The design phase is underway for the Piazza Park renovations in Renton’s efforts to create better public spaces downtown.

The Renton City Council approved an amendment to work with Graham Baba Architect in the amount of $394,865 for full design services for the Piazza Park. This includes all necessary design services, covering 100% design development documents, construction documents, bid specifications, and construction administration through project closeout.

The amendment also incorporates the Piazza Park project into the Renton Market project, which will transform the Pavilion Event Center into a year-round Market Hall. By integrating the projects, the project will have a single architectural team, general contractor and oversight from the Public Works Facilities division. This will optimize project management, reduce costs, and prevent potential coordination issues during construction, the amendment said.

Piazza Park is located off of S. 3rd Street and is in front of the Renton Pavilion Event Center.

Renton Economic Development Director Amanda Free said the work will be to “revamp and refreshen” the area by adding new hardscaping more seating. She said the goal is to make the space for larger scale events by giving more open space to the venue.

Free said the park will act as an outdoor extension to the market. The market will add outdoor seating and have a large “vestibule opening,” which will extend into the park.

“The goal is to use the park to help draw people into the market by creating a welcoming environment and a space to direct people into the door,” Free said.

Free said the design is almost completed and will go out for bid at about the same time as the pavilion. She thinks they are currently two to three months out from beginning construction. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

“The goal is to create a community-gathering and hub location in the downtown for placemaking,” Free said. “The market will need that outdoor space for people who are coming that want to take their goods outside and enjoy the outdoors.”

Free said this park is interconnected with Gateway Park and the Legacy Square in the city’s efforts to create more public space for the community.

“This is kind of part of the mission with our Heart Block that we’ve been working toward that was identified in the Civic Core in creating that cohesive space between all of the spaces,” Free said.

The Renton Pavilion will also be renovated alongside the park. Photo by Drew Dotson/Renton Reporter