Clean Lake Union

Did you know the Aurora Bridge Project cleans 2 million gallons of polluted runoff from the bridge that enters Lake Union and the Fremont Cut each year? Each phase of this multi-year project is possible because of the innovative support from private developers, the State of Washington, The Nature Conservancy, local businesses such as Adobe and Boeing, and Seattle business leaders. Learn more about the three phases of the Aurora Bridge Bioswales: https://lnkd.in/g3F9N8Cj #CleanLakeUnion #LandscapeArchitecture #Stormwater #Seattle Graphic by Weber Thompson

The Aurora Bridge Swales have proven effective in cleaning roughly 2 million gallons of polluted runoff annually, protecting salmon habitats in Lake Union. Projects like Watershed are also significantly reducing potable water usage by utilizing rainwater for non-potable needs—a crucial adaptation as the region faces increasing water demand. Additionally, the recently completed Northlake Commons is setting new standards by treating stormwater from areas beyond its immediate surroundings, supported by proactive partnerships. Learn more about these partnerships and how we applied them to several projects in the DJC Sustainability Building and Design Special Section featuring Landscape Architecture Principal and Director of Sustainability, Rachael Meyer, and Mark Grey, founder and president of Clean Lake Union, partner at HessCallahanGrey Group, and principal at Stephen C. Grey & Associates L.L.C. https://lnkd.in/g8WKVAmm #seattle #stormwater #cleanwater #landscapearchitecture

Northlake Commons is the first and only mass timber life science/lab-ready commercial office building in Seattle. Supported by a three-story concrete garage and two-story warehouse, this four-story CLT podium building includes sustainable landscaping features, equipped with rain gardens and water treatment bioswales to treat rainwater before it enters Lake Union, which supports the Clean Lake Union initiative. The partnership between HessCallahanGrey Group, Weber Thompson and Swinerton builders is an inspiring collaboration that brought a revolutionary new type of building to DCI’s backyard.   At DCI, Greg Gilda, Harry Rodin III, PE and Steve Lidicker all had a hand in designing the CLT structure for Northlake Commons.   For more information on Clean Lake Union, visit https://lnkd.in/gD8F6sbf.   Thank you for joining our virtual tour of Mass Timber Firsts! We look forward to partnering with our teams on the many milestones yet to come! Timberlab #DCIEngineers #DCIDesign #DCIMassTimberProjectFirsts #MassTimberProjectFirsts #MassTimberMonday #DCIMassTimber #SeattleArchitecture #StructuralEngineering #StructuralEngineer #LEEDPlatinum #LEED #CleanLakeUnion #CLT #CrossLaminatedTimber #SustainableDesign #SouthLakeUnion Ethan Martin Tom Woodcock

Just down the Lake Union shoreline from the Aurora Bridge Swales, Clean Lake Union and our partners are making strides at the Northlake Commons project to further address our community's roadway runoff. This commercial development has incorporated a regional stormwater facility into the southern part of the property, within the shoreline setback. The Northlake Commons bioswale reroutes neighborhood roadway runoff from an underground storm pipe onto private property. Here, the water is purified before being returned to its original path, ultimately flowing directly into Lake Union. Upon its completion, this initiative will not only meet but double the required volume treated for onsite stormwater mitigation. This single project is expected to filter almost 3 million gallons of stormwater annually. Special shout out to the Northlake Commons project team: HessCallahanGrey Group, Spear Street Capital, Weber Thompson, KPFF Consulting Engineers #stormwater #stormwatermanagement #seattle #landscapearchitecture

Completed in 2020, Phase 3 of the Aurora Bridge Bioswales significantly contributes to urban sustainability by purifying 1.2 million gallons of stormwater annually. Here are some highlights of this impactful project: Along the Burke-Gilman Trail, Phase 3 has transformed an underused space into a vibrant area that attracts millions of visitors each year. Unique to this phase are the Corten steel cutouts, artistically depicting the five salmon species of Lake Union, marrying art with environmental awareness. The mass timber bridge offers a view into the linear settlement channel, showcasing the natural filtration process as water flows into the swale and then to Lake Union. This visual contrast of the sediment on the rocks highlights the swales' effectiveness. Collectively, the Aurora Bridge Bioswales' three phases clean nearly 2 million gallons of runoff water annually. The momentum continues with another shoreline project set to clean almost 3 million gallons of runoff, furthering our community's commitment to sustainable urban development (stay tuned for more updates!). Phase 3 was completed in collaboration with Boeing, Weber Thompson, KPFF Consulting Engineers, DCI Engineers, Kalesnikoff, Adobe, Mētis Construction, Inc., The Nature Conservancy, The Holocene Foundation #bioswales #stormwatermanagement #seattle #landscapearchitecture

Phase 2, on the eastern side of Troll Ave, was completed in 2020. Right next to the eco-friendly Watershed building, it's making a big impact by treating around 400,000 gallons of stormwater every year. Phases 1 and 2 have converted a once dark and unwelcoming areas into vibrant, well-lit spaces filled with lush greenery. Plus, there's a lot to learn at Phase 2. Informative signs explain the ins and outs of water conservation, tied to both the swale system and the Watershed's initiatives. There's also a creative twist: interactive relief panels where visitors can make rubbings to remember their visit. Bronze scuppers not only slow down water flow but also serve a dual purpose as a water source for the resident bees on the Watershed's rooftop (yes, there are bees up there!) It's an eco-friendly detail that's as practical as it is unique. Phase 2 was completed in collaboration with HessCallahanGrey Group, Spear Street Capital, Weber Thompson, KPFF Consulting Engineers, DCI Engineers, SALMON-SAFE #bioswales #stormwatermanagement #seattle #landscapearchitecture

Have you seen the lush landscaping on the west side of Troll Avenue? That's Phase 1 of the Aurora Bridge Swales, completed in 2017. It's more than just landscaping; it's a testament to sustainable urban design, and it purifies a whopping 200,000 gallons of polluted runoff every year! More Phase 1 facts: Phase 1 elevates traditional settling pool concepts for stormwater purification. Its forward-thinking design features a series of swales that step down the steep grade, adjusting every two feet in elevation – creating redundancy, filtering the water again and again. Walkways are not just functional but informative, with brass numbers indicating the volume of water that each swale cell cleans during the average 2-year storm. The planters, brimming with vegetation, naturally filter stormwater, ensuring pollutants settle before the water returns to Lake Union. Phase 1 wouldn't have been possible without the collaboration and contributions of the project team: HessCallahanGrey Group, HAL Real Estate, Weber Thompson, KPFF Consulting Engineers, DCI Engineers, SALMON-SAFE #bioswales #stormwatermanagement #seattle #landscapearchitecture

Walking from Troll Avenue down to the Burke Gilman Trail, you'll see lush greenery which is part of an intricate bioswale system, collectively cleaning about 2 million gallons of stormwater runoff from the Aurora Bridge. But, what exactly is a bioswale? Think of them as a special garden that filters stormwater, acting as a sponge during rain events to remove pollutants from streets and sidewalks, thus protecting our water bodies. Here’s how this process works: Collection: Positioned strategically at the base of the Aurora Bridge, the bioswales are ready to collect the runoff water that spills from the downspouts. Filtration: As the runoff finds its way through the bioswale, it navigates over and through plants and soil that function as a natural filter, trapping and absorbing the detrimental substances found in the water. Nutrient Cycling: Bacteria in the soil serves to break down toxic chemicals into different forms that are safer, and that can be more readily used by other organisms and plant life. Absorption: The plants have a crucial role in absorbing water and utilizing the nutrients from the pollutants as nourishment. This process aids their growth while simultaneously purifying the water. Recharge: Following the filtration process, the now cleaner water finds its way directly into Lake Union, contributing to a cleaner, healthier aquatic environment. Aurora Bridge Swales design by Weber Thompson and KPFF Consulting Engineers #stormwatermanagement #bioswales #landscapearchitecture #cleanwater

On a rainy day like today, our thoughts naturally turn to the issue of stormwater. When rain or melting snow doesn't absorb into the ground, it flows over surfaces and ends up in nearby streams and lakes. This runoff can carry urban pollutants like oils, chemicals, pesticides, and metals into these waters, posing significant risks to local ecosystems and human health. The Aurora Bridge has been a notable source of such pollution. The runoff from this bridge has been found to contain contamination levels almost 6x higher than that from most major highways in the nation. Filled with chemicals, including those from tire particles and petroleum products, this runoff is especially harmful to the juvenile salmon in the area. The three phases of the Aurora Bridge Bioswales filter around 2 million gallons of polluted runoff annually, significantly protecting Lake Union and improving conditions for the local salmon population. This project serves as a prime example of how integrating green spaces and permeable surfaces into urban planning can not only purify water but also protect aquatic ecosystems. #bioswales #stormwatermanagement #cleanwater

Did you know that five types of salmon migrate through Lake Union each year? Pacific Northwest salmon are an integral cornerstone of the region, influencing our communities and ecosystems. Here are some reasons why it's crucial to safeguard our salmon populations: . For millennia, salmon have held a central role in the cultures and traditions of the Indigenous Peoples in the region. . The thriving salmon industry energizes the local economy, generating numerous jobs and contributing to the economy. . Serving as a vital prey species, they play a key role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the region. . As they decompose, salmon enrich both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, delivering essential nutrients that foster a diverse range of life. . Salmon contribute to maintaining the health of rivers and watersheds through their spawning activities. . Studying salmon provides deep insights into the environmental dynamics of the region. . Their life cycles can serve as early indicators of the impacts of climate change on regional ecosystems. Curious how you can help support initiatives to protect and preserve their habitats for generations to come? Visit our website to learn more. 📸 Aurora Bridge Bioswales Phase 3 photo by Built Work Photography #cleanwater #stormwatermanagement #bioswales #seattle