By Lindsay Peyton

The Downtown Arch has returned to the intersection of 152 St and 2 Ave SW in Burien. 

City officials gathered to celebrate the rededication of the structure on Friday morning, Sept. 15. 

Mayor Lucy Krakowiak was joined by former mayor Wing Woo, who helped dedicate the original arch, for the event. 

“The first arch was built in 2003,” Krakowiak said. “A lot has changed in downtown Burien.”

The Downtown Arch was first erected when 152 St was converted from four lanes to two with street parking, the mayor explained. 

She said that the move kickstarted the revitalization of the city’s downtown, which is anchored by the recently completed Town Center. 

The original arch – and its foundational structure -- was damaged by a construction truck in February 2016. 

Crews worked to restore the arch, which served as a gateway to the city, for the past year. 

Former mayor Woo said that the arch was part of the city’s 20-year vision. 

“I’m really glad that it’s back up,” he said. “It just shows they still have that 20-year vision.”

Woo said the plaques on the sides of the arch commemorate the city council in place when the structure was raised, as well as the current council. 

“It’s nice to have the two plaques – one for the past and one for the future,” he said. “The city is growing. It’s up to the current city council and the mayor to come up with another 20-year vision.”

Rose Clark, former deputy mayor for the city, said she was a major proponent of the arch from the beginning. 

She was convinced that once the street was smaller and the parking added, benches would pop up on the sidewalk and pedestrians would flock to the area. 

“It would be this thriving area once they got this street done,” Clark said. “I don’t think anybody really believed me. This road was the beginning. I hope to see more in the future.”