The Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan creates a vibrant and dynamic future for Seattle Center. It was developed with clear objectives, planning and design principles and a determination to enhance the Seattle Center mission - to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring us together as a rich and varied community.

Elements of the Plan were realized through an extensive public process, led by the community volunteer 17-member Century 21 Committee. The committee received a broad range of ideas and recommendations that reflected consistent themes including: more open space, enhanced public programming, new and more distinct amenities, new transportation options and an emphasis on sustainable design in all aspects of Seattle Center redevelopment. 

The Century 21 Committee drew from what they learned during the process to develop their recommendations and create the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan, released in March of 2008. On August 18 of that year, the Seattle City Council adopted the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan after several months of consideration and plan refinement. Council adoption clears the path for private and public fundraising and project development.

Early Master Plan projects include the Broad Street Green, completed in March of 2008, Seattle Center Skatepark, opened in July of 2009 and Theater Commons, slated for completion in the summer of 2010. The three projects create places of interest at the edges of Seattle Center campus, inviting the community in and providing attractive, active spaces.

The Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan is bold and comprehensive - and charts the course of Seattle Center over the next 20 years and beyond. It sets out a future for Seattle Center that is vibrant with activity, flexible to accommodate change and sustainable in design and construction. 

Key Elements of the Master Plan:

Sustainability:  A bold and ongoing commitment to sustainability weaves together all the elements of the Master Plan, placing ecological systems in all landscape features, increasing green acreage, and reducing the carbon footprint of Seattle Center through energy conservation measures.

Open Space: The Master Plan adds ten acres of public open space on campus for performances, picnics, plays, sports and recreation. 

Transportation: The Master Plan increases the frequency of transit connections, improves pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods and makes it easier and safer to access Seattle Center by car or transit, bike or on foot.

Center House: The Master Plan calls for complete renovation of Center House adding a glass roof and expansive windows, glass hangar doors that open wide at the south end, upgraded performance spaces, a rooftop promenade and restaurant, and amenities that reach out to the open spaces surrounding the building.  A re-imagined Bubbleator, evoking the beloved World’s Fair icon, will access the new roof level. 

Fun Forest: The Fun Forest concessions and rides will vacate the campus in the fall 2009 to make way for redevelopment of the Fun Forest into a year-round outdoor activity and play.  An updated Mural Amphitheatre will accommodate outdoor concerts and entertainment activities.

Memorial Stadium and Wall: The Memorial Wall will be restored to a place of prominence and the Memorial Stadium will be replaced with a grass lid, amphitheatre, high school sports field and multi-functional underground transportation center.

KeyArena:  The Master Plan calls for the investment necessary to ensure that the arena remains in a strong position to compete regionally as a premier concerts and events venue.

Public Programming:  The Master Plan will significantly enhance Seattle Center efforts to present exciting, engaging, high quality and affordable public programming.  From cultural festivals to classical concerts, large-scale live outdoor entertainment and big screen movies for the whole family, the Century 21 Master Plan provides the venues and structures that will make Seattle Center an even more dynamic and engaging community and entertainment destination.