City Initiatives

Commercial

Community

Environmental Sustainability

Housing

Parks/Open Space

Transportation

Mercer Portal

On Thursday, November 8, Mayor Schell recognized the efforts of South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors in transforming the Mercer Street Portal by declaring the day Mercer Portal Day - a day to celebrate community partnerships and pride in South Lake Union. This inaugural year was recognized by a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site.
 
The Mercer Portal project will transform the current I-5/ Mercer Street interchange, sometimes referred to as the "Mercer Mess", to a gracious entry to South Lake Union and Seattle. This long-term project will touch land owned by a host of land owners including local businesses, the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Primary responsibility for the vision of the Portal, as well as the development of the design, lies with the South Lake Union community. The combination of private and public funds as well as time and effort demonstrate the level of commitment and interest by both the community and the City.
 
History
The Mercer Street interchange connects Mercer Street, Fairview Avenue, and Valley Street with Interstate 5. The interchange is is an important artery for the City of Seattle. Used by thousands of people visiting the city for the first time, it provides them with their first or last impressions of the city. It is also acts as an important commerce portal to businesses in South Lake Union, Cascade, Queen Anne, Eastlake, Denny Triangle, and Belltown neighborhoods. Since it was last given a facelift in 1990 for the Goodwill Games, blackberry bushes, weeds, and trash discarded by passing motorists have slowly overtaken it.
 
In October 1998, a PEMCO employee suggested sprucing up and maintaining the Mercer Portal. Many South Lake Union neighbors and government representatives formed a group to meet the challenge. Feedback from residents, business leaders and employees, and government representatives was overwhelmingly positive.
 
Though the Washington State Department of Transportation has worked hard to maintain the area, funds and workforce for the maintenance of landscape areas are stretched thin. WSDOT is responsible for more than 7,000 miles of roadway.
 
South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors (SLUFAN) began working to determine how the interchange could be improved. The idea of improving the Mercer Interchange fits perfectly into the neighborhood plan formed by SLUFAN and other interested community and business members and adopted by the City. In addition to beautifying the community, the project also has merit as a benefit to both the City and State.
 
The costs of this undertaking will be $800,000 if the project get completed in entirety, with a $200,000 endowment fund for future expenses. $200,000 has been spent to date. Once SLUFAN raises $135,000, they will receive $135,000 in matching funds from City of Seattle Parks Department. Funding of the project is also different from other interchange projects in the past. These monies, be received through donations from local businesses, community groups and individuals, will be combined with public grants in a way that will make it possible to improve the area and maintain it.
 
For this project WSDOT and the City of Seattle have given primary responsibility to the South Lake Union community. SLUFAN will become the developer for the project and is responsible for the design and timely implementation of the landscaping work within WSDOT guidelines.
 
Current Update
Phase 1 of the project will be completed within year's end. Phase 1 includes the corner of the Mercer Portal closest to Fairview Ave. A $50,000-$70,000 endowment is required for this project to commence. Once Phase 1 is completed in entirety with an established maintenance/endowment fund, successive phases start.

Funds
SLUFAN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit status that will make all donations tax deductible.
 
South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors
414 Pontius Avenue N
Seattle WA 98109-5461
phone: (206) 622-6960
fax: (206) 622-6870
 
South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors
Attn: Robin Russell, Treasurer
Cascade People's Center
c/o 433 Minor Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109-5777
phone: (206) 587-0320
fax: (206) 694-5777
 
Partners
Thank You to the individuals and business that have given to the Mercer Portal Beautification Project from South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors.

© 2003 SLUFAN

Site Sponsored by Vulcan Inc. | Maintained by IlluminAge Communication Partners