Howe Street Stairs
Howe Street Stairs | |
|---|---|
| Public stairway | |
 Three flights of the Howe Street Stairs pictured in June 2016 | |
| Opening date | 1911 |
| Steps | 388 |
| Location | Seattle, United States |
| Coordinates: 47°38′10″N 122°19′14″W / 47.6360°N 122.3206°W | |
The Howe Street Stairs (also known as the East Howe Steps, Howe Stairs, Howe Street Staircase, and the Howe Staircase) are a public, outdoor staircase that straddles Seattle's Capitol Hill and Eastlake neighborhoods. They were constructed in 1911.
History[edit]
Due to Seattle's difficult topography, the city has spent more than a century building in excess of 650 staircases linking sections of neighborhoods that are otherwise isolated or disconnected. The Howe Street Stairs were originally built in 1911 to provide a pedestrian link between two different lines in Seattle's former streetcar system.[1]
A proposal to construct a plaza at the bottom of the staircase has been advanced by area residents since the 2000s.[2]
Design[edit]
The stairs, which begin at Eastlake Avenue, are divided into 13 flights interrupted by landings and streets. They contain 388 steps and are the longest such staircase in the city.[1] A portion of the stairs pass through the I-5 Colonnade, a city park under an elevated section of Interstate 5. They terminate at Howe Street, from which they take their name.[1][3]
The stairs sit parallel to the nearby Blaine Street Stairs, which transits an identical route. They are used for exercise and fitness, as well as commuting.[3][4][5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Jamarillo, Jake (2012). Seattle Stairway Walks: An Up-and-Down Guide to City Neighborhoods. Mountaineers Books. pp. 11, 70–74. ISBN 978-1594856778.
- ^ "Existing East Howe Steps through Colonnade Park". easthowestepsplaza.com. East Howe Steps Plaza Steering Committee. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ a b Smith, Craig (27 November 1996). "How To Take 13 Flights To Fitness – 282 Steps Favorite Training Site For Athletes, Fitness Buffs". Seattle Times. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ Yandel, Jeannie (8 February 2013). "The Hidden Legacy Of Seattle Stairways". KUOW-FM. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ "COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION–2011–2012" (PDF). Office of the City Clerk. City of Seattle. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
