Moving forward on reshaping Seattle’s waterfront, the City of Seattle today announced the shortlist of finalists for the role of lead designer. The four shortlisted teams are led by the following firms:
- Gustafson Guthrie Nichol
- james corner field operations
- Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
- Wallace Roberts & Todd

The shortlist was established through careful consideration of Statements of Qualifications submitted by 30 teams for the project. The team ultimately selected by the City will lead a design process for more than nine acres of new waterfront public space and a new surface street on Alaskan Way.

The next step in the selection process will be public presentations on September 15 at Benaroya Hall’s S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium (200 University Street, Seattle) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (please note the time change). This will be an opportunity for Seattleites to hear shortlisted designers explain their skills, experience and approach to the project, as well as ask questions. The lead designer will be selected in part based on the quality of their presentation and ability to engage the public.

These four teams were among 30 that responded to the City’s Central Waterfront Request for Qualifications for Urban Design/Public Space Design. The design team will be selected shortly after the public presentations. Design work begins in October 2010 and runs until 2015. Construction is scheduled from 2016 to 2018.