Video: Seattle's skyline could grow vertically

Larger screen

SEATTLE – The South Lake Union neighborhood could become a concrete jungle with 40-story buildings if one group has its way, and people are taking up sides.

A group called South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors is considering changes that would allow buildings as tall as 400 feet. That's nearly as tall as the north tower of the Westin Hotel in Downtown Seattle.

Supporters say it's time to think big.

"We have urban centers because we're trying to cut down on our greenhouse gas emissions. We're trying to make it easy for people to live in Seattle and commute to work on transit," said supporter John Coney.

But others worry allowing such tall buildings will wall off that section of the city.

"You won't see the Olympics (Mountains). You won't see the Space Needle. You won't see Puget Sound," said opponent Peter Buck. "If this was allowed to happen the way its headed, we'd simply be replicating downtown in that area."

Supporters foresee a Vancouver-esque skyline with just a few high rises atop pedestal bases and buildings that taper as they get taller. They say it's the way of Seattle's future.

"So, we are going to have these pedestrian friendly, transit friendly urban centers. If that's scary, then some folks might be scared," said Coney.

Opponents of the 400-foot plan are trying to get an alternate idea on the books that would allow a "stepped" proposal with buildings starting at 240 feet tall along Denny Way and decreasing in size as they approach the water.

Mayor Greg Nickels will have the final say on any changes in height restrictions for the South Lake Union neighborhood.