Analysis of Lighting Project in Downtown Seattle

Project Overview

• Catenary lighting installed on Third Avenue between Stewart and Pine streets, March 15-16.
• Cost: $47,000, funded by:
  • Downtown Seattle Association (DSA)
  • Amazon ($15,000)
  • Other contributors ($15,000)

Key Facts

• Doubles illumination area on a previously dark stretch of North America's busiest transit-only corridor.
• Project aims to enhance pedestrian and transit user experience in a historically underutilized area.
• The block has been largely vacant since Amazon vacated a large office building in 2022.

Business Impact

• Foot Traffic:
  • Highest foot traffic recorded since March 2020 one month after installation.
  • Continued growth throughout the year.
• Safety:
  • Property crime declined by 7.5% in 2023 compared to 2022.
  • Violent crime dropped by 18.5%.

Competitive Dynamics

• Amazon's departure highlights shift in corporate real estate strategies, potentially influencing other businesses in the area.
• Improved safety and ambiance may attract new tenants or investors to the corridor.

Market Implications

• Urban Revitalization:
  • Lighting project aligns with broader trends of urban renewal and public space investment.
  • Could signal a rebound in downtown Seattle's commercial viability.
• Transit-Oriented Development:
  • Enhances appeal of transit-only corridors, supporting mixed-use development models.

Strategic Considerations

• Collaboration between DSA, property owners, King County Metro, and city departments underscores importance of public-private partnerships in urban projects.
• Temporary deactivation of bus wires during installation highlights coordination challenges in densely developed areas.

Long-Term Effects

• Potential for sustained increase in foot traffic and economic activity along Third Avenue.
• May influence future infrastructure investments to further enhance downtown Seattle's appeal.