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Atlantic/Central Base

A multi-acre transit hub features integrated artworks for both employees and passersby.

Christian Moeller. Newsreaders, 2006. Plastic discs and chain link fencing. Atlantic/Central Base, Seattle, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com

The Atlantic/Central Base is a 24-hour employee services center for King County’s Department of Metro Transit. It combines two bus bases—Atlantic and Central—where some 1,200 drivers and other staff pick up route assignments, take breaks between shifts, socialize, train, and stock up on supplies. Buses and trolleys have been serviced at this site since 1941.

In 2004, a major expansion and renovation of the base doubled the capacity of the yard, located in Seattle’s industrial area, near the Chinatown-International District, historic Pioneer Square, and the two stadiums that are home to the Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners. As part of this significant overhaul, 4Culture hired artist Barbara Grygutis to create an art plan that identified sites for creative intervention along the perimeter of the base as well as in and around the facility itself.


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