Renton: Market, Piazza, and Square Update
The revitalization of Renton’s downtown core is coalescing around the HEART Block, a critical, multifaceted development incorporating Piazza Park, the Renton Pavilion & Events Center, and the evolving Legacy Square. These spaces are foundational components of the broader Renton Downtown Civic Core and Action Plan, a strategic vision adopted by the City Council in 2018. The plan was initially conceived in 2016 to address the eventual relocation of the downtown transit center and to outline specific, community-driven actions for capitalizing on future downtown opportunities. The plan itself was shaped by extensive public involvement, including numerous interactive in-person and online events, ensuring that the resulting projects reflect a shared community vision.
The overarching objective driving the construction and activation of the HEART Block spaces is the creation of a dynamic, designated central civic meeting space. This effort represents a significant shift from the area's prior limited use, which typically saw only two to four events per week. The new plan calls for a substantial increase in public activity, with the introduction of the new market enabling operations to be open seven days a week. This continuous engagement is essential to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and central downtown district. The extensive evolution of this project has been a long time coming, with preliminary phases, community discussions, and official approvals dating back as early as 2009, finally paving the way for the substantial progress currently seen in 2025.
A major future milestone that will fully unlock the area's potential is the relocation of the transit center. Currently situated between the Pavilion and the parking garage, the center is scheduled to move to a new location at Rainier S. and Grady Way S. in 2028. The final determination of what entity will replace the transit center location will be a key strategic decision for the city following the move.
The most recent updates demonstrate rapid progress across the component projects. Legacy Square, in particular, has seen substantial activity. Phase 1 of the construction, which focused on essential utilities, lighting, and initial landscaping, is now largely complete. Work has transitioned significantly to hardscape improvements, including the pouring of concrete for new stairwells, driveways, sidewalks, and curb and gutter sections, alongside the installation of concrete benches for the play area. Key partnerships are also moving forward, notably the court surfacing for the futsal court, which was completed in collaboration with the Sounders RAVE Foundation, with the official team logos scheduled to be painted onto the court surface in spring 2026.
Meanwhile, the city is aggressively moving ahead with Phase 2 of Legacy Square. Bids for this phase have been received, and the Renton City Council recently approved the construction company for this work, which is primarily focused on the critical installation of the permanent stage. Funding for this significant element is bolstered by a competitive grant secured from the State Department of Commerce. Further adding to the space's cultural dimension, an artist team has been selected and tasked with developing a cohesive public art theme for the area. As the physical construction wraps up, the city is also finalizing operational plans, having selected an event management company to support the continued activation of Legacy Square immediately following the 2026 World Cup. Concurrently, construction is also commencing on the adjacent Renton Market and Piazza Park, with contractors having recently installed temporary fencing to begin the work next month, signaling the final push toward realizing the comprehensive vision for Renton's new civic heart.