteria was developed to ensure that the design proposals addressed the specific problems and opportunities as identified in the

interview and site survey. In the final four weeks of the studio, the students each concentrated on developing one design proposal that would together contribute to improvement of physical and social space in the District. In April, a design team for the actual urban design project funded by the South Downtown Foundation was selected that would consist of Nakano Associates, Mayumi Tsutakawa, Edgar Yang and Kenneth Yeh. To ensure an effective linkage between the studio work and the formal project, we invited the design team to critique the student work in the studio. The final products of the studio work, including the community study and the design proposals, were presented at the final studio review on campus to an audience of community/focus-group representatives, members of the design team, and the faculty in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at UW. A press release about the final review was distributed by the UW News and Information Office and was published by the Daily Journal of Commerce. Common Ground and Contested Terrain As we studied the neighborhood issues and listened to many members of the community including residents, business owners and staff of social organizations, we became aware of the often contesting views and competing claims on many issues in the community, from parking, housing and open space to the very name of the District itself. However, in analyzing the findings of the interviews and site survey, we are also convinced that the urban design process provides an unique opportunity to find common ground on many issues related to improving the conditions of the District. While there are disagreements on many issues, there is also a strong desire shared by all the people we interviewed to make the neighborhood a better place to live and work. In this report, we identified five main areas of concern as expressed by those who participated in the interviews. They include street livability, community and place identities, balancing neighborhood and development needs, open/green space and development guidelines. However, while these shared concerns offer opportunities for building consensus, we believe that given the District’s uniqueness as a multi-ethnic neighborhood undergoing significant social and economic changes, it is important to engage in a substantive and constructive debate on many of the issues from housing and development to open

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space. We believe that such a debate in an open community process is critical to finding creative and appropriate solutions to the area’s many challenging issues. Eleven Projects vs. One Master Plan As originally conceived, a primary objective of the studio project (as well as the primary scope of the actual urban design plan) was to produce a master plan for the District that would include specific plans for intersections, streetscape and open spaces, as well as review of existing zoning ordinances and recommendations for pilot projects. However, upon an evaluation of the diverse needs of the neighborhood and in recognition of the social process needed to implement the design, we decided to take a decentralized approach of developing a series of smaller-scale proposals that target specific sites and issues within the District. Because of the relative scale and specificity of the location and issue, each of the proposals can be adopted by a community organization as a pilot project. The approach would allow the local organizations to become more engaged in the planning and design process. It would facilitate and encourage more diverse expressions of cultural and place identities in the District and closer attention to issues that are particularly important to a specific part of the community. In addition, in the context of the studio, the approach would allow for individual student creativity and avoid duplicating the work of the formal design team. In a diverse neighborhood such as the Chinatown-International District, the process of creating meaningful places and a livable community requires more than a technical design exercise alone. It needs to involve a continuingly evolving process in building of social relations, articulation of shared goals and values, and mobilization of resources. While an urban design master plan would provide opportunities for debating and creating an overall vision of the neighborhood and serves as a useful step in obtaining outside resources for implementation, we believe that a decentralized approach as presented in this report would complement an urban design master plan by facilitating a broader community process, allowing the community members to take ownership, and make urban design a meaningful action in the process of community building and placemaking.

2. COMMUNITY INTERVIEWS Overview To acquire a better understanding of the issues in the District from the perspectives of the local community, we conducted a series of interviews with the staff of selected local community organizations in the neighborhood. With the exception of the BIA where only the Executive Director was available for interview, all other interviews were focus-group interviews. The organizations, including the BIA, Chong Wa Benevolent Association, Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Inter*Im Community Development Association, International District Housing Alliance, Little Saigon Business Association and Wing Luke Asian Museum, were selected to reflect the diverse perspectives in the District, including those of the business organizations, social service organizations and ethnic associations. The interview questions (see next page) were adapted from a list originally developed by Professor Lynne Manzo and were designed primarily to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the area in terms of spatial functions and characteristics and the needs for improvement as perceived by the local community. By comparing the responses from the different organizations, a secondary objective was to identify common as well as competing views and perceptions within the District toward the various issues. This chapter summarizes the findings from the interviews as organized by the different groups. By analyzing the results of the interviews, we identified five major areas of concerns with implications for an urban design plan for the District, which are street livability, cultural and place identities, balance neighborhood and development needs, open/green space, and development guidelines. The summary of the interviews is followed by a description of the five major areas of concern.

2. Community Interviews

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Focus Group Interview Questions:

1. Do you live/work in the Chinatown-ID? 2. What does your organization do? 3. What do you think are the greatest strengths/assets of this

neighborhood? 4. What are its greatest weaknesses, challenges, and/or

problems?

• What improvements are needed or would you like to see? • What works well and what doesn’t?

5. What do you think can be done to meet these

challenges/needs? 6. How do you think the Chinatown-ID is perceived by the rest of

the city?

• Do you think that is positive or negative? 7. What message or image of the Chinatown-ID would you like to

convey to the city?

• What do you think can be done to facilitate this message/image you would like conveyed?

8. What are the places in neighborhood that are important to the

communities?

• Where do people gather or meet? • Where are the socially and historically important places?


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Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (BIA) iEstablished in 1994 iExtends from 4th Ave to I-5 & Dearborn Street to Yesler Street iMade flags and painted columns under I-5 iInstalled dragons on light poles iOrganized Lunar New Year celebration Students interviewed members of the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (BIA). Most members are shop owners who do not necessarily live in the International District. The BIA was established in 1994. It extends from 4th Avenue on the west to Interstate 5 on the east. Dearborn Street forms its southern border and its northern border is Yesler Street. Some of its activities include making flags for the International District, painting the columns under Interstate 5 with an Asian motif, organizing events such as the Lunar New Year celebration and installing dragon poles. Strengths & Assets Students asked Executive Director Pauline Zeestraten of the BIA to identify some of the District’s strengths and weaknesses. She identified as a strength the number and variety of affordable restaurants in the District that attract people from other areas. She also said that the fact that the district serves as a hub for Asian Americans was an important strength. Some of the District’s most important assets are its many landmarks and gathering places. Among these places she listed was Hing Hay Park on King Street but she said that this park needs improvement. Other important locations included the Danny Woo Garden, the community bulletin board on 7th Avenue and the elderly organizations located in the basement of the Bush Hotel. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems Although Ms. Zeestraten said that restaurants are an important business in the District, their over-proliferation has become a problem. She said

Strengths & Assets 1. Number and variety of affordable restaurants 2. Hub for Asian-American community 3. Gathering places such as Hing Hay Park, Danny Woo Garden,

community bulletin board on 7th Street. 4. Social services in the Bush Hotel

Challenges 1. Shortage of Parking Spaces 2. Street sanitation 3. Substandard and vacant buildings (Seattle’s highest

concentration) 4. Aging population

Strategies 1. Find ways to increase available parking spaces 2. Establish shuttle bus service to the District Perceptions of the District 1. Substandard buildings create a bad impression. 2. People do not see a reason to visit the District. 3. People do not know the boundaries of the District. They confuse

surrounding areas for being part of the District.

Communicating Positive Image

1. Create more social spaces to attract young Asian Americans 2. Install public art to reinforce Asian American identity


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that there is not enough regulation concerning the growth of the number of restaurants. This is resulting in their failure through competition and a lack of parking spaces. Short-term parking spaces are often occupied by people who work in the district, resulting in a loss of customers. This also damages businesses as potential employees may choose not to work in the district because they cannot find parking. When there is a Mariners game at Safeco Field parking problems are made worse. BIA Concern was also expressed over the physical condition of the neighborhood. Streets remain dirty because there are no street sweepers working in the District. Ms. Zeestraten also cited the prevalence of substandard buildings in the district as being a problem. There are 9 substandard buildings in 26 blocks, making this the highest concentration in Seattle. She said that it is difficult to get owners to rehabilitate their substandard buildings. There are a number of reasons for this. Some inherited their buildings from an older generation and do not have the necessary knowledge or incentive to rehabilitate the buildings. Others may be wary of the financial risk of investing in their buildings. Finally, the aging population of the District was cited as a potential future challenge. As the older generation gradually disappears, more middle-income people will move into new housing projects. They will have different needs that the District will have to meet. Strategies for Meeting Challenges Although the District’s review board includes requirements for providing parking, the requirements are easy to meet without really making an impact on the problem. To alleviate the parking situation BIA suggested working with Metro to establish shuttle bus services from other parts of the city to the District. Perceptions of the District The perception of the District by the rest of the city was also discussed during this interview. It was described that some people have a bad impression of the area, partly because of the large number of substandard buildings. This impression is increased by the fact that many people confuse surrounding, run-down areas, with the District. The BIA would like to make this distinction clear to the rest of the city. It was argued that many people do not see any need to visit the District.

To attract people to the District, it was said that the District should pursue its role as a hub for the Asian American community in Seattle. The BIA would like to promote the Asian character of the neighborhood as well as its history. This would include acknowledging all ethnic groups in the neighborhood. They would like to avoid the District becoming a “Disney” version of the Asian-American community, however. Communicating Positive Messages about the District Ms. Zeestraten was asked how to best convey the image of the District the BIA would like the rest of the city to have. She said that there is a need for more social places in the District. This would help to attract young Asian Americans to the District so that it will continue to be the hub for the next generation. She also suggested more signs, dragon poles and other pieces of public art to enhance the Asian character of the area. Other Issues Other issues discussed in the interview included the debate over the name of the District. For outsiders, the name “International District” may not let people know what the District is about.


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Chinatown Chamber of Commerce • Founded in 1963 • Advocate for Chinese businesses • Wing Luke was a founding member and early leader

Students interviewed board members of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (CCC). The Chinatown Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1963. Its primary role is to further the interests of Chinese businesses in the area. One of its early leaders was Wing Luke. As a Seattle city council member he was the first Chinese American to hold elected office in the Northwest.

Strengths & Assets

Members of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce cited several strengths of the District. It provided the roots for life in a new country and continues to be the focal point of the Chinese American community in the Northwest. It provides services and restaurants for this community. Even after many people save up money and move to the suburbs they return to use these services. They are also drawn by the history of the community. The painting of the columns under Interstate 5 and other public art enhance the Chinese American history and feel of the District. Finally, the district’s proximity to Interstate 5 increases its accessibility to residents of other areas. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems Members of the CCC mentioned a number of weaknesses of the District as well. One concern was disagreement among different stakeholders in the District. They said it is hard to get different cultural groups and interests to agree. Another challenge to the District is the lack of affordable housing. There is also the tendency for many to migrate to the suburbs. These two factors make it difficult to maintain the character of the area. One concern discussed during the interview is common to many in the District. This is the lack of parking in the area as well as problems with gridlock and traffic safety. Finally, public safety was mentioned as an important factor in attracting visitors to the area.

Strengths & Assets 1. Focal Point of Chinese-American Community 2. Services and Restaurants for Chinese-American Community 3. History, art and character of the district 4. Accessibility to other parts of town

Challenges 1. Disagreements among stakeholders 2. Lack of housing 3. Migration to the suburbs 4. Traffic and parking congestion 5. Public safety

Strategies 1. Shuttle bus to downtown to relieve congestion 2. Streetscape improvements to attract more visitors Perceptions of the District 1. The district is mysterious and only curious and adventurous visit 2. Crime 3. Confusion over name and ethnic identity


1. Promote the Chinese community in the District 2. Preserve, highlight and enhance Chinese characters on the

street 3. Chinese gate to delineate Chinatown 4. Revive “Chinatown” as a name for at least part of the District


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Strategies for Meeting Challenges Members of the CCC made a number of suggestions to counter these issues. To alleviate parking and traffic problems they suggested operating a small bus to shuttle people from downtown. This would bring visitors from hotels and restaurants. They would also like to conduct a beautification campaign, including alley cleaning and building improvements to attract more visitors. Perceptions of the District The focus group also discussed perceptions of the District by the rest of the city. According to them, many people think of the District as being “mysterious” and that only the curious and adventurous visit. They also say that the District is perceived as being dangerous and unsafe. The argument over the name of the District has also sent some undesirable messages. There is confusion over the correct name of the District. It creates the perception that there are not a lot of Chinese in the area. They say that different ethnic groups in the District need their own identities. The say that the current name International District lumps everyone into a culturally indistinguishable group. Communicating Positive Messages about the District Members of the CCC would like to promote the Chinese character of the District. They are concerned about the Chinese character being eliminated or blended with other cultures to the point that is unrecognizable. They would like Seattle’s Chinese community to have as strong of a Chinese character as those of other cities. To promote the Chinese character of their community, members of the CCC favor a number of steps. They would increase the visibility of Chinese culture in the area. They would like to preserve, highlight and enhance Chinese characters on the street. They would like to install a Chinese gate to make the entrance of the area obvious. This would include a pair of lions, which are a symbol of Chinese culture. They would like to promote Chinese institutions such as Family shrines and Chinese opera clubs that the public does not currently know about. They also suggest changing the name of the District, or at least part of it, back to Chinatown. They would accept the name “Chinatown-International

District”, however. This would help in marketing the Chinese character of the District. Overall, they would like to do more to communicate the image of Chinatown and to conduct more community projects to enhance its image.


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Chong Wa Benevolent Association • Building completed in 1929 • Umbrella organization for Chinese groups in Washington State • Offers language classes, citizenship classes and holds events On May 8, 2002 three University of Washington professors and a graduate student held a focus group with members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association to find out some of their views on the Chinatown-International District. Chong Wa was founded in 1929 as an umbrella organization for Chinese organizations in Washington state. Strengths & Assets Sense of Community When asked what makes Chinatown unique, members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association said that this is a “strong community”. This is shown in the fact that “you can walk down the street and you see people you’ve seen before. You just kind of nod to them, you don’t even have to say hello.” They credit this sense of community to the Chinese culture they were brought up in. Although they acknowledge some problems with crime in the area, they say they usually feel safe walking around Chinatown. They also say that this is an area that welcomes visitors. Families are a particularly important part of the fabric of the community. Focus group participants said that people may not know you personally but they know your family. As a result, even people you are not related to become like relatives, resulting in a caring community. As evidence, they cited services for the elderly, immigrants, the youth and non-English speakers. Another thing that makes Chinatown unique is the fact that it is the focal point for Chinese culture in the area. This leads to a sense of ethnic pride and a sense of cultural identity in the area. It also attracts outsiders such as tourists and school groups who want to learn more about the Chinese culture and lifestyle. According to focus group participants, Chinatown transcends the normal

Strengths & Assets 1. Sense of Community 2. Buildings owned by Chinese-American families for generations 3. Important places such as the Chong Wa building and the Wing

Luke building 4. Chinese-American institutions and traditions

Challenges 1. Name and identity of the District 2. Impact of new stadiums 3. Elderly population needs care 4. Children/youth need activities

Strategies 1. Include “Chinatown” name to increase marketability of the Chinatown-International District 2. Promote Chinatown as a distinct community

Perceptions of the District 1. Some are not aware of the existence of Chinatown in Seattle 2. A place to learn about Chinese culture 3. Chinatown has lost its negative connotations as a segregated neighborhood 4. Seattle Chinatown represented internationally by the Drill Team

Communicating Positive Image 1. Welcome visitors to Chinatown 2. Promote Chinatown as a place to learn about Chinese culture 3. Promote strong families in the district 4. Communicate to the general public the significance of Chinatown


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definition of a neighborhood and encompasses the broader Chinese community in the area. According to one member

“We identify with Chinatown. No matter where we live, Chinatown is our….community that is region wide, and Chinatown is the center of that.”

Chinatown includes every person of Chinese descent who looks to Chinatown as the center of their community. They are just as much a part of the community as if they lived there. That is why many of them come here for a Chinese meal even though there are Chinese restaurants in other areas as well. Members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association say that the concept of Chinatown as being more important than just a neighborhood has been difficult to communicate to people outside of their community. Chinese-owned Buildings Another unique aspect of Chinatown is the fact that its buildings represent the history of the Chinese community in Seattle. Many of the buildings in the area were owned by some of the first Chinese people to arrive in the area. They organized into family associations and built many of the properties in the District. Many members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association grew up in and around these buildings. As one member said “Chinatown has been my place for all my life.” In some cases, the buildings are still owned by the original families. Although many have moved to other neighborhoods, they are still drawn to the old neighborhood. The buildings are tangible reminders of the uniqueness of Chinatown. Important Places in the Community Members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association were asked what they thought were some of the most important and meaningful places in Chinatown. They mentioned some of the properties that have long been in the Chinese community. This includes the Chong Wa Association building and the property behind it. This property “belongs to the entire community.” Another one of the buildings that has been owned by the Chinese community for decades was an opera house in the 1920s. Yet another building once housed the Chinese school in Seattle. Perhaps

some of the most meaningful places in Chinatown are the family shrines that have been maintained over the generations. The Association conducts a tour that takes visitors to 12 of the most important places in Chinatown. Institutions and Traditions The focus group also discussed some of the important institutions and traditions in Chinatown. One of the most important is the Wing Luke Museum. Other important establishments are the many businesses in Chinatown. Restaurants in particular serve as gathering places. Another important entity in the community is the Drill Team. It has been performing for 50 years. They are a staple at the Sea Fair parade and they march at the Chinatown-International District Street Fair. They have performed internationally for distinguished government officials and have marched in parades around the world. Chinatown: an International Phenomenon Seattle’s Chinatown has counterparts all over the world. Most people are aware that there are Chinatowns in Canada, as well as major American cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. New York, in fact, has more than one Chinatown. Southeast Asian cities such as Bangkok and East Asian cities such as Yokohama also have Chinatowns. What is surprising is that there are even Chinatowns in Dakar, Senegal as well as Barrio Chine in Spain. Chong Wa Benevolent Association members take pride in being part of an international community. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems “Chinatown” verses “International District” One of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association members was asked to express his views on the name of Chinatown-International District. He said he is concerned that not calling the area Chinatown is resulting in a loss of business. He fears that tourists are not aware that Seattle has a Chinatown and that the name International District does not communicate the neighborhood’s identity to potential customers.


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Another member of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association also gave several cultural and historical reasons for wanting the District to be called Chinatown. He cites the many Chinese businesses and institutions in the area and says that this history should be acknowledged. He also cites cultural pride and the fact that this area was called Chinatown for decades. Many of the members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association grew up calling the District Chinatown. It was pointed out that the area is called Chinatown on the National Historic Register. Although many members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association said that the name Chinatown once had negative connotations, this is not the case anymore. At one time, Chinatown was “the Chinese ghetto”; a poor part of town where Chinese people lived segregated from the rest of society. But more recently it has simply become the place where Chinese restaurants are concentrated. Some members said they accept the name Chinatown/International District, especially since it is the one officially adopted by the City of Seattle. They consider this a compromise. They do not want the name Chinatown deleted completely, however. They want to be a distinct community. Other Issues Aside from the debate over the name of this area, focus group participants expressed concern over the impact of stadiums on the area. They say that when a game is taking place at one of the stadiums it discourages visitors from going to Chinatown. Other challenges also exist in this community. There is a need to care for the elderly. The community relies on volunteers to do much of the work. Another need is to care for the children in the community. The Chinese Athletic Association exists to fill the need for youth activities. The Drill Team also helps to fill this need. Members of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association concluded by mentioning two other issues of concern. They would like to see decisions in this area made by the agreement of all concerned parties. They would like various organizations involved in decision making to actively seek the input of members of the Chinese community and they would like to avoid assumptions being made about what is best for Chinatown.

Inter*Im Community Development Association • Founded in 1969 • Mission is to revitalize Chinatown-International District • Housing and Public Safety among the early issues it addressed • Inter*Im Community Development Association founded in 1979 Students interviewed staff of the Inter*Im Community Development Association on April 22nd 2002. Inter*Im was founded in 1969. Its mission is to help revitalize the Chinatown/International District community. It originally tackled the problems of housing shortages, public safety and the effects of I-5 construction. In 1979 Inter*Im established Inter*Im Community Development Association, a non-profit community development corporation, to continue working to promote the revitalization of the International District community for the benefit of its low income and minority residents, and small businesses. Inter*Im has worked to promote revitalization, but without gentrification and displacement, and has been actively involved in issues affecting the broader Asian-Pacific community. Strengths & Assets The focus group mentioned a number of positive aspects of the District. They mentioned the strong sense of community that exists here. People know each other in the neighborhood and work together to accomplish common goals. This is true of people who live in the neighborhood as well as people who live elsewhere but work and play in the District. Certain locations help to promote this sense of community. Important community gathering places mentioned were the Danny Woo Garden, Hing Hay Park and the Union Station Plaza space. Restaurants, nightclubs such as the Aristocrat and the Ritz Dance club were also mentioned as important gathering places. Important commercial spaces are Uwajimaya and the Saturday market in Little Saigon at 12th and Jackson. Family Associations and the Chinese Opera at the Chong Wa building were also mentioned as important cultural and social institutions. They also mentioned the high number of social services and small businesses as being an asset of the


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Strengths & Assets 1. Sense of community 2. Gathering places for the community 3. Social services 4. Small businesses 5. Inclusive, Pan-Asian nature of the community 6. History of the District Challenges

1. Vacant buildings 2. New construction not appropriate to the District 3. Building design guidelines are not adequate to prevent

inappropriate development 4. Lack of open space designed for public use 5. Public safety concerns: drug use, pedestrian safety, children’s

safety Strategies 1. Marketing campaign 2. Create more public housing in vacant buildings 3. Implement new design guidelines 4. Streetscape improvements such as public art and cultural icons 5. Remove dumpsters and clean up alleys 6. Increase open-space and plant more trees 7. Improve pedestrian safety by installing more crosswalks and

lights 8. Visibly increase security patrols to deter crime Perceptions of the District 1. Lack of public awareness of the District 2. Lack of public knowledge of diversity in the district 3. Perception of the District as being a high crime area 4. Many people appreciate the central location of the district 5. District seen as being a gateway to the US for Asian immigrants

community. They see the inclusive, Pan-Asian nature of the community as being a positive aspect. The history of the area and its density contribute to the unique identity of the area. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems Inter*Im also cited some challenges to the International District. One was the issue of vacant buildings in the District. They believe owners of vacant buildings should sell their properties to be made into low or mixed income housing. They expressed concern over new buildings that do not address street conditions, are made from poor materials and do not relate to the historic character of the District. They cite a lack of building design guidelines as a contributing factor to this problem. What open spaces exist, the staff of Inter*Im says, are designed to benefit developers, not the community. There is also a lack of a fitness center in the neighborhood. Inter*Im staff members also mentioned public safety concerns as significant challenges to the District. They say the neighborhood is not kid-friendly. There is a high drug use rate. They also say there is a lack of safe connections with the rest of the city such as pedestrian thoroughfares. Strategies for Meeting Challenges Inter*Im staff members made a number of suggestions for improving conditions in the District. They suggested a marketing campaign to increase the profile of the District. Creating more housing would lead to an increase in the diversity of commercial amenities such as a hardware store, a tailor and small grocery stores. They say that this would take some time, however. They suggest implementing new design guidelines to ensure new buildings fit the character of the area. They also suggest streetscape improvements such as public art and cultural icons to remind people they are in the International District. They also suggest removing dumpsters from alleys to improve their appearance. They would like to see an increase in open spaces designed to benefit the community. At the very least they would like to see more trees planted in the neighborhood. Compared to other neighborhoods in Seattle, the District is clearly lacking as much open space and greenery. People who live here don’t have easy access out of neighborhood because they don’t own cars and because the public transportation is not as good as other cities. For this reason it is even more important to


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improve open space within the neighborhood and to improve its accessibility to other parts of the city. They suggest increasing connections to Pioneer Square. They would also like to see changes made to make the area safer. They would like to visibly increase security from 3rd Avenue to Little Saigon to deter crime. Perceptions of the District The Inter*Im staff also discussed what they think is the perception of the District by the rest of the city. They cite a lack of public awareness of the District in the rest of the city. Many people outside of the District are aware of the shopping and eating opportunities but do not know that this is a community with 3,000 residents. Evidence of a lack of public knowledge about the District is the fact that many are not aware of the diversity of cultures represented here. They say that the physical dilapidation of buildings increases the perception that this is a dangerous neighborhood. The Inter*Im staff also pointed to the public perception of the District being unsafe, especially at night. This is especially true because of the drug problem in the area. On the positive side, people like the District’s central location close to downtown as well as the Metro free ride zone that extends to the District. They also say the general public perception of the District is that it is a gateway to the United States for Asian immigrants.

International District Housing Alliance (IDHA)

Students interviewed the staff of the International District Housing Alliance (IDHA) on April 18th, 2002, to find out what they see as some of the assets and problems in the International District as well as some possible solutions. The IDHA was founded in 1979 to advocate and promote affordable housing. It is the primary housing agency serving the Asian and Pacific Islander community in Seattle. It serves the cultures in this community by producing materials in their languages. Strengths & Assets Staff members of IDHA cited a number of attributes as assets to the District’s community. They cited the history of this area as a home to the Asian American community as well as its cultural heritage. This community has continuity because it is a place that some families have lived in for generations. The language support and social services that exist here attract many residents to this area. These services include IDHA, the Bush Hotel which houses 6 social service agencies and the Asian Resource Center. The existence of affordable housing also helps retain residents. Despite widespread impressions to the contrary, the District is also relatively safe according to staff members of IDHA. This community has many opportunities for recreation and education as well as tourism. Some of these include Hing Hay Park, the Danny Woo Gardens, the Wing Luke Museum as well as many interesting shops. These factors contribute to the strong community feeling in the District. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems The staff of IDHA also discussed some of the challenges confronting the District’s community. They mentioned the need for the community to be more inclusive. They say some members of the community are not heard so they give up trying to be involved. There is a need to recognize the needs of residents especially in regard to age and income. Those who do not speak English, especially the elderly, need to be included by increasing dialogue in their language. There is also a need for physical improvements to the community. This would include the construction of a community center and library.


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Strengths & Assets 1. History of the District as home to Asian-American community 2. Language support and social services 3. Affordable housing 4. Relatively safe neighborhood 5. Recreation, education and tourism opportunities 6. Strong community feeling Challenges 1. Need to be more inclusive of all member of the community 2. Need to recognize the needs of residents, especially the elderly,

low-income families and those who do not speak English 3. Lack of public facilities such as a community center and a library

as well as space for community services 4. Vacant and dilapidated buildings need to be renovated 5. Inappropriate new construction that do not contribute to the

district 6. Alleys need to be cleaned up 7. Vacant lots need to be utilized 8. Public safety needs to be improved including 911 response time,

drug use, violent crime and traffic safety

Strategies 1. Decisions should involve a multicultural group representing

various interests in the district 2. Construct new public amenities and facilities 3. Streetscape improvements such as trees, green spaces and

children’s art 4. Improve mobility for the disabled 5. Renovate dilapidated buildings 6. Sanitation improvements in alleys 7. Public safety improvements such as increased police presence 8. Trash cans and recycle bins to decrease littering 9. Reduce alcohol problems by creating regional alcohol impact

area

Perceptions of the District 1. A lack of recognition of diverse assets in the District 2. Lack of consistency in the name of the District creates an

ambiguous impression.

There is also a need for affordable office space for community services and meeting spaces. Staff members of IDHA would also like to see the renovation of vacant and partially vacant buildings. They said abandoned buildings are unsafe and aesthetically unpleasant and cause a chain reaction of deterioration in the community. They are especially interested in seeing the Rex Apartments and the Eastern Hotel renovated to create more affordable housing for those below 30% of the median income. New construction, such as the two new stadiums has not alleviated some of these infrastructure problems. Because they are modern buildings they do not fit well into the District. Their contribution to the community is minimal because they do not provide any space for the community to use and do not bring more business to the District. Alleys in the International District also need attention. They are too dark and dirty because garbage collection is too infrequent. They say garbage needs to be collected in the alleys more than once a week. They would also like vacant lots to be utilized for new construction and additional parking. The staff of the IDHA would also like improvements in public safety in the district. This is especially true because of the large elderly population in the District. Language barriers create complications in making 911 calls for emergency services and there is a slow emergency response time to this neighborhood. The IDHA staff says that crime is especially a problem in Hing Hay Park. In addition, stadium crowds often behave disrespectfully in the District including littering. Traffic safety is also an issue in the District. There is a problem with people speeding through the District especially during rush hour. This is particularly true at the intersections of 5th, 8th, 10th Avenues and Jackson. Stop signs have not been effective in stopping accidents, and stoplights are required instead. As members of other groups have said, new development on the periphery of the District has increased traffic


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and parking problems. The traffic safety issue is especially urgent because there are many pedestrians in this neighborhood. Strategies for Meeting Challenges IDHA staff members had a number of suggestions for alleviating these problems in the District. They emphasized that any actions must be decided upon by a multicultural group of community members representing a wide cross section of the district. This includes decisions about programming and hiring in city and social service processes. They suggested the construction of new public amenities such as a public theater and a traditional temple. They also suggested planting more trees, increasing green spaces and children’s art installations to improve the appearance of the street. Adding more welcoming signs on the periphery of the District would also help reinforce the sense of community at the street level. To aid in the mobility of the disabled, they would like to see curb cuts improved at corners. Dilapidated building would be renovated to provide more community space and housing. The IDHA staff would like to see improved dumpster and trash collection to improve the appearance of alleys and streets. To increase public safety they would like to see increased police presence and satellite stations to provide 24-hour access to emergency services. To alleviate the littering problem they would like to see more trashcans and recycle bins installed on the street. To alleviate alcohol-related crime they would like the District to be included in a regional alcohol impact area. Perceptions of the District Two issues relating to the city’s impression of the District were discussed in this focus group. They said that the rest of the city is more concerned with dealing with problems in the District without trying to build on the asset of the diverse people in the district. In order to counter these problems, they say that it is necessary to create relationships between people to create community. Another issue discussed was the name of the District. They say that the lack of consistency in the naming of the District makes an ambiguous impression on the rest of the city.

Little Saigon Business Association • Most members are shop owners • Serves businesses in the 12th and Jackson area The Little Saigon Business Association is composed mostly of shop owners in the Little Saigon area around 12th Avenue and Jackson Street. It has 40 members who mostly live outside of the International District. Students interviewed members of the association on April 22nd, 2002. Strengths & Assets

Members of the Little Saigon Business Association said that this community is well developed. Everyone in the neighborhood knows each other and there is a great deal of mutual respect. The neighborhood has developed businesses and created job opportunities that help the development of the city of Seattle. It has “enlivened the area by moving drugies and prostitutes”. Vietnamese businesses continue to expand towards Martin Luther King Way. The District is the hub for Vietnamese people in the Northwest. They feel that Little Saigon is like home. There is not the same kind of community for Vietnamese people elsewhere in the Northwest and as a result it attracts people from the entire region. Part of the reason this area has developed a unique identity is because I-5 acts as a “line of distinction.” It serves as a physical boundary, but not a barrier. The members of the Little Saigon Business Association say that it is important that the District is broken down into sub-districts such as Little Saigon and Chinatown. They consider themselves part of the International District but acknowledge that Little Saigon has its own characteristics and businesses distinguishable from Chinatown. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems Members of the Little Saigon Business Association also detailed a number of challenges facing Little Saigon. There are several infrastructure issues to address in Little Saigon. Roads are not well maintained, and there are cracks along sidewalks and roads. There is a lack of street lighting in some areas. There are no street sweepers


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Strengths & Assets 1. Strong sense of community 2. Business and job opportunities have been created 3. Hub for Vietnamese-American community in the Northwest 4. Attracts Vietnamese-Americans and others from around the

region 5. I-5 serves to delineate Little Saigon giving it a distinct identity

within the District.

Challenges

1. Infrastructure problems such as poor street and sidewalk conditions

2. Lack of street lighting in some areas 3. Sanitation problems 4. Lack of open spaces, monuments and other amenities 5. Parking shortages 6. Metro free-ride zone does not extend to Little Saigon 7. Excessive regulations 8. Unequal distribution of benefits to this neighborhood

Strategies 1. Create open spaces for gatherings 2. Change zoning to allow for more parking in front of businesses Perceptions of the District 1. Lack of recognition of Little Saigon’s contributions to Seattle 2. Perceived as unclean and unsafe 3. Often seen as being separate from the District


1. Little Saigon should be a place to learn about and experience Vietnamese culture

2. Want to avoid becoming a tourist attraction 3. Install public art to exemplify Vietnamese culture

working in the District. There is a lack of green spaces and open, communal spaces. This means that there is no place to hold festivals. Having these spaces would be advantageous because it would give people somewhere to eat take-out food. There is also a lack of monuments in the District. In particular, there is a lack of landmarks letting people know they are in Little Saigon. As with the rest of the District a shortage of parking is a problem. There are no signs or meters for parking. Parking problems are made worse by the fact that the Metro free ride zone stops before Little Saigon, discouraging people from using bus. Additionally, stadium spectators occupy spaces that would otherwise be used by customers. Business Association members say that there are too many regulations but despite these restrictions, shop owners in Little Saigon do not receive the same benefits that Chinatown does. Taxes have been increased three times in one year. Little Saigon is taxed as if it were downtown. Shop owners feel that the neighborhood is not getting as much resources from the city as some other neighborhoods. They pay taxes but say they are not getting the benefits they deserve.

Strategies for Meeting Challenges

Little Saigon Business Association members suggest creating an open space where people can gather. One possible location would be near Yesler Terrace. To counter parking problems business owners in this area favor zoning which allows for setting shops back from the street and creating parking in front. This will help attract more customers to the area. Perceptions of Little Saigon

People in Little Saigon pride themselves on making Seattle a better place by displacing prostitution and drug activity. They feel that the area has not received recognition for this, however. They would like people in the area to be seen as people that contribute to the city. The area is not relying on help from the city, but they mutually benefit each other. They feel that they lack clout with the city and that the city takes care of other neighborhoods first. Business Association members believe some people do not come to the District because of the perception that it is not clean, well lit or safe. Lastly, they say that there is a perception that


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Little Saigon is not part of the District. This is responsible for some of the weaknesses discussed above such as the different tax structure.

Communicating Positive Messages about Little Saigon

Members of the Little Saigon Business Association would like Little Saigon to be a place where visitors can come and learn and experience Vietnamese culture. But unlike others in the District, they want to avoid Little Saigon turning into a tourist attraction. They would like to install some public art as well as flags and signs that would exemplify Vietnamese culture. The most important place to put these items would be at 12th Avenue and Jackson street which is perceived as the center of Little Saigon. They would also like to install a freeway exit sign that tells visitors they are entering Little Saigon. Another way of letting people experience Vietnamese culture more fully would be to hold a festival in the area. Most importantly they want people to know this is a friendly, giving neighborhood.

Wing Luke Asian Museum University of Washington Landscape Architecture faculty and students met with staff members of the Wing Luke museum on May 10th, 2002. The museum was founded in 1967 and named in honor of Wing Luke, the first Chinese American elected to public office in the Northwest. It is devoted to promoting awareness of Asian Pacific American history and culture. It originally was housed in a small storefront in the Chinatown- International District. Strengths & Assets History and Culture Wing Luke staff members discussed a number of unique assets of the Chinatown-International District. They echoed one sentiment that was heard around the District. That is the history and cultures found in the area. Although Asian Americans are found in all areas of the city, none has the significance of this community. This neighborhood was an entry point for people moving to the United States from Asia. Even as these people move on to other areas, them and their descendants look at this community as their roots in the United States. They consider this their “ancestral home” to which there is an extraordinary connection. As one staff member said, he can point to his own personal history here. He can see the actual building his grandfather was born in. Unlike other parts of town, much of the District still looks somewhat like it did in the early 1900s. In the century that the International District has existed it has become richer in its historical and cultural complexity. As different groups have emigrated from Asia, different communities have formed in the District. These include areas like Chinatown, Nihonmachi (Japanese), Little Manila (Filipino) or Little Saigon (Vietnamese). As well as having their own identities these communities come together to form the District. This diversity keeps growing in the new millennium.


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Strengths & Assets 1. History and Culture of Asian-American communities 2. Sense of Community 3. Landmarks in the District

Challenges 1. Gentrification 2. Public Safety 3. Political Clout with local government

Strategies 1. Plan to deal with new development 2. Renovate buildings for low income housing 3. Increase parking facilities in the District 4. Encourage non-automobile forms of transportation 5. Address the social needs of the youth and the elderly in the

District Communicating Positive Image

1. Implement safety plan to reduce crime rate 2. Implement marketing plan to attract tourists and other visitors 3. Build partnerships in the community to attract visitors

Sense of Community Wing Luke staff members pointed out that for such a small community, the District has a large number of agencies serving the community. These include the agencies that were interviewed for this report, as well as youth organizations and organizations for the elderly. As one member said “there are so many really wonderful people that really have a strong commitment to the neighborhood, to the preservation of this neighborhood to the development of this neighborhood that everyone I know down here has some real important role in that job”.

As another person pointed out everyone here has a strong desire to see the character of this neighborhood maintained. Important Places in the District One of the aspects of the District that gives it character and sense of community is the many important landmarks and gathering places in the District. Among the places mentioned were cultural institutions such as the Nippon Kan Theater and the Wing Luke Museum. They also mentioned community centers and housing such as the Bush Hotel, the Eastern Hotel and the NP Hotel. These hotels are important because they have been standing since the early 1900s as well. Another important set of institutions is the many businesses in the area. Important open spaces in the District are the Danny Woo Community Gardens, the International Children’s Park and Kobe Terrace Park. As one staff member said, Kobe Terrace is particularly beautiful when the cherry blossoms are blooming. One place that has recently become an important gathering space is the Union Station Plaza. Weaknesses, Challenges & Problems Gentrification One of the greatest challenges to maintaining the identity of the District is the problem of gentrification according to Wing Luke staff members. Some of this has been driven by developments on the periphery of the District including new office buildings and the stadiums. This has caused an increase in property values. As a result some speculators are holding on to their buildings without improving them in order to sell later at a profit. The concern of Wing Luke staff members is that the character of the neighborhood could change. Because much of the development has happened on the Western periphery of the District, the focal point of activity has shifted there. The part of the neighborhood on the hill, however, has not been touched by new development. Wing Luke staff members worry that this part of the neighborhood will die out as result. They also worry that property owners will sell buildings to developers who do not have regard for the character of the neighborhood. They are not against all development, just uneven and inappropriate development.


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Public Safety Another problem in the District is crime and public safety. As one member said the District is a “real center point for drug dealing, prostitution” as well as gang activity. This creates a perception that the District is an unsafe place. Also, in previous years there have been some high profile killings in the District. That hurts efforts to build community in the District. It makes people afraid to bring their families here and has caused some people to leave the neighborhood. Political Clout To counter these challenges, the District needs to wield influence with the City of Seattle. One Wing Luke staff member, however, said that the District does not always get the consideration with government officials that other areas do, or that this consideration is inconsistent. As one said “…no matter how many meetings we attend, no matter how many studies are conducted that show the impact will negatively affect the neighborhood, they will still build the stadium next door, or they will build I-5 right through the neighborhood”. Strategies for Meeting Challenges It is clear that the District has many needs. Members of the Wing Luke Museum made several proposals to address these issues. According to them the community needs to devise a plan to deal with new development on the periphery of the District as well as gentrification. If new buildings are built ways should be found to blend them into the ethnic, cultural and historic character of the neighborhood. Because new development is causing an increase in property values, decrepit buildings should be renovated and turned into low-income housing. Because new development is causing an increase in parking problems, one staff member proposed requiring all new developments to include community-parking facilities. Another way to deal with parking problems in the District is to build a two-story garage under I-5. This would double the parking capacity of the area under the freeway. It was also proposed that non-automobile forms of transportation be promoted in the District. This would include extending the trolley line up Jackson and improving pedestrian conditions. Pedestrian conditions could be improved by building walkways over some streets such as Jackson.

The District has other challenges than those associated with development. It has an aging population that needs more services. This includes creating new, safe places for them to gather. This would be a great improvement to their quality of life. Another population in the District needing attention is the children. There is a need for activities and programming for them as well. Perceptions of the District As was mentioned before, Wing Luke staff members say the District suffers from a perception of being unsafe. This is because of the occurrence of violent crime that has been well publicized in the media. Attacking both the perception and the basis for this perception is essential to attracting new visitors and to enhancing the commercial climate of the District. Communicating Positive Messages about the District Participants in this focus group said that the District needs a plan to attract visitors. To begin with, the District needs a safety plan to lower the crime rate. Once this has been accomplished, a marketing plan can be implemented to publicize features of the District that would be of interest to tourists and others. One strategy the museum has used to help encourage tourism is to implement a walking tour of the District. They installed plaques on historical buildings. They also installed an exhibit about the history of the District in front of the Wing Luke Museum. One of their goals is to publicize the multi-ethnic history of the neighborhood. They are also working with local businesses and restaurants to build a partnership to bring more people into the neighborhood.


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Analysis of Interview Findings 1. Street Livability Problems concerning the street conditions in the District constitute a major category of concerns shared by residents and businesses alike. One major issue cited during the interviews is the problem of street safety in the neighborhood particularly after dark. Whether perceived or real, the condition contributes to a negative image of the District, which is reinforced by the presence of a transient population on the streets as well as the sight of vacant storefronts and the poor condition of many old buildings in the District. In addition to the perception of crime, automobile traffic presents another major concern. For the elderly residents, the aggressive traffic through the District has made the neighborhood streets an unfriendly environment to walk and socialize. For businesses in core area of the District, an inadequate amount of parking spaces and traffic impacts from the nearby stadiums are cited as major problems. The physical condition of the streets also came up as a major issue. In the Little Saigon area, business owners cited the poor condition of the sidewalk and the lack of street amenities as evidence of the City’s neglect for the neighborhood. In the face of the above-mentioned issues, there is clearly a need for design proposals and policies that address the condition of the streets in terms of physical improvement, increased amenities and and traffic calming in selected locations in order to make the street environment more friendly and habitable to residents and visitors. The design of building façades is equally important to encourage more pedestrian activities and interactions on the streets. Because of the limited amount of open space in the District, street improvement could provide the additional benefit of serving as open space for social and pedestrian activities. On the other hand, increased pedestrian activities could also address the problem of crime in the neighborhood by providing more watchful eyes on the streets. By attracting more visitors and customers, it would also help support economic development and eliminate the negative image of the neighborhood.

2. Community and Place Identities While virtually all those interviewed agreed about the rich historical and cultural heritage in the District, many also argued that the current physical environment in the District does not adequately express the cultural identities of the community. For example, the current effort by the Chinese community to erect traditional Chinese-style gates on King Street represents a strong desire to articulate and strengthen the identity of Chinatown in the District. In Little Saigon, business owners and community leaders also expressed a desire to have public art in the area that expresses the cultural identity of the Vietnamese community. The recent projects such as the Dragon Poles and the painted columns under the I-5 overpass represent efforts by the business community in the District to market and improve the image of the District using cultural symbols and icons. While identity and the very name of the District remains a highly contested issue, it is clear that there is a shared desire to make the District more visually and physically reflective of its rich historic and cultural background. It is therefore important that any future urban design plan engages in an articulation and critical expression of the cultural and place identities in the District. Given the diverse interpretations present in the community, the design and planning process could provide opportunities for negotiating the collective meanings and individual expressions of identities in the District. 3. Balance Neighborhood and Development Needs The responses from the interviews suggest a shared desire to promote economic development in the district. However, a conflict appears to exist in regard to the direction of housing development in the neighborhood. Some would like to see a significant increase of market-rate housing development. Only people with higher incomes would be able to afford market-rates. These residents would have more purchasing power and would benefit the local businesses. On the other hand, affordable housing advocates argue that the existing community needs to be protected and that more affordable housing is needed. They see gentrification as a threat to the livelihood of the area’s long-time residents and businesses.


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The apparent disagreement reflects the different visions for the neighborhood, as well as a conflict between the desire for economic development and keeping the District a livable neighborhood for its existing residents. However, regardless of the competing arguments, it is clear that housing is beneficial and critical to the local businesses and that the District will likely continue to serve as both a mixed-income residential neighborhood and a destination for tourists and visitors from other parts of the city. It is therefore important that the current urban design process pays attention to the potential conflicts and seeks balance in its approach toward meeting the multiple needs. 4. Open/Green Space Lack of open space is another major concern raised in the interviews. In addition, many interviewees express the need to make the District greener. The importance of open space is demonstrated in the responses gathered on places recognized by the community as “sacred.” When asked to identify places that are important to the identity and community life in the district, Hing Hay Park and Danny Woo Garden were two of the most frequently mentioned places. In identifying opportunities for creating more open spaces in the District, it is important to look at the roles of open space and patterns of activities in the District. Because the land resource is scarce in the District, it is particularly important for an urban design plan to make the existing open spaces more accessible to residents and visitors. Open space should also improve the functions and conditions of the existing streetscape so that it would supplement the limited open spaces in the District. 5. Development Guidelines Lastly, the problems concerning the impact of recent development were frequently brought up in the interviews. One often mentioned issue is the lack of character of the recent development projects (office, retail and housing), particularly the lack of reference and conformity to the historical and cultural character of the neighborhood. In addition, by often violating the pre-existing spatial patterns such as that of storefronts, alleyways and street grids, many of the new developments were said to have adversely impacted the pedestrian environment and the social and retail activities on the streets. In response to these

problems, many community members have expressed a strong desire to establish a design guideline for future development in the district. It was argued that the current design review criteria under the Special Review Board were too general to influence the design of new buildings in the District. However, as a design guideline begins to be developed under the current planning process, it is also important to note the negative sentiment among many community members and business owners toward excessive restrictions. It is important that the new guideline avoids the perception of hindering the development and renovation process. Rather, it is important for the guideline to convey the benefit to the District as whole in preserving its character and promoting a friendlier street environment that would ultimately benefit businesses and residents alike.


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3. SITE CONDITIONS Overview In addition to interviews with the local organizations, we conducted a series of site observations to evaluate the physical conditions and social uses of space in the District, as well as identifying the existing visual and physical characters of the neighborhood. Specifically, the students were divided into groups to study a list of eight issues identified from a preliminary observation of the site. 1. Surrounding Context – To examine recent development around the District and the physical linkages between the neighborhood and the surrounding areas, as well as the role of the District within the larger context of the city, particularly the South Downtown area. 2. Traffic and Parking Conditions – To examine the distribution of parking spaces and patterns of traffic flow through the District. 3. Natural Process – To examine the conditions of natural process in the District, including climate and vegetation, and the opportunities and constraints in incorporating natural processes into the development and improvement of open space in the District. 4. Street Conditions – To examine the physical conditions of streets in the neighborhood and how the existing streets function as social, commercial and neighborhood space. 5. Building Conditions and Typology – To examine the conditions and typology of existing buildings in the District, including a possible correlation between the design of street-level façade (fenestration, setbacks, etc.) and activities and social uses of the streets. 6. Cultural Characters – To examine features that express the unique characters of the neighborhood including building façades, architectural details, signs, uses of street space, vegetation, spatial patterns, etc.

3. Site Analysis

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7. Pattern of Business Locations – To inventory and analyze the location pattern of different types of businesses in the District and their implications for spatial and infrastructure needs. 8. Sacred Places – To identify spaces that are important to the residents and community members in their social life and collective images and memories of the neighborhood. The following presents the findings of the site inventory and analysis as organized by the eight topics.

Surrounding Context Surrounding context includes land use in and around the district, new and future development, views and physical barriers.

Land Use Commercial The Chinatown-International District is a central city, urban neighborhood. Its land use therefore is heavily commercial and residential with fairly little open space. Commercial land use comes in a number of varieties. Much of the District is zoned NC3 (Neighborhood Commercial 3). This is a pedestrian-oriented area with a wide range of retail and commercial activities. Storefronts are continuous and built to the front property line. Multi-story residential housing is also permitted in this area. Another zoning designation is C1 (Commercial 1). This is an automobile oriented area with a number of retail, service, business and office functions. It is composed mostly of shopping areas with on-site parking in front of or to the side of the shops. Some limited residential land use is also permitted. Finally there is the IC zone (Industrial Commercial). This is a mix of industrial and commercial land uses including manufacturing as well as research and development. Open Space Several small open spaces exist in the District. The Danny Woo Community Gardens, Kobe Terrace Park and the International Children’s Park are some of the green spaces. Other important open, public areas are Hing Hay Park and the Union Station Plaza. Residential Although residential land use is somewhat limited in the District it still exists in certain areas. As was mentioned, areas zoned NC3 (Neighborhood Commercial 3) have multi-story residential housing. Some examples of this kind of land use are the Uwajimaya and the Pacific Rim Center. Another kind of residential land use in the District is

3. Site Analysis

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single/multi-family houses. These are found on the block between 7th and 8th Avenues South and between South Lane and South Weller Streets on the West side of I-5 and along South King Street on the East side of I-5. New and Future Developments There have been many new developments in and around the District in the last several years. Within the last three years Safeco Field, the Union Station renovation and Uwajimaya Village were completed. More recently the Seahawks Stadium and a number of new office buildings on the West side of the District have been built or are being built. Views Because many buildings in the District are multi-story views of the Puget Sound and Downtown are limited. In addition, the I-5 overpass blocks views from Little Saigon to some degree. Some new construction has had an impact on views especially on the West side of the district. Physical Barriers A number of physical barriers exist in the District. Perhaps the most prominent is I-5 which bisects the district. Only Jackson Street and King Street are not cut off by the freeway. Although parking is available under the freeway, its construction represented a significant loss of land to the District. It also presents some public safety concerns.

This barrier has allowed the Little Saigon area to develop as a distinct part of the District, however. On the West side of the District, the railroad tracks form another barrier, especially where they run through a cut on 4th Avenue. To the South, Dearborn Street and Airport Way form significant physical barriers because of their size and high volume.

Trent Lloyd

3. Site Analysis

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Traffic and Parking Conditions Traffic Conditions There are a number of issues relating to the safe and efficient flow of traffic in the District. There are several congested intersections. These are four-way stops with no traffic signals. Stop signs have been ineffective in regulating the flow of traffic through these intersections. To help increase efficiency and safety at these intersections, signals should be installed. There are a number of dangerous alley entrances where collisions can occur between cars exiting the alley and cars on the cross street. There is also a problem with excessive speeds on arterials such as Jackson. This is particularly true during the morning rush hour. Parking Conditions

There are also many parking issues to be resolved in the District. There is a shortage of short-term parking and on-street parking is metered. Parking shortages are exacerbated by the construction of new stadiums and other developments in the area. Some people in the District also say that stadium attendees who park in the District sometimes behave disrespectfully. Parking shortages are especially a problem for people who live in the District.

Pedestrian Conditions

Pedestrian safety is problematic in the District as well. Streets are poorly lit and crime can make walking at night unsafe. Congested intersections can be difficult to negotiate for pedestrians. Cars coming out of alleys also create a hazard for pedestrians on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are in disrepair and are sometimes cluttered with garbage. Parking creates blind corners that can make it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians. Finally, the bike lane on Jackson Street is not heavily used, perhaps because of heavy car traffic volumes.

Traffic Conditions • Several congested intersections • Signal improvements needed at main intersections • Dangerous alley entrances • High speeds traffic particularly during AM rush hour • Stop signs ineffective

Parking Conditions • Shortage of short-term parking • Most streets have metered on street parking (15 minutes-2

hours) • Stadium attendees who park in the International District

sometimes behave disrespectfully • Concern that new development will worsen parking problem • Parking shortage particularly problematic for community

members

Pedestrian Conditions • Poor street lighting and crime • Congested intersections • Alley entrances • Sidewalks in disrepair/cluttered with garbage • Parking limits visibility • Bike route on Jackson Street is not used heavily

Transit Conditions

• Neighborhood served by routes 7, 9, 14, 36, 42 and 60 buses • Tunnel and Free Ride Zone limits pedestrian/customer activity • Internal neighborhood route could improve access for the elderly • Additional service needed for routes 7, 14 and 36 buses • Bus stop safety needs improvement including better lighting and

traffic safety

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Transit Conditions The Chinatown-International District is served by a number of bus lines. Bus routes 7, 9, 14, 36, 42 and 60 are on the surface. There are also a number of routes in the bus tunnel. Restrictions on the hours of operation of the bus tunnel limits pedestrian and customer activity in the district. Limits on the hours of the Free Ride Zone and the fact that it does not serve Little Saigon also curtail commercial activity in the district. Internal neighborhood routes could improve access for the Elderly. There is also a need for more service on routes 7, 14 and 36. Bus stop safety needs improvement including better lighting and traffic safety.

Ellen Fitzsimmons

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Natural Processes Observations of the natural processes include climate and vegetation (including street trees). Climate Vegetation types in the District are affected by season. During different seasons various areas in the district may be either in sun or shade depending on the angle of sunlight. This affects what can grow in these places as well as their social uses. Vegetation A number of tree species are found in the International District. These include Honey Locusts, Ginkgoes, fruit trees, conifer trees (evergreens) and deciduous trees (leafy). Other kinds of plants include evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs and invasive plants such as black berries.

• Honey Locusts (Gleditsia triacanthos): 65% • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): 11% • Fruit trees: 14% • Conifer trees: 6% • Deciduous trees: 4%

Other kinds of plants include evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs and invasive plants such as black berries. Design Opportunities Opportunities for incorporating natural processes into design of open space include sites along I-5 and existing parks, plazas and streetscapes.

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Jan Satterthwaite

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Street Conditions Street Conditions include physical conditions, street furniture, alleyways, pedestrian activities, social activities, and commercial activities. Social Activities There are a number of locations on the street in the International District that serve as focal points for social activity. Hing Hay Park is one of the few outdoor places for children to play, for people to gather, to do Tai Chi and to eat lunch outside. Adding more green space in this park could increase the number of users. Restaurants in the District attract visitors and have the potential to enhance streets by adding outdoor dining. Outdoor markets and unusual specialty shops also attract visitors and help to create street life in the district. Social activity also takes place at the Union Station Plaza, the Community Bulletin Board on 7th Avenue, 7th Avenue and King Street, 7th Avenue and Jackson Street, 12th Avenue and Jackson Street and Uwajimaya Village. Some locations on the street in the District that serve as focal points for social activity are as follows:

• Union Station Plaza • Hing Hay Park • 7th Avenue and King Street • 7th Avenue and Jackson Street • 12th Avenue and Jackson Street • Uwajimaya Village • Outdoor markets and specialty shops

Physical Conditions There are number of different kinds of streets in the District. Some are large streets that carry heavy volumes of traffic. One example is Jackson Street. There are medium sized streets such as King Street, which have stop signs instead of lights and carry a lower volume of traffic. Finally, there are a number of residential streets in the district. Some streets in the District suffer from poor maintenance. Street types in the District include:

Social Activities • Union Station Plaza • Hing Hay Park • 7th Avenue and King Street • 7th Avenue and Jackson Street • 12th Avenue and Jackson Street • Uwajimaya Village • Outdoor markets and specialty shops

Physical Conditions • Large streets with heavy volumes of traffic such as Jackson

Street • Medium sized streets such as King Street • Small, residential-type streets • Poor maintenance a problem on some streets

Street Furniture • Benches needed • Bicycle racks needed

Alleyways

• Used as dumpster storage • Used for loading and unloading • Serve as a refuge for the homeless • Alleys can be re-enlivened by using old storefronts

Pedestrian Activities

• Dumpsters block some sidewalks • Limited maintenance of some sidewalks • Trash on some sidewalks • Loitering on some streets • Hing Hay Park has loitering problem

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• Large streets with heavy volumes of traffic such as Jackson Street • Medium sized streets such as King Street • Small, residential-type streets

Future design needs to consider the characteristics and needs of the different street types. Street Furniture There is a need for more street furniture such as benches. This would create places for people to rest and wait for the bus. It would also make streets more welcoming. Finally, there is a need for more bicycle racks in the District. Alleyways Most alleys in the District are used as dumpster storage. Another use for many alleys is as a loading and unloading zone for shops. Largely vacated alleys also serve as a refuge for the homeless and others because they are seen as places one can loiter unobserved. There is a potential to re-enliven alleys and make them less threatening by putting into use old storefronts such as those in Canton Alley. Some alleys are too narrow to be used for vehicles but can be made useable for pedestrians. This will improve the appearance of alleys and discourage loitering and crime. Pedestrian Activities Dumpsters partially block some sidewalks making it difficult to maneuver for pedestrians. There is limited maintenance of some sidewalks including potholes, cracks and upheavals. A lack of trash storage for shops sometimes leads to garbage accumulating on sidewalks. Loitering is a problem on some streets in the district. Dead street edges, empty storefronts and alleys in particular attract loiterers. The corner of Hing Hay Park is also a place with a loitering problem. This limits use by other people. Redesigning this park to allow for a greater variety of uses may increase the number of visitors.

Sunny Ho and Anna O’Connell

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Location Pattern Location patterns are the tendency for community services, businesses of various kinds and other kinds of land use to be clustered together. Many different kinds of location patterns exist around the Chinatown- International District. On the West side of the freeway, especially along King and Weller streets are many restaurants. Chinese restaurants are most prominent in this area but many other kinds can be found as well. Many social services are also found in this area, including services for immigrants and refugees. South of this area, especially along Lane Street and behind Uwajimaya Village, are many parking lots. This is near the freeway interchange so much of the land use here is automobile oriented. East of the freeway, in Little Saigon, different location patterns exist. Here jewelry shops, pawnshops and Vietnamese restaurants predominate. Several kinds of commercial activities as observed from the streets in the District (Kristin Kildal): Type Number Social Services 27 Newspapers/Publications 7 Non-Retail/Manufacturers 9 Family Associations 8 Kung-Fu Schools 2 Travel Agencies 12 Banks 4 Acupuncture/Medical 13 Video Stores 8 Beauty Salons 6 Music/Cultural 7 Grocery Stores/Bakeries 18 Restaurants 52 Retail 32

Businesses in the District The types of businesses in the District are different from other areas in Seattle and appear to address the needs of the immigrant population in the district. There are more travel agencies, Asian grocery stores, alternative doctors and restaurants in the area than elsewhere. It seems that Asian immigrants coming to Seattle would find comfort, familiarity and contact with home because of the services provided. In looking at the business types, there is a distinct difference between the area west of I-5 and east of I-5. West of I-5 The area west of I-5, the Chinatown area, seems more established in its community, identity and services. There are over fifty Asian restaurants, where they serve everything from Ph�� to dim sum to bubble tea, that are mainly clustered around the King Street and Maynard Street intersection. The number of restaurants, the types of food served and their late hours have help identify the character of Chinatown as a

Kristin Kildal

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destination for dining. Grocery stores are also a strong element adding to the identity. Uwajimaya is known throughout the region for its selection of Asian foods. While this is the most prominent grocery store in the area, there are several smaller markets along King and Jackson Streets. East of I-5 The area east of I-5, known as Little Saigon, also has a significant number of restaurants, however they differ from Chinatown in that they are mostly take-out places, with Vietnamese sandwiches and Ph� � being the most common items served. The restaurants are mostly located on the intersection of 12th and Jackson Street. Like Chinatown, there are many markets, with the two largest on 12th and Jackson. Fruit stands in varying states of permanence are common as well and seem to be the only business connecting Little Saigon to the western area of the District. They are strung along Jackson from 5th to 12th Avenue. Possibly because the Chinatown area is more established than Little Saigon, there are many more community services offered, from employment assistance to immigration services. In Little Saigon, there are few community services provided. In Little Saigon, there are an unusually high number of jewelry stores. It appears that they double as pawn shops and places to get loans. There are only a few jewelry stores in Chinatown. Little Saigon is also known for its hair and nail salons. This seems to be a niche that the area has found and is part of its identity. In both areas, especially in Chinatown, there are places for people to keep in touch with home. There are many travel agencies that specialize in trips to Asia. There are also places to make long-distance phone calls and to get cell phones and phone cards. These services seem to cater to people who have a strong connection to Asia. Commercial Activities Needed in the District While there are many thriving businesses in the District, there seems to be a lack of some basic services. There are few places to buy household items like furniture, bedding or fabrics. There are no clothing

stores or hardware stores. People who live in the area would have to go outside of the district to find some of the basic items they may need. The unusual types of businesses provide an opportunity to create a strong identity for the District and give people a reason to come from other areas. At the same time, this should be balanced with more basic services for the people who live there.

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Building Conditions and Typology Building conditions and typology includes building occupancy, façade appearance, scale and typology as well as patterns of building and spatial forms. 1. Building Types

Hotels 1. 3 to 6 story blocks 2. Ground floors used as retail space 3. Upper floors used for hotel rooms 4. Built from early 1900s to 1930s 5. Some converted to residential housing

Mixed-use Residential Development 1. Commercial use on ground floor 2. Residential use on upper floors 3. 3 to 5 stories generally 4. Footprint is relatively large

Single/Multi-family Houses 1. Small footprints 2. Pitched roofs 3. 2 stories maximum generally 4. Masses are relatively small

Residential Towers 1. Residential 2. 7 to 12 stories 3. Subdivided into living units 4. Retail space on ground floor of some towers

One-story Commercial Buildings 1. Commercial use only 2. One-story blocks 3. Some have only one business, some have multiple businesses 4. Buildings may be joined to form a plaza and parking lot in front

Commercial Complex 1. Commercial use only 2. 2 to 3 stories 3. Some are office space for one company, some subdivided among

different small businesses

Industrial Buildings 1. Industrial use only 2. 1 to 2 stories 3. Factory or warehouse uses 4. High ceiling heights 5. Some of very large footprints Community Services Buildings 1. Community use only 2. 2 to 3 stories generally

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Building Types Definition Materials Location

Hotels

These buildings are 3 to 6 story blocks with the upper floors originally designated as hotel rooms and ground floors as retail spaces. Most of them were built during the 1900s to 1930s. Today some of these buildings are converted to different uses such as housing. However, for some others, the upper floors were deteriorated and left unoccupied while the ground floor are still occupied by retail businesses.

These buildings are mostly finished with bricks or terra cotta and highly decorated in a classical style.

These buildings are mostly found on the West side of I-5 and especially along South King Street which is commonly known as the historic core of the District.

Mixed-use Residential Development

These buildings are composite buildings with commercial use on the ground or lower floors and residential use on the upper floors. They generally have 3 to 5 stories and a relatively larger footprint than the surrounding buildings.

Most are built with a concrete base and wood frame on top, and are finished with stucco panels.

Examples are the Uwajimaya and the Pacific Rim Center.

Single/Multi-Family Houses

These buildings are houses with small footprints and pitched roofs. They are generally no taller than 2 stories. Their small building masses contrast strongly with surrounding buildings.

Most of them were built and finished with wood.

They are found on the block between 7th and 8th Avenues South and between South Lane and South Weller Streets on the West side of I-5 and along South King Street on the East side of I-5.

Residential Towers These buildings are residential buildings of 7 to 12 stories. Each story is subdivided into individual living units. Some of them have retail spaces on the ground level, but most of them do not.

Materials vary between individual buildings. Some of the are finished with a brick veneer, some are finished with stucco panels and some leave the concrete structure exposes.

They are found on the West side of I-5, and especially on the North side of South Jackson Street.

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Building Types Definition Materials Location

One-story Commercial Buildings

These buildings are one-story blocks for commercial use. Some of them are occupied by individual restaurants and offices. Some are broken down into smaller units of retail or restaurant spaces. Some of these buildings may join together to form a plaza with parking in front.

They are built with a brick or concrete structure and finished with paint. They originally had no ornamentation on their facades, but many of them are now decorated with signs or canopies at the storefront.

They can be found throughout the district, but many of them are found along South Jackson Street on the East side of I-5.

Commercial Complex

These buildings generally have 2 to 3 stories, and are wholly designated for commercial use. Some of them are office space for a single corporation, but most of them are subdivided into retail and office spaces for small businesses.

These buildings vary widely in age. The materials that they are constructed from depend on their age. Those built in the early 20th century are mostly finished with brick or terra cotta and highly decorated. Those built in recent decades are mostly finished with stucco panels.

They can be found throughout the district.

Industrial Buildings

These buildings are 1 to 2 story blocks for industrial use. Some are factories and some are warehouses. Most of them have high ceiling heights, and those on the East side of I-5, South of Weller Street, have very large footprints compared to the surrounding buildings. Most of them have parking spaces around them for loading and unloading.

Most of them are built with bricks or concrete and finished with paint.

They are mostly found on the South side of the district.

Community Services Buildings

These are buildings which are wholly designated for community use. They generally have 2-3 stories.

They are finished with bricks and have decorative facades.

Examples are churches East of I-5 and the Chong Wa building West of I-5.

(Table by Peter Lau and Carolyn Salisbury)

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2. Façade Types . Façade Types Definition Examples

Enclosed Façade

There is no opening on the façade except for the entrance to the building.

Examples are industrial buildings.

Subdivided Façade

The façade of the ground floor is subdivided into small individual units. Each of which is mostly transparent and decorated differently.

Examples are the facades of some hotels, and some one-story commercial buildings.

Full-block Façade

The façade of the ground floor is not subdivided and there are openings for entrances and windows.

Examples are some commercial buildings for office or restaurant use and Uwajimaya Village.

Double-story Open Façade

The enclosure of the building in the ground and first floor is setback from the structure, leaving a transitional space between the inside and outside of the building.

Examples are some commercial complexes such as the Hao Hao building East of I-5.

3. Lot Types

Façade Types Definition Examples

Set-Back The whole building is setback from the lot boundary. The spaces between building façade and the street are generally used for parking. In some cases, activities in the buildings extend to the space in front and the space is used by people.

Examples are some commercial buildings for retail or restaurant use.

Partial Set-Back

A portion of the façade is setback from the lot boundary leaving a semi-enclosed space in front of the building.

The mixed-use building with community services and elderly homes West of I-5, where the open space is used as a plaza for people. Some L-shaped commercial buildings for retail or restaurant use, where the open spaces are used as parking.

(Tables by Peter Lau and Carolyn Salisbury)

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Cultural Characters Building and spatial features in the District denote the cultural character of the area. There are many examples around the district. Many signs are in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian languages. Furnishings on the streets of the district also indicate the Asian-American identity of the neighborhood. There are many examples of furnishings as cultural characters in the District. Streetlights have Asian-influenced fixtures. Telephone booths and the information sign at Hing Hay Park have faux tile roofs like ones seen on traditional Asian buildings. Similarly, buildings in the International District show the unique set of cultures found here. The entrance of Chong Wa Benevolent Association’s building is fashioned to look like a Chinese gate. Many buildings in the district have the tile roofs often seen in Asian architecture. Murals with Asian themes can also be found on the buildings of the District. Vegetation, which is normally a natural feature, can also serve as a cultural character. Some examples of typically Asian plants that can be found in the district are vegetables growing in the Danny Woo Garden, Japanese cherry trees in Kobe Terrace Park and bamboo trees. Finally, many of the district’s store entrances show the Asian character of the area. Some storefronts feature posters and flyers relating to Asian-American cultural life. Signs from Gary Locke and Cheryl Chow campaigns are featured in many store windows. There are also signs and posters for plays and musical performances by Asian American artists. Another kind of store entrance unique to this neighborhood is the produce markets whose commercial activities spill out onto the sidewalk.

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Gretchen Stromberg

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Sacred Places Community Sacred Places are places that are especially valued by the community members. Sacred places in the District identified in the community interviews include the following locations (compiled by Doug Shaw):

• Nippon Kan Theater • Union Station Plaza • Hing Hay Park • Uwajimaya Village • 606 Maynard Building • Community Bulletin Board on 7th Avenue • Kobe Terrace Park • Danny Woo Garden • Bush Asia Hotel • Wing Luke Museum • 12th & Jackson • 7th & King Street • Hong Kong Hotel • Village Square • Chong Wa Building

Photos: Gretchen Stromberg and Jeffrey Hou

4. DESIGN PROPOSALS Overview This chapter presents the eleven proposals developed individually by the students. The proposed projects range in scales, locations and response to specific issues in the community. In terms of scale, the projects range from the design of selected intersections to an urban design guideline for an entire area of the neighborhood. In terms of location, the projects vary from a focus on Little Saigon to pocket sites throughout the entire District. In all the projects, the students were required to address issues and concerns as identified in the interviews and site survey (See next page). The final products respond to a diversity of issues ranging from concern for the supply of family housing to the revitalization of the alleyway as a social and community open space. The range of projects reflects the rich and diverse urban design opportunities present in the District. While the proposals focus on improvement of physical conditions in the District, many also have direct implications for social functions and economic development opportunities. Capable of being adopted by various community organizations, they offer opportunities for the local community organizations to become actively involved in the planning and design process.

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Nathalie Abcede 1. Urban Families Enclave

Ellen Fitzsimmons 2. Little Saigon Design Guideline

Sunny Ho 3. Street as Symbolic Landscape

Kristin Kildall 4. Go Hing Festival Alley

Peter T-H. Lau 5. Urban Incubators

Trent Lloyd 6. Intersections as Courtyards

Anna O'Connell 7. Jackson Street: Rethinking Urban Open Space

Carolyn Salisbury 8. Maynard Artisans’ Alley

Jan Satterthwaite 9. Jackson Street: Engaging the Narrative Landscape

Douglas Shaw 10. Pattern Language for Community Self-made Design

Gretchen Stromberg 11. Alley as Living Space = Primary = Secondary

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(Map source: Chinatown/International District Strategic Plan, 1998)

Project Locations

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Urban Families Enclave Nathalie Abcede

• Family housing in urban areas • High density • Amenities to make it an appropriate place for the entire family • Complements and enhances surrounding neighborhood The Urban Families Enclave design proposal addresses the need for family housing in the District. It is high-density housing in an urban setting with amenities and other design features to make it a more desirable place for families to live. It is also designed to complement and enhance the existing District landscape. The project focuses on the Northwest part of the District where there is a significant amount of vacant land available for development. Situated uphill from the rest of District, if fully developed, the new buildings would have significant impact on the character and views of the neighborhood. Therefore, careful arrangement to balance the multiple needs in important.

Family Housing 1. Street-level accessibility for 30% of units 2. Housing units face the street when possible 3. Rear access to alleys, courtyards and other public spaces 4. Courtyards and playgrounds for every 50 units 1. Fund established for continuing neighborhood projects and

maintenance

Neighborhood Elements 1. Sidewalks widened and planted with a tree canopy 2. Open spaces preserved around housing 3. Some on street parking reserved for residents 1. Crosswalks put in around housing to make area safer for children

Complementing & Enhancing the District 1. Height and bulk restrictions to preserve appearance of Nippon Kan

Theater 2. Buildings proposed over 100’ feet tall reviewed for shadow and

wind effects 1. Proposals reviewed to ensure adequate open space

Family Housing Elements In the proposed Urban Families Enclave, no less than 30% of housing units will have individual street-level accessibility. Housing units are to face the street whenever possible. To create a more desirable living space than traditional apartment buildings, affordable housing units will have rear access to alleys, courtyards, or other public spaces. Such shared public-private spaces will include courtyards and playgrounds for every 50 housing units. This will provide a space for outside activities. Finally, development rights can be transferred to adjacent high-rises or into a fund for family neighborhood projects such as maintaining parks, a community center, etc.

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Neighborhood Elements The area surrounding the Urban Families Enclave will also be changed to make this a more desirable place for families to live. Sidewalks on 6th and 7th avenues as well as Maynard, Washington and Main streets will widened and planted with a street tree canopy. The area East of 7th Avenue on Main Street will be reserved for housing or open space. On street parking near the Urban Families Enclave will be reserved for residents. To make the area safer for children crosswalks will be put in at all 4-stop intersections and “children at play” signs will be put up around the neighborhood. Complementing and Enhancing the District Steps will be taken to ensure the new housing project fits into its surroundings. Height and bulk restrictions will be imposed on parcels adjacent to the Nippon Kan Theater. No more than 60% of the theater’s west façade may be blocked in order to ensure this historical and cultural landmark is properly framed. Any proposal for buildings over 100’ will be reviewed for appropriate winter shadows, Venturi (wind) effects, sustainability (reuse of rainwater, etc.), and appropriate open space requirements. Any proposed design should preserve access to Maynard Alley from Main Street.

Existing Form Built-out Form

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View toward King Street Station to be blocked by full development

Cross-section through the District

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Little Saigon Urban Design Guideline Ellen Fitzsimmons

• Little Saigon located at 12th and Jackson and extends a block in

all directions • Part of Chinatown/International District but not International

District Special Review District The heart of Little Saigon is the intersection of 12th and Jackson with activity stretching out about a block in all directions. While part of the Chinatown/International District, east of 12th Avenue, Little Saigon is not part of the International District Special Review District. The physical character of Little Saigon is quite different than that of historic Chinatown. Buildings are newer and almost entirely one and two story commercial structures. Many buildings are set back from the street to allow for off-street parking in front of and next to businesses.

Site and Situation 1. Physical character different from Chinatown 2. Newer buildings 3. One and two story commercial structures 4. Off-street parking in front of stores allowed by zoning 5. Jackson Street and 12th Avenue support heavy volumes of traffic

Zoning 1. Neighborhood has three zoning designations 2. NC3 (Neighborhood Commercial 3) allows for pedestrian-oriented

shopping district 3. C1 (Commercial 1) allows for a auto-oriented, commercial area 4. IC (Industrial Commercial) allows for a mix of industrial and

commercial activities

Community Involvement 1. Business have made improvements to the area 2. Businesses helped to create a Vietnamese community 3. Some business leaders feel these contributions have not been

acknowledged

Design Guideline 1. Renovate building facades to create a more attractive

neighborhood 2. Building entrances clearly identified to emphasize human activity

on the street 3. Blank walls along sidewalks avoided 4. Building improvements may necessitate encroachments into the

public right of way 5. Sidewalks wide enough to allow for improvements such as seating

areas and planting strips without impeding pedestrians 6. Parking lots made more attractive through devices such as

screening (walls or shrubs) 7. Pedestrian access to buildings increased by creating well marked

paths through parking lots 8. Parking lots shared by neighboring businesses. Consolidation of

lots allows for open spaces such as parks and plazas 9. Parking lots used for purposes such as community events

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Jackson Street and 12th Avenue South are the neighborhood’s major thoroughfares. Both are arterials and support heavy volumes of bus, automobile, and pedestrian traffic. Jackson Street, the main axis of the neighborhood, is approximately 70’ wide with 15’-18’ sidewalks on either side. West of 12th Avenue on-street parking is permitted on the south side of the street; two lanes of traffic run in both directions and there is a center turning lane. East of 12th Avenue parking is permitted on both sides of the street and two lanes of traffic run in both directions. On 12th Avenue, no parking in allowed, two lanes of traffic run north and south, and sidewalks are approximately 10’ wide.

Zoning The neighborhood includes three different zoning designations. Jackson Street west of 12th Avenue is zoned NC3 (Neighborhood Commercial 3). According to the city zoning code, areas zoned NC3 should exhibit the following characteristics:

• Pedestrian-oriented shopping district serving the

neighborhood and larger surrounding community • Allow for a wide range of retail and other commercial

activities that do not detract from the retail character of the area

• Multi-story residential housing permitted • Neighborhood is located to provided for access by car, bus,

bike, or on foot and surrounded by medium to high-density residential or commercial areas

• A variety of retail businesses at street level and continuous storefronts built to the front property line

Jackson Street east of 12th Avenue is zoned C1 (Commercial 1). The characteristics of a C1 area are:

• Auto-oriented, primarily retail/service commercial area

serving both the surrounding neighborhood and the entire city

• Allows for office, retail, and business support services • Residential use permitted at limited densities

• Located with easy access from a major arterial • Shopping areas where customers drive from one business to

another, large lots, limited pedestrian access, and off-street parking lots

12th Avenue, south of Jackson is zoned IC (Industrial Commercial). The characteristics of an IC area are:

• A mix of industrial and commercial activities including light

manufacturing and research and development • Located in areas that are located close to amenities,

downtown, and other similar commercial centers but that would not support other types of development

Community Involvement During the focus-group interviews, community members expressed their feelings about the neighborhood. They expressed pride in the improvements businesses had made to the area and the creation of a Vietnamese community. Community members also voiced their concerns that their accomplishments were unacknowledged by the city and that their were several problems that needed to be addressed. These problems are detailed in the Little Saigon Business Association interview in the Focus Groups section. Design guidelines Design guidelines alone cannot address all community concerns and they are not without expense or limitations. Still, neighborhood design guidelines provide a focused opportunity to recognize local concerns and design issues. Design guidelines can give more specific direction to the character of design in Little Saigon, help community members address their concerns for the neighborhood, and create a neighborhood center that reflects community members’ pride in their culture and accomplishments. Business owners mentioned excessive regulation as one of their concerns about the International Special Review District. Excessive regulation is a common criticism of design guidelines. If design guidelines are implemented and administered correctly the benefits

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of design guidelines far outweigh the extra effort they require. As part of the implementation and administration of the guidelines, community leaders should ensure that all community members’ voices are heard throughout the design review process and efforts are made to provide funds to offset the cost of improvements. 1. Building Façades Improvement and renovation to buildings along Jackson Street and 12th Avenue can help to address the community’s concerns about safety, gathering spaces, visual community identity, and overall appearance. Entrances

To emphasize pedestrian activities along the street, clearly identifiable storefront entrances should be oriented to the street. Entrances should be located to provide direct access from both the sidewalk and the parking lot. To accentuate entrances businesses

and building owners should consider the addition of pedestrian oriented signs, canopies, or awnings. These additions must be at least 7’ from ground level to prevent interference with pedestrians. (Figure 1) Walls Blank walls along sidewalks should be avoided. Ground floor windows add interest to the street and increase pedestrian security. Walls without windows can be covered with vertical trellises or the addition of planters. Encroachments These additions may require extending building elements into the public right of way. Sidewalks in the neighborhood are wide enough to allow for businesses to make use of the sidewalk without limiting pedestrian access. Already, many businesses have added market

awnings and stalls. The addition of exterior display or restaurant seating requires approval. Businesses west of 12th Avenue must follow the International Special Review District guidelines. Businesses east of 12th Avenue require a permit from the City. Business owners should work with the Special Review Board and City to facilitate the appropriate and beneficial uses of the sidewalk. These uses could include the extension of awnings or canopies to enclose the sidewalk, outside seating for restaurants, or additional display space. (Figure 2) Sidewalk Improvements As already mentioned, sidewalks in Little Saigon are approximately 15’-18’ wide. This provides ample space for making a variety of improvements without significant changes to the existing street and sidewalk system. Because community members specifically mentioned a lack of green space and informal gathering areas, safety concerns, and general dissatisfaction with the appearance of Jackson, a variety of sidewalk improvements to address theses concerns should be considered.

Some sidewalk standards to be considered when making sidewalk improvements are:

• Sidewalks at least 16’ wide are

large enough to allow for outdoors sales space or small seating areas. (Figure 3)

• 12’ sidewalks allow two couples to pass comfortably on commercial streets.

• Sidewalks should allow a minimum of 6’ for pedestrian through passage.

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• Planting strips can be included with a minimum of 3’ but 5’ is preferable. (Figure 4)

• Pedestrian level lighting should be 12’ from the ground and use reflected fixtures to reduce glare. (Figure 5)

2. Parking Street front parking lots tend to give streets an empty, exposed feeling. Unfortunately, this is the case in Jackson Street corridor. However, business owners believe that off-street parking is essential to their success. Because of this, the neighborhood should consider several design elements to mitigate the negative impacts of street front parking lots. Screening

Parking lots should be enclosed with screening walls not taller than waist height. This height adequately separates parking from the sidewalk, but still allows visibility for businesses and security. Walls or shrubs can be used for screening, but walls are often preferred because they take up less space and require less upkeep than landscaping. Benches, spaces to lean, or areas for signs can be incorporated into the design of the wall. (Figure 6) Large parking lots should be visually broken down into smaller lots with the use of appropriate landscaping. By narrowing drive lanes, a 3’-4’ wide planting strip or 4’ cutouts can be used without losing parking spaces. Access Direct paths should extend from the public sidewalk to building entrances when pedestrians must cut through parking lots to reach store entrances. These paths should be well marked, safe, and convenient for pedestrians to use. (Figure 7) Minimize the number and width of driveway curb cuts through sidewalks. When possible, driveways for adjacent properties should be shared. Narrower driveways force cars to slow down when entering and exiting, thus making driveways safer for pedestrians. Where sidewalks cross curb cuts, sidewalks should be continually marked to insure visibility for pedestrians and drivers. Multiple Uses Near-by businesses should consider sharing parking facilities. Businesses can promote the idea of parking once but shopping at many businesses by incorporating paths between parking lots near by businesses. Parking lots should be considered multipurpose areas. Appropriate paving, landscaping, and lighting can offer additional community

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open space when parking is not needed. This dual-purpose role for parking lots, as well as consolidating parking lots can create opportunities for the establishment of small open spaces in the area. These open spaces could be designed as small plazas, parks, courtyards, or gardens.

Small parks or plazas should be well designed and contribute to the visual appeal of the streetscape. They should be located close to bus stops or other areas with a high pedestrian traffic and situated in such a way to allow for maximum sun exposure. Plaza frontage should contain retail windows, street vendors, or building entrances to ensure a high level of activity and to promote safety and use. These areas should include ample landscaping, public art or other decoration, and amenities that offer recreation and seating for pedestrians and shoppers. (Figure 8) 3. Future Development There are many opportunities for future development in Little Saigon. Because of this, community members can take a proactive approach to designing their neighborhood by guiding the type of development that may take place. Currently, Jackson Street east of I-5 lacks visual interest and seems very long and uninviting. This is due largely to the predominance of single-story, setback buildings. To

improve the appearance of the streetscape and make the street more comfortable and appealing, the Little Saigon community should require new development to include the aforementioned guidelines as well as the other guidelines that are more easily implemented in new development. Building Design New development should be multistory. Taller buildings will help to make Jackson Street appear narrower and pedestrians to feel less exposed. Additional stories will allow for denser development in the area. Community members talked about their desire to make the District more of a true residential area. Adding housing above commercial development will increase the amount of activity in the area and help to strengthen the community. Careful attention to building mass and design are essential to creating a strong streetscape. Long buildings should use architectural techniques to articulate building façades. These techniques include modulation, broken rooflines, color, texture, and material. Architectural elements like prominent or recessed entrances, fenestration with perceptible molding, and landscaping can also improve the appearance of buildings. (Figure 9) Setting back the first floor can provide more areas for pedestrian activity. Recessed entries are especially encouraged at corners to promote pedestrian movement and prevent blind corners. Storefront displays with overhead weather protection allow the business owners to provide seating or additional sales space outside the store without having to apply for permission to use the right of way. Even if the

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building sits on the property line, ground floor storefronts should be transparent so pedestrians can see activity inside the building. (Figure 10)

Encouraging Activity Building entrances should encourage pedestrian circulation. Parking lots should be located behind or on the side of buildings; parking lots that do front the street should not be longer than 60’. Pedestrian entrances and parking entrances should be equally important. Pedestrian and open space amenities should be included at entrances. These amenities could include seating, vending, artwork, special surface treatments, plantings and pedestrian scaled lighting. (Figure 11)

Street as Symbolic Landscape Sunny C-W. Ho

• Street appearance reflects cultures in the District • Strengthens Asian-American identity and increases diversity of

uses and visitors to the neighborhood • Chinese gate and space for street festivals created • Node intersections created to slow down car speeds and create

a superior pedestrian thoroughfare • Sidewalks widened to create more space for vendors, residents

and tourists • Sidewalks on King Street widened, as well as other changes, to

create a space for festivals • Paving patterns created to improve appearance of street • Street trees planted on King Street • Street furniture installed such as benches to increase sidewalks’

function as a gathering place • Additional light poles installed to improve appearance and safety

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Focusing on South King Street in the core Chinatown area, the Street as Symbolic Landscape design proposal suggests ways that the appearance of the street can reflect the cultures that reside in the District. Such changes include installing a Chinese Gate and creating space for a Street Festival. Such changes will have a number of advantages for the community. They will increase the Asian-American identity of the area. They will increase the diversity of uses of the neighborhood as well as the people attracted to it. The neighborhood will become more accessible to a wider range of people and more people will be able to participate in the community. Other benefits will include traffic improvements, safety, security, comfort and economic revitalization. In this design proposal, the combined elements of Chinese poems and characters would be used in the design of a unique, modern gate for the Seattle Chinatown. This would do much to reinforce the identity of the Chinese community in the District. Another construction project would be the redesigning of intersections as Node Intersections. Typically the node intersection can slow down car speeds and give pedestrians a more comfortable walking space. During special events such as street festivals or holiday markets, the node intersection can become a place for artists or performers. Another infrastructure change designed to enhance safety and create more public spaces would be the redesigning of sidewalks. The original sidewalks would be widened to create more space for vendors, residents and tourists. After being extended and repaved, sidewalks can be used in diverse ways such as becoming a commercial space to display vendors’ merchandise or become an outdoor eating space for restaurants. To create a better space for street festivals it is suggested that a number of improvements be made to King Street. 13.5’ wide sidewalks and curbs should be installed to create more pedestrian space when the street is not closed. The street itself would be redesigned to make it a two-lane thoroughfare along with two lanes for parking. Special paving patterns and details would be included to

improve the visual attractiveness of the street. Street trees would also be planted on King Street to improve its appearance as well. Street furniture would be installed as an amenity to pedestrians and to increase its function as a gathering place. Finally, additional light poles would be installed, and existing poles relocated, to enhance the appearance of the area and increase safety.

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S. King Street

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Go Hing Festival Alley Kristin Kildall

• Creates a new cultural landscape in the District • Alley is landscaped to recreate its analog in Asia. • Valleys, hills and mountains expressed through open spaces • The alley becomes a walk through Asian culture • At the beginning of the alley is a walled garden. At the end (the

high point) a pavilion and a community center are built. • Water is symbolized by a river of black stone • A terraced plaza is built at Jackson street for residents to gather,

talk and play The Go Hing Festival Alley design proposal calls for creating a new cultural landscape in the District. A fragmented alley is reassembled as an analog to its origins across the ocean. Valleys, hills and mountains are expressed through the open spaces. Go Hing alley is named for a forgotten festival. The alley becomes a walk through the

past, a place for residents to reflect and visitors to discover. The journey begins in the valley, sparked by the view of a pavilion in the distance seemingly floating in the clouds. A walled garden signifies the beginning; a place where people come to feel protected and can watch the activity surrounding them. It is a place of water, for fishermen of the past to float peacefully and bring in the catch to sell in the markets. Water is reflected in a black stone river, bringing residents and visitors through the alley to the fish markets, restaurants and shops. Sails and Chinese nets hang overhead. Lanterns light the way. A gateway signifies the end of one journey and a path to another. On Jackson Street, the terraced plaza invites the residents to gather, talk and play. A senior center anchors the community, where elders visit with people buying vegetables, picking up things for the home and on their way to the community services. Overhead, loose strings of lights dangle in the breeze. Makeshift signs and awnings decorate the alley, bringing a sense of chaos and discovery. The paving, reflecting terraced rice fields, marks each step forward. At the next intersection, a large gate with a red lantern marks the entry. The steep alley is a climb, but there is a destination. The alley is lit by rows of red lanterns, with red and orange flags repeating their pattern overhead. Here, everything seems larger, making people feel smaller, more a part of the surroundings. Large stones set in the paving enhance the scale. At the destination, a person has a choice. They can enter the community center, a place of personal enrichment and a place to learn about their culture, or they can ascend farther to the pavilion. Here they can reflect on their journey, looking into the past as they look down the alley, and see from where they have come.

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Urban Incubators Peter T-H. Lau

• Safe outdoor spaces created for different functions • Pavilions built next to open spaces • Security office in pavilion to ensure 24-hour safety • Pavilions and other structures designed using Asian architectural

elements The intention of this design proposal is to provide outdoor spaces that are safe and suitable for different functions. This is achieved by providing structures and pavilions to “serve” the outdoor space. They are designed in such a way that certain activities are encouraged. They embrace specific functions so that certain activities can spill out into the space. They also house a small security office that can ensure the 24-hour safety of the space. In addition to the pavilion kiosks, signs and redesigned bus shelters would be installed. All the structures are designed using a common strategy. They show certain recognizable similarities and they work together to provide a way-finding system in the District. As such, they are designed with

reference to Asian architecture and they provide a unique identity to the district. These structures are named Urban Incubators. Urban incubators nurture and activate outdoor spaces, allow people to better find their way and manifest the identity of the neighborhood. In the focus group meetings, a number of issues were raised concerning outdoor spaces in the District. Hing Hay Park is not considered to be safe at all times. The Danny Woo Garden, built on a steep slope, is not especially friendly for the elderly. There is also demand for suitable outdoor spaces that can hold community activities. On the West side of I-5 in particular there is no suitable outdoor space where people can gather. Strategies Specific sites are identified for the various structures. Each of the structures is designed with certain common strategies, but varies according to different locations and needs. They are designed based on three major considerations: response to movement, visual impact and reference to Asian architecture. Pavilions: Four pavilions with an outdoor space in front are proposed. They are the Hing Hay Cultural Pavilion, the Vietnamese Pavilion, the Elderly Pavilion and the Children’s Pavilion. The Hing Hay Cultural Pavilion and Vietnamese Pavilion are further studied in this proposal. The Hing Hay Cultural Pavilion takes the site of the existing postal services office adjacent to the Hing Hay Park. It houses an exhibition space, a smaller postal office and a security office. It also provides a stage facing a new square to make outdoor performances or community events possible. In terms of design, two dominant curves are used to direct movement into the square and define performance space. Trees are planted on the periphery to define the square. The interior of the pavilion is designed according to the spatial experience of the Chinese vernacular courtyard house, where people pass through gates to a dark entrance space and finally to an open courtyard. The Hing Hay Park is redesigned to work with the new square, so together they form a large community space.

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The Vietnamese Pavilion takes the site of the existing car park opposite the Hau Hau market at the intersection of S. King St. and S.12th Avenue. Again a community square is introduced in front. Its purpose is to serve as the future hub of the Little Saigon community. It houses an exhibition space, offices and meeting spaces for community organizations. It incorporates curves to direct movement of people in the square. Deep canopies in vernacular Vietnamese houses are used, and glazing is used to simulate the openness of those houses. A landmark, in the form of a bamboo tower structure, is designed at the corner of the square. It is visible from the 12th and Jackson intersection, which is Little Saigon’s busiest intersection, and draws people towards the square. It can be used to hang different banners to promote community activities. The same strategies of responding to movement, visual impact and Asian architecture are used for the design of kiosks and bus shelters.

Kiosks and Bus Shelters

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Hing Hay Cultural Pavilion

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Vietnamese Cultural Pavilion

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Intersections as Courtyards Trent Lloyd

• Streets, sidewalks and intersections transformed into rooms

where one moves from dark to light, from enclosed spaces to opens spaces and from small spaces to large ones

• Rooms are reminiscent of old imperial Asian palaces with courtyards, gateways and arcades

In creating intersections as courtyards, streets, sidewalks and intersections are transformed into rooms where one moves from dark to light, from an enclosed space to an open space and from a small space to a large one. The rooms are reminiscent of old imperial Asian palaces with courtyards, gateways, and arcades. This concept attempts to address many of the District community’s need for identity, street livability, open space, and neighborhood ownership and pride.

Enclosed Sidewalk Enclosed sidewalks are used to connect courtyards. The enclosed sidewalk mimics an arcade. The arcade like structure is made of bamboo, wood posts, and brick. It reflects an Asian aesthetic and Seattle’s historic architecture. The space becomes an intimate, semi-private space for storeowners as well as a vibrant, entertaining street for pedestrians. Open Intersection Each intersection mimics a courtyard. The enclosed sidewalk, and the wall-like signs at 7th and King Street, would work as gateways to establish the point of transition from the sidewalk to the intersection. At the intersection, the curbs are bulbed for sidewalk cafes and crosswalks. A paving pattern encourages pedestrians to occupy the street. The space is meant for festivals, concerts, and political rallies.

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Jackson Street: Rethinking Urban Open Space Anna O'Connell

• Creates series of small open, green spaces on Jackson Street

sidewalks • Activates streets for community use • Does not hinder vehicular traffic • Motifs used reflect cultures in the District • Plazas located where alleys intersect with Jackson Street and

complements proposed redevelopment of alleys The overarching goal of this design is to make the Jackson Street sidewalks into a series of small, easily navigable open spaces to address the need for green space in the District. This scheme complements the proposed redevelopment of the alleys to activate the street and create a pedestrian-scale corridor while not hindering vehicular traffic. It also addresses the corridor’s diverse cultural history through a variety of motifs and materials. A series of small

plazas at the intersections of the alleys and Jackson Street create a pedestrian-scale sense of rhythm and provide resting and gathering spots. The activation of these spaces, along with the alleys’ redevelopment, creates a safer environment for pedestrians. Plaza descriptions are as follows: Jackson Street and Go Hing Alley

• Trolley stop constructed for proposed rerouting of streetcar down Jackson Street. Tensile overhangs in alley are brought into street as shelter for streetcar stop. The form recalls Asian fishing nets.

• Movable chairs and tables provide social spaces and places to eat food bought from vendors in alley.

Jackson Street and Maynard Alley

• On the south side a river with a stone and bamboo gateway

echoes the materials and forms of the alley. Benches under the gate provide places to wait for the bus on rainy days.

• Out in the sidewalks, a low seat wall (north side) and a bench (south side) act as bus stops.

• A runnel and bamboo grove on the north plaza acts as a storm water planter.

Jackson Street and Canton Alley

• On the north side a small garden provides a resting spot and

place to look into the adjacent park and p-patch. • On the south side, the green of the alley transforms into a

metal trellis and vine. This provides a reflective surface to give passersby a glimpse of the green alley at this blind corner.

Between these plazas, planting beds, some of which are storm water planters, groupings of boulders, and pedestrian-scale lighting create a visually and physically connecting path. This corridor, like many Asian gardens, is meant to be experienced as a series of vignettes with the plazas being the individual experiences and the sidewalks being the unifying path.

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Maynard Artisans’ Alley Carolyn Salisbury

• Buildings along Maynard Alley renovated to create studio space

for artists • Alley will be activated to become a community space • Blocks will be partially enclosed to create variation in different

sections of the alley • Platforms made of black polished granite constructed to provide

outdoor spaces for artists to create and sell their art • Alley paved with a textured black mosaic of river rocks • Awnings installed to provide shelter and enclose smaller spaces

within the alley • Bed filters installed along sides of alley to collect storm water

runoff. Planted with Japanese timber bamboo • Bamboo nests used to hide dumpsters • Pillars of varying height installed as a place to sit, or use as

tables

• Signs placed on corners of buildings leading into the alley to draw visitors in and provide information about events

Renovated buildings on this stretch of Maynard Alley will create studio spaces for Asian and Asian American artists to live and work in. The alley will function as an extension of their studio spaces and help to create a more livable and community friendly alley in the neighborhood. A place for traditions to be passed on and observed, and for inter-generational friendships to develop, the alley will be transformed by the presence of artists and their creativity. To help foster a sense of place, the blocks are composed of different degrees of enclosure, creating compressions on the end of the blocks and releases in the middle. The intention here is to vary the section of the alley so that different levels of light and texture fill the alley in a rhythmic manner. The alley, through its “bamboo beds” and “bamboo nests,” also helps to foster the cyclical and temporal event of harvest: one that is all too rare in an urban neighborhood. Platforms provide outdoor places for artists to spill outside with their craft. These platforms provide smaller spaces of slightly different sizes for artists to sell their work or practice their craft (throwing pots, making paper, sculpting…). The platforms are flat but vary in width and length, reflecting the form of the awnings in seen in precedent studies of well-used small alleys. The variations in size serve to decrease the width and scale of the alley. The material is smooth black polished granite, which rises out of the highly textured matte black mosaic of river rocks in the alley proper. Awnings help enclose spaces, provide shelter from the rain, and from the pigeons that sit on the wires above the alley. They create smaller places for artists to use as an extension of their studio spaces. The walls under the awnings are “canvases” for artists to use as installation space. The undersides of the awnings are copper-lined and reflect light from a fixture on the wall. Reflected light at a lower level than the existing streetlights is more aesthetically pleasing and safer. It helps eliminate the glare and high contrast shadows of the current lights, and specific facial features become more recognizable.

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Bed filters along the sides of the alleys collect storm water runoff and allow water to re-enter the atmosphere via evapotranspiration. Any water that passes through the system leaves filtered and overflow from the beds enters the existing drainage system. They are planted with Japanese timber bamboo, which will be cut down and replanted at intervals. The bamboo with then be available to make the bamboo nests. The primary intent in using these is to create community identity and improve street livability. The audible experience of live bamboo in the alley helps to quiet and soften its starkness. Visually contrasting the red of the brick walls and the black of the mosaic ground, it helps bring the alley into a smaller scale as it engages the senses and physically encloses or compresses space through its tall arching form. Bamboo Nests, primarily a move to address community identity and street livability, hide the dumpsters. These provide an experience of harvest in the alley, where live bamboo will be cut down, dried, split, and made into huge “nests” throughout the alley. They will be rebuilt at intervals in accordance with the harvesting of the bamboo. They would therefore look different every time the artists in the community rebuild them. A tourist attraction, eye-catcher, or reason to enter the alley, they also allow for a sense of community to begin to evolve and a cyclical event to be established. The tradition and the craft of growing, harvesting, preparing, building and sculpting with bamboo can be passed on, observed, or learned in the community. Pillars are primarily in the flea market but are also in several places along the alley. These stone benches are simple two feet square pillars of varying heights, allowing for places to sit, gather, or use as tables to sell from or use as an extension of the studio table. Small in dimension and varying in height, their form reflects the awnings and scale found in precedent studies of small alleys. Signs placed on the corners of the buildings leading into the alley let people realize that it is not a typical alley. These signs are community boards, announcing events occurring in the alley. Notices for classes taught by the artists, demonstrations, sales, or open houses fill these signs. The frame is bamboo twig bundles harvested from the bamboo growing in the alley, and remade in a similar manner as the bamboo nests. Transparencies are places in the

building facades that are opened up. Most of these already structurally exist in the facades but have been boarded up. The intent is to address street livability by opening up the alley in spaces so it does not feel like a canyon. They also serve to draw in visitors, as most of them exist on the corners of the buildings. Transparencies allow opportunities to create more building entries on the alley. With people coming and going, the alley will be enlivened, and will become safer as a result.

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Maynard Alley

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Jackson Street: Engaging the Narrative Landscape Jan Satterthwaite

• Landscape can provide a narrative of the history of the District • Monuments, dedication planters and references to former

landscape features installed to evoke common memories • Gardens and plants used to retell a traditional creation story • Pocket plazas created to create a space for the exchange of

ideas in the form of festivals, markets and children’s events Within the narrative realm, the landscape can provide access to the experience and the history of the place as well as the anchoring of memories. The three narrative strategies discussed here emerged from the interplay of natural processes and cultural processes:

Memory A locus for individual and collective experience, such as monuments, dedication planters, & references to former landscape features (e.g. the Jackson Street Regrade). Visual References Gardens and plants are used to become a creation story for retelling a culture's origins (hence, the use of culturally symbolic plants in planters, street trees and the landscape median) Experience Places become temporal exchanges for storytelling, such as the pocket plaza designed to be a parking lot during the week and a place to host a multitude of events (cultural festivals, weekend markets, children's art fairs, etc.) on the weekends.

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Pattern Language for Community Self-made Design Douglas Shaw User-Generated Design The purpose of this project is to make a logical and practical case for user generated design in the Chinatown-International District. The District can benefit from user-generated design because of the multitude of different cultures that are represented within such a small area. User generated design can allow individuals within these groups to express their identity through design. It can, at a community level, result in a unique expression of the community’s self-impression. The Pattern Language Pattern Language refers to a system of design thought created by Christopher Alexander in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Alexander, in his book “A Pattern Language”, sets forth the most comprehensive method for allowing non-professionals to shape their own environment. It stresses user design and the use of “patterns”, or recurring considerations that need resolution when performing a design task. These issues are addressed when designing cities, neighborhoods, buildings and rooms. They aren’t necessarily specific design solutions, as those should vary depending on the site, the surroundings, and the needs of the user. The patterns are organized into a “language”. This language has a vocabulary like any other language. In this case the vocabulary is made up by the patterns themselves. It also has a grammar, a proper relation of the patterns to each other. The individual patterns have meanings, like words in a spoken or written language. Patterns such as “Household Mix”, or “Mosaic of Subcultures” say something about the social and physical characteristics of “neighborhood” while patterns like “Bed Alcove” or “Window Place” describe the nature of “home”.

User-generated Dsign 1. Pattern language is an approach to user-generated urban design 2. Can allow people in different cultural groups to express their

identity through urban design 3. Can result in a unique expression

Pattern Language 1. User-generated design uses “pattern language” to allow non-

design professionals to express their ideas 2. Patterns respond to issues in a neighborhood that need to be

resolved through planning 3. Patterns are arranged into a “language”, with patterns as the

“words”. The “grammar” is the relationship of patterns to each other

4. Pattern language is unique to each community

Design Process 1. Makes the design process easy by creating a step-by-step

process 2. Design work is often done on-site with rough drawings and

markings directly on the site 3. Design professionals work with community to turn ideas into

formal drawings and plans that conform to code, secure permits, contractors and financing

4. The design professional also works to help resolve disagreements among community members

Pattern Generation for the District 1. Existing patterns in the District must be respected and new

patterns need to be generated to meet the needs of the community

2. Patterns are generated when users examine considerations in building structures, public space, and other amenities

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The grammar of the pattern language is found in the support patterns for each other. Patterns should relate horizontally. There should be different patterns at the same level of organization such as neighborhood or home. They should also relate vertically. Patterns at the small scale contribute to build up a larger pattern. For example, the pattern “Promenade” could work with the pattern “Activity Nodes” and “Gateway” to create a busy pedestrian street with identifiable entrances and one or more centers of intense activity. Smaller patterns such as “Individually Owned Shops”, “Nightlife”, and “Food Stands” flush out the social life of the place. “Small Public Squares”, “Positive Open Spaces”, and “Connected Buildings” define the physical characteristics of the street and the physical locations of the activity nodes. “Building Facades”, “Building Edge” and “Street Windows” support the larger “Promenade” pattern at the level of the building. The pattern language given by Christopher Alexander is only a starting point for the development of individuals and community’s own languages. Patterns can be generated by looking at the common considerations that go into design decisions and breaking them down into their component parts. The Design Process The practical use of this language to solve design problems is fairly easy, because it attempts to demystify the process of creatively exploring alternatives with a step-by-step process of going from general and large scale issues to progressively smaller scale issues. As each issue is resolved, it leads to several detailing issues to flush it out, as demonstrated above. In theory, the method is supposed to be used by those who will occupy the product- be it a neighborhood, office building, or house. As much design work as possible is to be done on site, with marks made directly onto the site and only rough plans being drawn out. In reality, this seldom has been, or could be, the case. Very few people have the capacity to build a building on their own, contractors are needed, loans must be secured, and building codes met. These

things require a more formal plan and drawings be completed, in advance. This requires a design professional- an architect, engineer, developer, etc. to be involved in the process. The next best option, then, is to have the community or individual work with the design professional to select and organize patterns into a coherent whole that supports the functions the community values. The important distinction between this and standard community involvement is that the community still designs, but with the help of a professional. This is in contrast to giving the professionals the hopes, fears, and ideas of the community and then waiting to see how the designer meets them. This is how, in fact, most projects using pattern languages have been done. The designer, in this process, still has a very important role. The designer is still responsible for helping the community navigate through the network of complex problems involved in the design process. He or she is also important because, as a trained and experienced professional, the designer has a more highly developed ability to conceive the patterns as a whole and see difficulties in how they relate. They can also identify possible opportunities in certain combinations of patterns. The designer must also work as a mediator to resolve conflicts between different entities involved in the design process and to keep ideas within the bounds of feasibility. Pattern Generation The patterns identified by Christopher Alexander are a good point of departure for the community and designers to start on a process of creating patterns that meet the specific needs of the International District. Existing patterns must be respected and new patterns must be generated to meet the needs of the District. Patterns are generated by looking at what considerations must be met when building some specific type of structure, public space, garden, or neighborhoods. These considerations are then broken down into their commonly recurring component elements. The possible solutions for these considerations are then examined to see which most effectively solve the problem and relate to the overall structure of the language.

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For example, protection from the elements is one common consideration in the design of streetscape. There are a variety of different ways to protect people from the elements. These range from street trees to awnings, arcades or freestanding pavilions. The designer can then look at these common solutions and see what other patterns he or she is working with and see which solution melds with the overall character of the language chosen so far. Policy and Conclusion For this to be a viable system of design in the District, some city policies must be changed. Street and building regulations must be changed to more performance-based standards to allow greater flexibility. Storefront renovation funds should be expanded to allow them to be used for structures that project out form the façade of the building and into the sidewalk. The use of user-design techniques should be encouraged by city development grants and in the creation of public facilities. I think that user-design is the best way for the District to express its unique identity. Allowing for and actively encouraging these things will allow that expression to grow in an honest and organic fashion.

Alley as Living Space Gretchen Stromberg

Canton Alley, one of the most prominent alleys in the Chinatown-International District, is unique because of the large amount of residential buildings bordering it. As Chinatown increases its residential population the need to create meaningful outdoor spaces for families will also increase. There are three goals for this design: • To create an alley that connects green spaces from the Danny

Woo Community Gardens to the International Children’s Park by introducing vegetation and p-patches along the alley

• To strengthen the linear form of the alley

• To redesign areas like the Chong Wa basketball court to welcome the community while improving the space for Chong Wa’s needs

4. Design Proposals

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S. Jackson S

treet

S. K

ing Street

4. Design Proposals

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S. W

eller Street

Documents

Community Building Placemaking Chinatown