Saturday, October 18, 2008

Transit Center

Photos & Text Copyright 2008 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.








This is part of the distinctive Northgate Transit Center, built in the early 1990's as a hub for Metro bus routes in the north end of Seattle. Seen in passing from I-5, the transit center's design looks futuristic with a 60's flair. Perhaps the design elements remind me most of those found at Seattle Center and the legacy of the 1962 Century 21 Expo. This hub may eventually tie-in with a proposed 12.5 mile extension of the light rail system north from the University of Washington if it is approved as part of the Mass Transit Expansion Proposal before voters on November 4th. More available transit couldn't come too soon to this area, judging from the nearly completed development next door, Thornton Place. It's a huge six acre project of 109 three story condos, 278 apartments in two multistory complexes, and 143 senior residences in another multistory building, a new 14 screen IMAX theater and 50,000 square feet of retail space at Thornton Plaza. Talk about your urban density model! Photos of those tomorrow!

7 comments:

vanderleun said...

"More available transit couldn't come too soon to this area"

Why yes. Especially looking at how heavily it is used in these pictures. People just can't wait to ride the stinking bus or the train to nowhere. And so cheap too.

Anonymous said...

Everything looks lovely.

vanderleun said...

Yes. Perfect. No people to speak of. What a glorious world that will be.

Pat said...

Have spent many moments waiting for the bus here, and it is indeed a lovely place, as far as bus stops go. Northgate remains one of my favorite malls; not too big, not too small.

Hilda said...

That's a pretty funky roof! I would've thought it was some kind amusement center.

www.niamhphotography.com said...

beautifully taken shots.

USelaine said...

It's great to see such attractive infrastructure, making those condos "move-in ready". No need for a second vehicle with this at hand.