Neighborhood Seating Project

The Neighborhood Seating Project added new public benches to the 34th Avenue shopping corridor in Madrona. The installation was completed in June 2025 and provides inviting seating for people walking, resting, and socializing in the neighborhood.

Project Purpose

The project aims to:

• Add durable, accessible seating in the public space.
• Support community interaction and connection.
• Improve neighborhood walkability and accessibility, including ADA‑compliant features.

Benches are located in front of Hi‑Spot on 34th Avenue.

Why This Project Happened

In the 2024 Madrona Community Survey, residents identified community connection and walkability as top priorities. Seating in public spaces supports these goals by providing places to stop, rest, and interact.

Before this project, there was only one public bench in the corridor just south of Café Soleil on E Union Street.

How the Project Was Designed

Sidewalk space in this part of Madrona is limited, and city standards constrain what can be placed alongside sidewalks without repurposing street parking. The approach chosen for this project allowed seating to be added in a way that could be completed without waiting for larger redevelopment and within a practical budget.

See It in Person

The new benches are installed and available for anyone to use. Whether you are walking through the area, meeting a friend, or taking a break during errands, these seats are intended to make the corridor more welcoming.