A fresh look in the very heart of seattle.

McGraw Square is located in the heart of Seattle at the intersection of Westlake Avenue, Stewart and Olive Street. The project was a true revitalization effort to address lack of use, bicycle theft, and vandalism. The updated space now attracts a broad range of users: tourists and locals, young and old, those passing through, and those staying all afternoon.

The ‘Wave’ benches and ‘Raindrop’ spinning chairs reinforces the original design concept in a playful manner. These elements were designed in close coordination with local fabricators. The ‘Raindrop’ chairs hang from an existing shelter that previously held bicycle racks where theft had become an ongoing concern.

Additional design constraints included avoiding existing in-ground lighting, maintaining pedestrian access, and keeping fixed furnishings outside the maintenance vehicle zone.

Collaborators: DCI Engineers, Praxis Builders, John Wolf & Joe Powers // Client: Downtown Seattle Association & City of Seattle