KING STREET STATION

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION AND HOW DOES IT ADDRESS THE CRISIS?

After reviewing the current status and plans of King Street Station, we have put together a series of small proposals for how the City could better utilize this historic building in service of the public. First, a meeting should be organized with all major stakeholders to formalize plans for the activation or redevelopment of the plaza. The Office of Arts and Culture and the Cultural Space Agency should also publicize their plans so that people are aware of the planned future use of the second and third floors. The City should look into restoring and repurposing the Women’s Waiting Room, perhaps into a café. Amtrak should also be encouraged to provide public wi-fi in the building, as this would dramatically improve the experience of waiting for a train. Finally, the City should consider transferring ownership of King Street Station to another department with more experience leasing and managing property than SDOT, since all revenue returns right back to the City’s  general fund regardless.

WHO WILL THIS SERVE?

These recommendations will primarily serve the public, as they will improve the experience of visiting the station, provide more reasons to do so, and spread awareness about why someone might want to. The final recommendation would primarily impact the city, as it should make management of the building easier, but it would also decrease the likelihood of an extended vacancy again in the future.

WHY IS THIS THE BEST SOLUTION?

Everyone agrees that the King Street Station is an incredible resource that should be leveraged for the benefit of all, especially after the substantial investment made in its restoration. Most people also agree that there is a serious lack of amenities at the station, particularly food and drink options. The plaza also could be an enormous asset to the neighborhood, if only it were remodeled and activated creatively. 

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE TO MOVE FORWARD?

The initial discussions for all of these recommendations would ideally take place in the very near future, perhaps within the next month if possible. The timeline for subsequent steps will vary with the intervention, but many of them should be able to be entirely complete within the next six months.

If you would like to learn more about King Street Station, please contact Jona Perkins: