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Bothell updates downtown Lot E–F–G activation: pop-shop expansion, gardens, $2.28M ARPA spent
Summary
City staff reported on the temporary activation of downtown Lot E, F and G: phase 1 included expanded pop-shop incubators, a gathering space, ADA access and $2,283,000 in American Rescue Plan funds; phase 2 would add amenities funded with $200,000 in general funds focused mainly on furnishings and shade.
City economic development staff updated the City Council on June 17 about the temporary activation of downtown Lot E, F and G, describing completed phase 1 work and planned phase 2 amenities.
Economic Development Coordinator Ashish Joshi told the council phase 1 added four pop-shop incubator locations, a new gathering space with an ADA pathway and a third cohort of entrepreneurs using the program. “No action is required today,” Joshi said; the presentation was informational.
Joshi said the city used $2,283,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for phase 1, with most of that money covering construction, electrical work, foundations and site elements. Phase 2 would use $200,000 from general funds, he said, with roughly 90% of that amount budgeted for amenities such as shade structures, interactive features and pathway extensions.
Council members asked about program details. Council member Kurt asked whether raised garden boxes would be tested for soil contamination; Joshi said staff are coordinating across departments and will include soil and planting guidelines in the program’s implementation. Council member Zorns asked whether the garden would have water access and whether edibles would be permitted; Joshi said an accessible water source was being pursued and that the initial plan is to start with non-edible plantings and evolve over time.
Deputy Mayor and other council members pressed staff for an expedited construction schedule; Joshi said vendors are selected, and the remaining work is largely scheduling and final scope negotiation. He said the pathway extension was estimated to begin in June and that construction work itself takes a few days once scheduled.
Joshi also described community programming: the pop-shop incubator’s new cohort includes graduates of UW Bothell and small entrepreneurs selling handcrafted goods and specialty beverages. He said staff continue to finalize vendor contracts, activation frameworks, and amenity schedules and will return with updates when dates are confirmed.
Less critical details: some picnic tables are already in place and have been used informally, council members said; staff emphasized safety, shade and accessibility as priorities for the next steps.
