The Georgetown Stormwater Interpretive Center will transform the currently fenced and inaccessible piece of land at 12th Ave S and S Harney into an education-focused community space where the overhead on-ramp’s runoff is cleaned and feeds stormwater planters.
The design introduces not only green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) elements, but also spaces for local residents to relax and connect. The site includes planted mounds, winding paths, and places to sit.
The space under the ramp will also be open to everyone, becoming a place for local gatherings and events, as well as skating and other everyday activities.
Existing Condition
The site, in the heart of Georgetown’s business district, is owned by WSDOT and was unused and inaccessible for more than a decade. Over time, it has become overgrown with weeds and invasive plant species. Local residents have expressed a clear interest in activating and transforming this space into something more accessible and meaningful.
Project Timeline
Through several rounds of design reviews and discussions, WSDOT developed a new permitting process specifically for this project that will be available for groups around the state to do community-led improvements to highway lands. ECOSS collaborated closely with WSDOT, Stewardship Partners, DirtCorps, Georgetown neighbors, and MxM Landscape Architecture helped make the project possible. The project site is planned to open in 2027.
Box of Rain/Grattix Box
The Box of Rain (BoR) is a non-infiltrating, non-proprietary structural stormwater treatment device developed by Stewardship Partners with support from Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc. Its design is based on the Grattix filter box created by the Port of Vancouver, WA.
The BoR usually is an above-ground container filled with layers of mulch and filtration media. In this project, it will receive water directly from the overhead ramp, intercepting runoff at the source.
Box of Rain treatment media cross section by Stewardship Partners www.stewardshippartners.org
It will help retain rainwater, reduce runoff, and filter pollutants before water enters the drainage system or nearby waterways, slowing and cleaning a large volume of stormwater. This is particularly important, as stormwater runoff is one of the main sources of pollution in Puget Sound.
Box of Rain will become a key GSI feature at The Georgetown Stormwater Interpretive Center. Designed with corten steel walls, it will serve both as a visually striking and highly functional element of the stormwater system.
Raingarden
A raingarden planter with corten steel walls is designed to receive water from the Box of Rain. This is one of the key filtration elements for the Georgetown Stormwater Interpretive Center. The planter helps slow down and retain stormwater, filtering it before it enters the existing stormwater sewer system, and thereby reducing peak flow and flooding impacts.
The raingarden will be planted with moisture-loving species and will serve as an engaging demonstration feature.
Permeable Pavement
Permeable pavement will help manage stormwater on site by allowing rainwater to infiltrate through the surface rather than running off. It will reduce pressure on the drainage system, support the overall green infrastructure strategy, and contribute to cleaner water being filtered through the site’s planting areas.
Design incorporates accessible paths, ensuring the site can be easily reached and enjoyed by everyone.
Interpretive Signage
Interpretive signage will explain the site’s stormwater system, showing how runoff from the overhead ramp is collected, cleaned, and filtered through the green infrastructure.
It will also highlight the ecological role of the planting design, the history of the site, and the involvement of the local community, making the processes and stories of the place visible and easy to understand for visitors.
Art Elements
Art that reflects the spirit of the Georgetown neighborhood will play an important role in this space. Local artists will be invited to contribute installations, murals, and other artworks, helping bring the site to life and attract not only local residents but also visitors.
Color indicates surfaces and areas that could be used for art.
Public Call For Artists
ECOSS with support from WSDOT and Dirt Corps, is requesting qualifications from talented artist(s) and/or artist team(s) to develop outdoor public artwork for the Georgetown Stormwater Interpretive Center.
The project encourages artists to explore the spirit of Georgetown, reflect on ecology and the future of urban environments, and create work that is unique to the local community and its evolving industrial landscape.
Artistic opportunities include murals on walls, pavement, and columns, temporary sculpture, and fence art. Individuals and teams of artists are encouraged to apply with stand-alone pieces or a suite of pieces engaging the entire site.
Artists currently living or working in Georgetown and adjacent Duwamish Valley neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply, especially those members of the traditionally underrepresented indigenous communities and communities of color connected to the Valley.
Application information coming soon.