For over 90 years, Seattle's Gas Works Park and its iconic cracking towers have been a defining feature of the city's skyline. However, a debate over historic p
Seattle Parks and Recreation has proposed removing pedestrian features such as ladders and catwalks from the rusted ruin to deter trespassing. For over 90 years, Seattle's Gas Works Park and its iconic cracking towers have been a defining feature of the city's skyline.
However, a debate over historic preservation versus public safety could soon alter this landmark. "It's a landmark structure, and it's major changes to a landmark structure," said Anne James, a landscape architect who worked with the late architect responsible for transforming the former coal gasification plant into a public park. James insists that the structure, considered a pioneer in "adaptive reuse,," should remain untouched. "He would be incensed if he knew, here this thing sits in the middle of the park, it's part of our history," she said. Seattle Parks and Recreation has proposed removing pedestrian features such as ladders and catwalks from the rusted ruin to deter trespassing. Despite the presence of a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire and "No Trespassing" signs, three deaths and numerous injuries have occurred due to people climbing the towers. The department seeks to eliminate all pedestrian appurtenances for safety reasons. The Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board is now faced with the decision of balancing historic preservation with public safety. Eric Magnuson, an amateur historian, expressed concern over the city's approach. "I think the city sanitizing the stories that I think a lot of people are connected to," said Magnuson. Chris Young, a Seattle Police Department officer since 1994, testified in support of safety changes, revealing that his research uncovered more injuries than reported in a 2025 city report on Gas Works Park. The board heard from a few individuals, mostly virtually, including Daniel Kernan, whose 19-year-old son Luke Voss-Kernan died after falling from the towers in 2012. The debate was prompted by a Seattle Parks and Recreation request for a Certificate of Approval to remove all pedestrian appurtenances from the towers, which they deemed structurally unsound and never intended for public access. Since 2008, data reveals three deaths linked to falls: a 19-year-old in 2012, a 20-year-old woman in 2022, and 15-year-old Mattheis Johnson last July. In the same period, there were 22 injuries, including three considered life-threatening. The family of Mattheis Johnson has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming the structure is a "nuisance." "I understand there are safety issues and people have been injured and killed, which is a terrible thing, but just to strip all of this away to make it safer when there are other things you could do," said James. "There have to be other ways to increase the safety, lighting, cameras with noise."Seattle Parks and Recreation assured the board that while certain aspects may be removed, the familiar silhouette and grand scale of the industrial artifacts will remain intact. The Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board must approve any changes to the site, as it is designated a city landmark. On Wednesday, the board tabled the proposal for further review, with the next scheduled meeting set for Feb. 4.Florida’s attorney general wants a nurse’s license revoked over a TikTok about Karoline Leavitt, while supporters argue the backlash is politically motivated.In a thrilling NFC Championship victory tonight, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams to earn a berth in Super Bowl 60.Lake Forest Park was the scene of two alarming incidents during the early hours of Sunday morning.A man was shot by deputies after a violent altercation in Parkland Sunday morning.
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