As of Saturday, April 27, the Eastside Light Rail is up and running. These eight stops of the 2 Line are the first to open for the overall Eastside Link extension project, which will eventually connect the Chinatown-International District (and the rest of Seattle) to Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland.
So, what’s open now? Here are the currently operating stations + what they have in store for riders.
Featured artists: Katy Stone + Vicki Scuri Stone’s “Slough Wave” adorns the parking garage’s rooftop and screens, inspired by the landscape features of Mercer Slough Nature Park. Scuri’s “Photo Synthesis” uses rotating abstract images along the sound barriers to mimic the area’s seasonal colors.
Popular stop: Mercer Slough Trail Heritage Loop Trail starts just steps away from the station, with access to a charming footbridge + the historic Winters House .
Featured artist: Celeste Cooning Known for creating large-scale integrated art installations, Cooning’s project (still in the works) uses mid-century modern architecture and textiles to decorate the station’s fencing.
Popular stop: International Ballet Theatre This intimate venue hosts performances from experienced and semi-professional dancers from the International Ballet Academy.
Sweeney’s “Journey and Connection” draws a comparison between the Apollonian gasket algorithm and the cyclical nature of a commuter’s daily journey.
Featured artists: Paul + Marina Marioni The father-daughter duo completed projects in four areas for this station — “Woven Light,” “Light Rain,” “Ripples,” and “Moving.” They utilized glass panels and mirrored tiles to play with light and natural patterns.
Popular stop: The Shops at The Bravern This European-inspired shopping plaza is home to a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and upscale retailers.
Featured artist: Phillip K. Smith III This artist from Southern California loves to play with light in his projects, and that includes this 40-foot tower ( still in the works) . The structure uses mirrored surfaces to reflect natural light during the day and internal lights at night to transform the sculpture.
Popular stop: I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue Snack on some fresh rolls made with fish sourced from local and Japanese fish markets — and make sure to get patio seating for a lake view.
Webb’s “Move Your Boulder” features carvings modeled after the artist’s own hands, representing interdependence and collaboration.
Featured artist: Louie Gong Artist and founder of Eighth Generation , Gong’s work titled “Dragon and Phoenix” adorns the station’s platform walls. The mural represents his Chinese and Nooksack heritage.
Popular stop: Dote Coffee Bar Need a pick-me-up during your commute? This coffee shop right across the street from the station was founded by a coffee lover and renowned pastry chef/chocolatier.
Featured artist: Patrick Marold The “Wandering Line” gives an artistic touch to the platform guardrails, using minimalist stainless steel angles for a subtle elevation.
Popular stop: Facing East Stop by this take-out only Taiwanese restaurant, which offers highly rated pork burgers, lunch specials + grab-and-go items if you’re in a pinch.
Riders are encouraged to lounge on Nakamura’s organically-shaped concrete sculptures as they wait for their trains.
Featured artists: Yuki Nakamura + Leo Saul Berk Nakamura contributed 12 play-friendly sculptures to the station’s plaza, and Saul Berk decorated the pedestrian bridge with a vibrant display of green phosphorescent monitors.
Featured artists: Kate Sweeney + Dan Webb The transit center’s ceiling features Sweeney’s “Journey and Connection” — a stainless steel pattern of nested circles. Webb’s work “Move Your Boulder” is comprised of hands carved into large stones.
Popular stop: The Commons Mixer Part of Microsoft’s corporate campus, this area has a large lawn, several restaurants, a barber shop, and a scenic walkway through the space.
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