Update on Commuter Parking Proposals

July 11, 2019 - In May of 2018, the City announced the exploration of two potential public-private partnership projects, one at the former Freshy's Seafood Shack location and the other at the former Tully's Coffee, which could potentially provide up to 200 new stalls of commuter parking near the East Link light rail station (opening 2023). The current Park & Ride garage on North Mercer Way, operated by Sound Transit, is at capacity, and typically fills by 7:00am on weekday mornings.

After many months of due diligence period, the private developer for the potential project at the former Freshy's location determined that it could not obtain financing under the current terms of the agreement. The developer allowed the due diligence period to expire without waiving conditions, and as a result, the agreement with the City terminated.

At this time the City's focus remains on constructing a commuter parking facility as part of a mixed-use project proposed at the location of the former Tully's Coffee shop on SE 27th Street. In June 2019, the City Council approved a MOU with Mainstreet Property Group, laying the groundwork for a future Purchase and Sale Agreement, Development Agreement, and other related agreements.

Learn more about this project from the City's Let's Talk public engagement site.