Construction of senior community skybridge comes with First Hill benefits package

A rendering of the planned skybridge

Construction of a new pedestrian skybridge over 8th Ave on First Hill is also set to deliver neighborhood enhancements in exchange for aerial right-of-way permissions.

Construction is beginning on the project expected to stretch into March on the new elevated walkway.

The Seattle City Council unanimously approved a 15-year permit allowing the Skyline retirement community to erect the 726-square-foot bridge over 8th Ave to connect its two campus towers.

In return for using the public airspace, Skyline is financing several key civic upgrades across First Hill.

The plans include an original public art installation by Northwest sculptor Georgia Gerber, the artist behind Pike Place Market’s iconic bronze mascot, Rachel the Pig, and the bear statues in First Hill Park.

The package also funds pedestrian safety and curb improvements at the nearby intersection of 8th and Marion. Skyline is supporting early planning and design work for wayfinding signage along the First Hill Improvement Association’s 1.5-mile Park to Park Walking Loop, which links neighborhood parks, cultural centers, and medical facilities.

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