S Henderson Stairway

Updated: September 29, 2021

What's Happening Now?

Project Timeline Graphic -- Pre-Construction

Project Background

Beginning in 2018, we began studying the feasibility of building a new stairway on S Henderson St between 39th Ave S and 41st Ave S (approx. 440 ft). The new stairway would better connect residents to the Rainier Beach light rail station, local schools, and Rainier Beach Community Center while helping to advance the City's Pedestrian Master Plan goals.

This stairway is currently planned to include multiple landings to meet ADA requirements, lighting, and a runnel for people to walk their bikes up the stairway. The planned staircase, which has received several community requests, provides a direction connection to Rainier Beach Station from South Beacon Hill and reduces walking distance by approximately 0.5 miles.

Rendering of S Henderson stairway
Visualization of stairway upon completion

Project Benefits

  • Gain another neighborhood connector to schools, Sound Transit light rail, transit and businesses
  • Clearly designate the space for a specific use and reinforce the neighborhood identity through place making and wayfinding
  • Increase engagement opportunities through neighborhood walks, physical challenges, student-led events 
  • Walking improvements help make neighborhoods safer and more connected

Project Area

The new stairway would be located on S Henderson St between 39th Ave S and 41st Ave S.

Project Map for S Henderson Stairway

Top of stairway (39th Ave S)
Top of stairway - 39th Ave S

Bottom of stairway (41st Ave S)
Bottom of stairway - 41st Ave S

 

S Henderson Stairway Profile and Aerial Graphic

Examples of placemaking, wayfinding and programming around Seattle

Examples of placemaking around Seattle

Nearby Projects

Project Materials

Project Planning Notice, December 2018

Visualization of Stairway, June 2020

Online Drop-in Session Presentation, November 2020

Funding

This project has received funding through a grant from Sound Transit.

Schedule

2017 Project added to Pedestrian Master Plan
2018 Began feasibility study
Early 2019  Began planning and design, sent letter to area neighbors notifying of project initiation
Due to construction costs, SDOT seeks outside funding
Fall 2019 SDOT awared Sound Transit System Access Fund grant
Late 2019 Conducted second round of outreach with letters to adjacent neighbors 
Summer 2020 Conducted geotech soil sample collection at three locations
Fall 2020 Online outreach drop-in session and online survey
2021 Construction scheduled to begin


Questions?