City of Renton Market, Piazza, and Square

The activation and evaluation plans for Piazza Park, the Renton Pavilion & Events Center, and Legacy Square are several components of the HEART Block, a key feature of the Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan. Designated as the central civic meeting space, the HEART Block supports the growth and development of public spaces in the Civic Core and downtown area.

The Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan was requested from Mayor Dennis Law and the Renton City Council in 2016. The plan was created to address the relocation of the transit center and outlines specific actions for future possibilities and opportunities in Renton's downtown. It was developed through community engagement, including various interactive in-person and online events, and was adopted by the council in 2018.

The project's main objective is to activate the space. With the inclusion of the new market, operations will be open seven days a week, compared to the periodic limited use before, which is about two to four events a week.

Over the years, a series of phases, community engagements, and approvals starting as early as 2009 have paved the way for the current progress of these projects in 2025.

In 2028, the transit center located between the Pavilion and parking garage will move to Rainier S. and Grady Way S. It will be determined later what entity will replace the transit center location.

Over the years, a series of phases, community engagements, and approvals starting as early as 2009 have paved the way for the current progress of these projects in 2025.

In 2028, the transit center located between the Pavilion and parking garage will move to Rainier S. and Grady Way S. It will be determined later what entity will replace the transit center location.

Project update 6.16

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During the June 16 Committee of the Whole meeting, an update on the Renton Market and Piazza Park activation. Staff from Public Works, Community and Economic Development, and the Parks and Recreation Department presented.

As part of the Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan, the city has been planning for this activation with the community and council since 2018. The city will be leasing the Pavilion building to Logan Market as the tenant based on the RFP process in 2019. There were two submissions for the RFP. Logan Market best aligned with the Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan to activate this space and invite more foot traffic to the downtown. In 2023, Pavilion Market and Piazza Park renovations became one project with a grant received for the HEART Block, which specifies an indoor and outdoor concept. The design is in progress, and construction will start soon, with a planned opening in 2026. See the complete timeline.

Progress and updates:

This space focuses on small business incubators and activation of being open seven days a week to the public. The community can still request use as an event space for more unique and interactive events.

Draft of the market and Piazza Park floor plan is in progress with continued modifications. The plan includes two anchor tenants, 12 10x10 permanent kiosks, two long-term kiosks, a kitchen classroom, outdoor seating, and public restrooms. Low lighting, seating options, shaded areas, paved paths, and landscaping through Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) will be added to the park.

The city will complete the lease agreement with the tenant and present it for council approval in August.

The tenant handles bringing in and managing the businesses. The businesses selected must have a Renton business license, follow city code, and align with the city's recommendations for the types of vendors it seeks for the space.

The city will manage some of the building's maintenance, including mechanical issues, structural damages, and quarterly maintenance. The operator will manage daily maintenance, repairs, and janitorial.

Construction will begin in August. Eight strong bids were received from construction companies. The city will select a contractor in July.
This upfront venture expects a long-term return on investment for the city and community. It will activate the space for residents, bring more people downtown, and provide a stepping stone for small businesses building toward a brick-and-mortar in Renton.