Key Dates
Big 5 lot acquisition
The city acquired the Big 5 lot after it became vacant. When the Renton Library did not relocate, the lot was left unused until 2024, when the Legacy Square activation began.
Public engagement for Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan
Public engagement feedback influenced the overall plan's design, which included mentions of an indoor public market and activation of the Big 5 lot. The public contributed input through the project website and other digital communications, several public events (Public Kickoff Workshop, Downtown Design Day during Renton Farmers Market, Downtown Design Priorities Workshop), and Planning Commission and Renton City Council meetings.
Market concept briefed at COW
The Pavilion market concept is briefed to the Committee of a Whole (COW) for discussion purposes and preparation for COW presentation in the next few months.
Request for Proposal (RFP) posted
The RFP for the tenant was posted, and staff received two interested applicants. From there, staff reviewed both applications and created a pros/cons list for each applicant who best fit the needs to support the Pavilion market concept.
City staff presented the Pavilion market concept and recommended tenant to COW
City staff presented the Pavilion market concept and recommended tenant to COW as part of the larger Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan. The council had no further feedback or comments per the staff's recommendation.
No action taken due to the pandemic
Ongoing meetings and conversations were happening with the previous econ dev team and the operator that was the favored choice. No action taken due to the pandemic.
Approval of market concept
Staff presented during COW to refresh the council on discussions per the market and Piazza Park per the selected tenants' proposals in 2019 and to authorize staff to continue discussions of the design and financials of the future of the Pavilion.
The approval of the market concept was moved out of COW to the council meeting. Residents provided public comment during the council meeting, and the council then approved the concept with all "I's."
Concept design completed for the market
Lease framework built out for selected tenant.
A small business grant of $1.5 million was received for Piazza Park renovations. In addition to the allocated budget for the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget.
Concept design completed for the market
Sounders FC relocated to Renton as their new headquarters at Longacres
Relationship beginning to form with newest Seattle sports team headquartering in Renton. Discussions of possible partnership begin.
Additional community outreach
Additional engagement about Piazza Park and Pavilion market during Renton Farmers Market. Pavilion market and Piazza Park renovations project received overwhelmingly ‘yes’ on the project.
Pavilion market and Piazza Park renovations become one project
Grant was received for the HEART Block, which specified an indoor and outdoor concept. Based on the grant requirements, the Pavilion market and Piazza Park renovations became one project.
Sounders Longacres facility in Renton announced as host for team basecamp for FIFA World Cup
Partnership with Sounder RAVE Foundation
The Community and Economic Development Department forms partnership with RAVE Foundation to support building a futsal court in Legacy Square.
Square Talk Event
Legacy Square engagement begins with an in-person event and public survey.
2025-2026 Biennial Budget approved
2025-2026 Biennial Budget approved with the inclusion of $1.9 million toward the Legacy Square project.
Legacy Square Phase 1 construction begins
Phase 1 will include infrastructure, utilities, futsal court and the preparation for Gateway Park renovations.