Japanese Garden Wall and Pavilion Replacement
Updated: November 15, 2024
Fall 2024
The Seattle Japanese Garden in the Arboretum was dedicated in 1960. Some of the originally designed features, including a pavilion and gathering space near the north end of the pond, were not built at that time, for logistical and cost reasons. Moreover, the walls that were installed in the north section were constructed using basalt, which departed from the material palette (primarily granite) found elsewhere in the Garden. These walls are now beginning to crumble. There is an opportunity to replace the walls, stairs, and make associated path accessibility improvements.
The 2001 Arboretum Master Plan recognized the importance of the designers’ original vision by including the addition of the pavilion as a future project.
Rendering by Hoshide Wanzer Architects/Berger Partnership.
What's Happening Now?
As Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Arboretum Foundation plan for the replacement of the walls and connecting stairs with hand-crafted granite masonry, they are working with Hoshide Wanzer and Berger Partnership to complete a schematic design for the entire north section of the Garden to ensure that the current work on the walls will dovetail well with future plans for a pavilion and its surroundings.
Community Engagement
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our public meeting on Thursday November 16, 2023, where members of the public were invited to review preliminary design concepts and provide input. There will be more opportunities for the public to engage and provide feedback throughout the project.
Budget
The current effort is funded and made possible by the generosity of local donors and represents the exciting opportunity to improve our beloved Seattle Japanese Garden.
Schedule
Planning and Design: Winter 2023 – Winter 2025
Wall, stairs, and associated path improvements construction: Summer 2025 – Fall 2025.
Future pavilion construction: TBD
Project Documents
Community Meeting - 11/16/23