08.17.2023

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Today’s Forecast

🛠️ Working on the yard

How to weigh in on the PacSci courtyard renovation project

A bird's eye view of the Pacific Science Center courtyard with the famed white arches shown prominently

The Pacific Science Center courtyard has kept its primary attractions for 61 years. | Photo via Pacific Science Center

Ah, you gotta love a big renovation project — especially when it involves plastic dinosaurs.

In case you haven’t heard, the Pacific Science Center’s 60-year-old courtyard known for its arch views, Jurassic sculptures, and reflecting pools is being considered for upgrades.

Earlier this year, PacSci announced plans to modernize the space designed by famed architect Minoru Yamasaki to keep up with today’s sustainability and accessibility standards. The center’s proposal included everything from basic refreshes to bolder ideas like filling the pools with a small meadow of native plants. Initial cost estimates were in the $17-$37 million range.

The meadow proposal raised eyebrows from the city’s Landmarks Board members and preservation advocates. Now, PacSci is looking for public feedback to help shape the courtyard’s future and come up with a revised plan.

Fair flashback

Decades after its debut, the courtyard and PacSci pavilion is still a beaut. Yamasaki created it for the World’s Fair in 1962, establishing a peaceful oasis away from the fair’s hubub, complete with those famed arches hovering above.

More playful elements like water cannons and the dinosaur sculptures were added over the years. The courtyard’s original elements remained mainly the same, but the leaky ponds needed to be resealed in 2011.

A view of the PacSci pavilion and pools when it first opened in 1962 — The PacSci pools were made with native cedar.
|
Photo via the Seattle Municipal Archives

Seeking improvement

In 2010, the whole Pacific Science Center building with the courtyard became a landmark. That means significant changes must be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Board — however, minor renovations are allowed.

The courtyard’s stewards are looking to:

Meet updated ADA requirements for pool edges, plaza, and restrooms.
Address its water waste (the pools lose 26 million gallons of H2O annually due to leaks and evaporation).
Minimize ongoing maintenance costs.

It’s your turn

PacSci’s early 2023 presentation laid the renovation’s groundwork, but the project won’t move forward until the community weighs in.

There’s an anonymous online survey active through Thursday, Aug. 31 where you can send in your thoughts. Don’t hold back — it’s for science, after all.

Asked

Pop quiz: What was the original name of the Pacific Science Center?

A. The Space Center
B. United States Science Pavilion
C. Seattle Science Fair
D. Arches of the World

Test your knowledge

Events

Thursday, Aug. 17

Taiwan Excellence: Ian Maksin | Thursday, Aug. 17-Saturday, Aug. 19 | Times vary | Pacific Place Seattle, 600 Pine St., Seattle | Free | Enjoy a performance by the renowned cello player — arrive early for complimentary bubble tea.
Hand-Rolled Sushi Class | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | The Bistro at SpringHill Suites, 1800 Yale Ave., Seattle | $59 | Learn how to craft Tiger rolls, Philadelphia rolls, and even your own dipping sauce in this fun, hands-on experience.

Friday, Aug. 18

Dragonflight | Friday, Aug. 18-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave. SE, Bellevue | $35-$75 | PNW’s tabletop convention is back and ready to roll with meet-ups, family activities, and plenty of game sessions.
Comedian Michael Longfellow | Friday, Aug. 18 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Laughs Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle | $22 | You may recognize this comic as one of the newer castmembers on “SNL” — his “Weekend Update” appearances have killed.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Cascade Cactus and Succulent Society Plant Sale | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Volunteer Park Conservatory, 1400 East Galer St., Seattle | Free | Pick up a prickly new green buddy or two while mingling with fellow plant aficionados.
Will Ferrell Costume Party | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m. | The BottleNeck Lounge, 2328 E. Madison St., Seattle | Free | Yeah, he’s “kind of a big deal” — dress up as Ron Burgundy, Ricky Bobby, or any other of the comedian’s famous characters for a night of zany fun.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Seattle Design Jam | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | MOHAI, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle | Free | Join a brainstorming sesh with manufacturers, designers, students, and community members on how to find better uses for cardboard and plastic packing materials.
Alki Beach Pride | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 12-7 p.m. | Alki Beach Park, 2665 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle | Free | Spend a beachy day celebrating the LGBTQ+ with family-friendly activities, local crafts vendors, and live music.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Read

Hello, Dolly. Country music legend Dolly Parton visited Tacoma on Tuesday to celebrate her Imagination Library’s expansion to Washington. The nonprofit program sends free books to kids ages 0-5 each month within participating zip codes, which now includes the U District and Downtown Seattle. (Seattle Times)

Transit

In current news, the Seattle City Council passed legislation allowing City Light to lease private property to developers who build more electric vehicle charging stations. City Light estimated it could add 10-20 charging stations over the next two years. (MyNorthwest)

Outdoors

Seattle has a Stage 2 burn ban in effect due to the heat and dry weather. All outdoor recreational fires — including backyard fire pits with chopped wood — are no-nos under the ban, but you can still use barbecues. The city has more details online, including tips on discarding smoking materials. (Seattle Times)

Traffic

The Missing Link project for the Burke-Gilman Trail is up for discussion again. The city released a survey seeking public feedback on a proposed path along Market Street, Leary Avenue, and NW 17th Street — rather than the previously proposed Shilshole Avenue. We explained what that might look like when the idea was floated in March. (My Ballard)

Coming Soon

Talk about a fast expansion. Just a few months after opening its first Seattle restaurant on Westlake Avenue, Mendocino Farms is launching a second one downtown at 1350 Fourth Ave. on Wednesday, Sept. 6. The fancy salad + sandwich specialist is planning five more outposts in the area. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Arts

One new Beacon Hill street mural speaks volumes. The 90-ft painting at 2544 Beacon Ave. S. portrays a local named Charles who’s known as “Seattle’s biggest hip-hop fan.” Artist Crick “Dozer” Lont created the mural to commemorate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. (South Seattle Emerald)

Sports

Welcome to the club — the Sounders announced the addition of three new members to its ownership group. CEO of Amazon Web Services Adam Selipsky, Redapt co-founder Rick Cantu, and president of Sand Capital and Sandor Jay Stein bring their tech and real estate experience to the MLS team.

Development

The Northtowne Shopping Center in Bellevue that houses a QFC recently sold for $14.5 million, according to recent filings. There’s no word on future development details for the 3.2-acre property off Route 520, but a QFC spokesperson said there are no plans to close the store. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Shop

Looking for hidden treasure? Capitol Hill Garage Sale makes a return to Cal Anderson Park this Sunday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Billed as Seattle’s longest running community-wide garage sale, the event features 100+ participants hawking goods outside their homes.

Festival

🐉 On pins and needles

Admiring all the cool ink at the Seattle Tattoo Expo

A woman lies on a cot as a tattoo artist prepares needles over a large ring light at the Seattle Tattoo Expo

See something you like? Several artists at the expo accept walk-up customers. | Photo by Courtney Martin via Seattle Tattoo Expo

Looking to get skin in the game? The supremely colorful Seattle Tattoo Expo is arriving this weekend to spill some serious ink.

There will be 250+ artists from both the Emerald City and all over the country setting up shop at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall from Friday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 20.

Vendors are on hand show off their skills and products — you can even get tattooed on site (though some artists require reservations in advance).

Other activities include:

Live music from local indie bands La Fonda and Future Tense
A beer garden and food trucks from Dumpling Tsar, Kottu, and Monster Dogs
Best + worst tattoo contests
Burlesque performances from Ruby Mimosa, Carson St. Clair, Boom Boom L’Roux, and others — plus BurlesKaraoke

Tickets are on sale now — $30 for the day, $70 for the weekend if purchased in advance. Any tattoo costs are up to you.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Gabe

From the editor

I have somehow gone about eight years in Seattle without getting a tattoo. Maybe that should change? I may regret this, but I’m willing to take suggestions on how to show permanent local pride with body art.

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