As Saturday shoppers thronged Pike Place Market, some 60 local design professionals studied and schemed and sketched alternative views of the "Desimone PC-1 Site." This critical patch of land, the last undeveloped piece within the Market, may hold a key to the future of Seattle's central waterfront and its stature and function as a regional gateway.

The AIA Seattle Historic Preservation Committee, and chair Vernon Abelsen AIA, took initiative in working with the Pike Place Market PDA, Historic Seattle, Allied Arts of Seattle, and other partners in conceiving the charrette -- and in enlisting Jerry Ernst FAIA, Seattle City Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck AIA, and six interdisciplinary teams to apply their skills to the "design problem." For weeks, Committee members combed historical sources to develop background information for the teams. And finally, bright and early on Saturday morning, the volunteer teams came together to offer their creativity as a gift to the Market and the future of this area.

On Saturday afternoon, the multi-talented teams paraded through the Market to AIA Seattle, followed by a truck carrying their sketches and illustrative materials, to offer presentations. AIA Seattle President Steven N. Arai AIA, among charrette participants, welcomed the teams and visitors to AIA Seattle, and commended his fellow professionals on their demonstration of commitment to the future of our urban region.

The results will remain on view at AIA Seattle Gallery through the month of May. Visitors welcome M-F 10-5.