FAQs

This comprehensive waterfront renovation aligns with the 2006 Luther Burbank Park Master Plan, which envisions the waterfront as hub for small motorized and hand-powered watercraft activity. Improvements include:

• Renovating the north pier
• Replacing the central and south dock structures with new floating docks
• Implementing water access improvements, including beach renovations, a new overwater platform, and ADA pathways to provide universal access to Lake Washington
• Upgrading utilities and installing other plaza improvements to modernize waterfront infrastructure

The improvements were developed from public input in 2020 and 2021 and in partnership with the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Commission. The City Council approved the Commission's recommended 30% design in March 2022, and final design and permitting were completed in August 2026.

The docks were developed in 1974 and have reached the end of their useful life. Docks that fall into disrepair can be declared "derelict" and no longer eligible for repair or replacement permits, so the City began planning for the future of the docks in 2014.

Interim dock repairs were completed in 2021 while development of the comprehensive dock and waterfront improvements project continued. Design and permitting were completed in August 2026, and the construction is expected to begin in fall 2026.

Dock and waterfront projects are great candidates for grant programs, and the City has secured more than $5m in local, state, and federal grant funding to support design, permitting, and construction of this project. 

Significant public input was provided in 2020 and 2021 to develop the project design. In 2022, the City began the extensive permitting process, which included pursuing more than 20 permits for eight local, state, and federal agencies.

Now that design and permitting have concluded, community members can still follow along here on Let's Talk. Regular construction updates will be shared once the project breaks ground in fall 2026, including information about anticipated park impacts during construction activities.

Questions or concerns? Contact Sarah Bluvas, CIP Project Manager, at sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov.

The total construction contract for the project is $6,730,000 and is funded by a mix of grants and City resources. Since 2019, the City has secured more than $5m in local, state, and federal grant funding to support project design, permitting, and construction.

Renovations to the Boiler Building (also known as the steam plant) have been designed in conjunction with the Dock and Waterfront Improvements project but have moved forward as a separate project. 

Phase 1 of the Boiler Building renovations was completed in 2024 and included seismic retrofits to the building and refurbishment of the restroom/concession stand annex. 

Phase 2 will renovate the building interior for use as a small watercraft boating center, allowing the City to expand boating programs and concessions at the waterfront.