12th Ave Square Park

12th Ave. Square Park is a small urban park located in Seattle, Washington, situated between the Central Area and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Completed in early 2016, this 7,332 square-foot park serves as a community gathering space and provides a unique blend of pedestrian-friendly design and artistic elements.

The park features a woonerf design, which prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles. This shared space concept incorporates traffic calming measures and low speed limits to enhance safety for all users. The park's layout extends the feeling of open space across the entire block on E. James Court, with a single east-bound lane for vehicular traffic.

A standout feature of 12th Ave. Square Park is the artistic sculptural canopy structure called "Cloud Veil." This installation hovers over a rounded "pillow" and complements the wavy concrete paving design beneath. The artistic elements resulted from a collaboration between Hewitt Architects, artist Ellen Sollod, and community input, creating a distinctive aesthetic for the space.

In addition to its artistic features, the park incorporates practical and environmentally conscious elements. Rain gardens are integrated into the design, contributing to sustainable urban water management while enhancing the park's green space.

12th Ave. Square Park serves as a multifunctional space for the surrounding communities, offering a place for relaxation, social interaction, and small gatherings. Its central location and innovative design make it a valuable addition to Seattle's urban landscape, transforming a once-vacant lot into a vibrant public space.