From East to West, Phase III continues the verdantly green mid-block crossing established in Phase II. Subtle level changes will create the sense of anticipation and then arrival in the center of the project. In the north to south direction, faceted building façades serve to bounce light into the meandering plaza below, where water features will further reflect light to create a feeling of immersion in brightness. This active space will invite the neighborhood into the campus and offer gathering places for campus members to meet and sit. Along 8th Avenue, Phase III will reflect the wide sidewalk and line of trees begun in Phase II to complete a pedestrian friendly link between the two blocks of the campus. A tree-lined 8th Avenue will terminate the campus’ axial relationship with Denny Park to the south. Stately street trees are proposed along Denny Avenue to reflect its importance as a main route of connection between South Lake Union and downtown Seattle. Additionally, rows of trees along the Mercer Avenue sidewalk correspond to The Mercer Corridor Project’s vision of Mercer’s future as a tree-lined boulevard.
