Image: Fathom Architecture
Portal Park
PORTAL PARK: A Vision for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity in the Heart of Belltown.
The Portal Park is a community-driven vision to unlock the potential of a dormant 1.6-acre parcel in the heart of Belltown. Positioned between 1st and Western, Battery and Bell, on the former Battery Street Tunnel site, this site is uniquely positioned between downtown neighborhoods and the waterfront, has the potential to become a distinct civic green in the heart of the city.
This visionary project represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a thriving green space in the heart of Seattle's densest neighborhood. The Portal Park will serve as:
A Gateway to the Waterfront - Connecting Belltown to the new Seattle Waterfront, Seattle Center, Market to Mohai, and Queen Anne completing the pedestrian corridor.
A Catalyst for Economic Development - Stimulating local businesses, attracting new visitors, and inspiring new investment in Belltown and surrounding downtown neighborhoods.
A Model for Innovative Landscape Design - A sustainable design that complements the historic character of Belltown, incorporating native plant gardens and stormwater management features.
A Vital Community Hub - Creating a place for residents and visitors of all ages to relax, socialize, and enjoy; urban open space, community festivals, outdoor movie nights, public art installations, and special events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
By investing in Portal Park, we create a unique and inspiring space that enhances the quality of life for neighborhood residents, visitors, and the entire Belltown community
Portal Park Activations
PORTAL PORCH (2023)
The Portal Porch is an 1,800 square foot public plaza created along 1st Avenue and Battery Street — developed in partnership with Councilmember Andrew Lewis and SDOT.
PORTAL PEOPLE (2023)
Portal People was created by Belltown United artist-in-residence Aaron Asis to draw attention to the Portal Park as a future public space — at the corner of Bell and Western
SUMMER FILM SERIES (2023-2024)
Throughout August the Portal Park hosts the Summer Film Series — a free outdoor movie event — created by Base Camp Studios in partnership with Seattle International Film Festival
PORTAL WILDFLOWERS (2023-2024)
The Portal Wildflowers temporarily transform the Portal Park site into a field of 10 million native wildflowers at the corner of Bell and Western — with support from DSA/MID and SDOT
PORTAL ACTIVATIONS (2023-2024)
The Portal Activations are temporary installations to inspire future uses for the Portal Park. Installations have featured work by artists Buster Simpson, Aaron Asis, Sam Trout, and others.
PORTAL CLEANUPS (ONGOING)
Belltown United is committed to the long term stewardship of the Portal Park — and has organized bi-monthly community volunteer (clean-up) days at the Portal Park since 2020.
Portal Park Timeline
Defining the Portal Park (2025)
Land Acquisition and Transfer
Transfer the primary 1.6 acre parcel from SDOT to PARKS. Purchase the Bellwether Housing site.
Funding and Planning
Develop and activate a short term funding strategy to support near term deliverables in Phase 2.
World Cup Activation Strategy
Develop a strategy to activate Portal Park during the 2026 World Cup.
Develop a Funding Strategy
Develop a long-term funding strategy to ensure Portal Park's future, ongoing maintenance and programming.
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Planning the Portal Park (2026)
Site Preparation and Activation
Prepare an interim site plan for World Cup activations and ongoing community activities.
Community Engagement Process
Engage the Belltown community in the conceptual design and development process.
Design Development Process
Develop early conceptual designs and diagrammatic renderings for Portal Park.
Fundraising and Advocacy
Activate fundraising strategy to support feasibility and refine ongoing funding strategy
Funding the Portral Park (2026-2028)
Feasibility Studies
Conduct feasibility studies and determine design scope for Portal Park
Design and Construction Planning
Develop detailed design plans and a construction timeline for Portal Park.
Fundraising and Capacity Building
Secure funding from state, county, and city sources, as well as private foundations and individual donors.
Building the Portal Park (2028-2030)
Finalization and Construction
Finalize the design, secure necessary permits, and begin construction
Project Completion
Target completion by 2030.
ESTIMATED
Portal Park Advocacy
ADVOCACY: Belltown United has been advocating for the development of the portal site from 10+ years — working directly with the City of Seattle Department of Transportation, City of Seattle Department of Park and Recreation, City of Seattle Office of the Waterfront — in partnership with Seattle Parks Foundation and with support from over a dozen of local and regional organizations.
Thank you to the City of Seattle Department of Park and Recreation, Department of Transportation, — and a special thank you to Councilmember Bob Kettle for funding that will directly support the first phase realizing the Portal Park vision for the Belltown community!
