Thomas Street RFP

Seattle Center has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a public partner to help upgrade and redevelop a prominent retail site along Thomas Street – Seattle Center’s busiest pedestrian corridor which welcomes thousands of visitors each week to MOPOP, the Space Needle and other popular campus attractions. The RFP for private investment is intended to complement Seattle Center’s planned public investment to improve the streetscape, strengthen the connection to surrounding neighborhoods, and create a welcoming and exciting experience for visitors.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to bold, community-centered improvements that connect people to place,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Revitalizing the Thomas Street gateway will strengthen connections between our iconic Seattle Center campus and the surrounding neighborhoods—enhancing walkability, improving the visitor experience, and creating a more vibrant public space for all.”

Through this RFP, Seattle Center seeks a development partner to activate the streetscape with innovative retail and/or other new attractions, support Seattle Center’s efforts to improve Thomas Street as a pedestrian experience and generate long-term revenue to support Seattle Center’s operations and its diverse public programming. Seattle Center aims to create a vibrant hub that not only draws more visitors to the campus but also creates spillover engagement with the surrounding area. Proposals should complement the existing amenities found on the Seattle Center campus and align with Seattle Center’s purpose to create exceptional events, experiences, and environments which delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities.

Key Objectives of the RFP:

• Enhancing Thomas Street: The project seeks to unify and improve Thomas Street, creating an engaging public space that complements Seattle Center’s mix of programs, attractions, and open spaces. New retail and other attractions should add energy and interest to the area while welcoming a diverse range of visitors.
• Long-Term Partnership and Revenue: The City is looking for an experienced partner to design, build, operate, and maintain a new Thomas Street retail amenity and/or related attractions that will be financially sustainable and return annual revenue to Seattle Center.

Proposers are invited to reimagine and redevelop the Thomas Street gateway site, a City-owned public space, located near the intersection of Thomas St., 5^th Ave., and Broad St., just steps from the Space Needle, MOPOP, the Seattle Center Monorail, and much more. Partners are encouraged to think boldly and propose something new and engaging for the site and surrounding footprint. Proposals will be evaluated based on the proposer’s relevant expertise and demonstrated ability to execute their vision; the proposed financial return to Seattle Center; the quality of the redevelopment proposal; and the program’s compatibility with Seattle Center’s purpose and contribution to the mix of attractions at Seattle Center.

“This is a unique opportunity to enhance Thomas Street as a vital gateway to Seattle Center,” said Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster. “We are looking for partners who share our vision for a welcoming, vibrant space that enhances the overall experience of visiting Seattle Center and improves connections to the surrounding community.”

Responses are due to Seattle Center by September 10, 2025.