Zigurat-like projections embellish tall Art Deco light standards. That’s how architectural historian Lawrence Kreisman described the Cowen Park Bridge. Today we will delve into the story of this iconic Seattle landmark.
The Cowen Park Bridge is a reinforced concrete arch bridge. It carries 15th Avenue NE across a ravine in Cowen Park. This bridge acts as a dividing line. The smaller area west of the bridge is Cowen Park. The larger area east is Ravenna Park. Spanning from NE 62nd Street to Cowen Place NE, it connects neighborhoods. The northern Roosevelt/Ravenna neighborhood connects to the University District.
Interestingly, Cowen Park Bridge is not the only bridge spanning the Ravenna Park ravine. The 20th Avenue NE Bridge was built in 1913. Yet, the Cowen Park Bridge is the only one open to vehicular traffic.
Let’s step back to 1936. The Cowen Park Bridge was built during the Great Depression. It was authorized by the Works Progress Administration or WPA. This program provided jobs during a tough time. Clark Eldridge was the bridge engineer. His design successfully married engineering and aesthetics.
The Cowen Park Bridge’s design is praised. It is especially admired for its 12-foot Art Deco light standards. These stand proudly along the bridge’s sides. The bridge springs from abutments. Its vertical pier abutments support the deck. Fluting on the piers and columns emphasizes the structure’s verticality. It also highlights its apparent lightness.
The Cowen Park Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a designated city landmark. This bridge has a total length of 358 feet or 109 meters. The main span stretches 48.80 meters. The deck width measures 12.80 meters and has two lanes.
Consider this. The Cowen Park Bridge stands nearly 60 feet above the Ravenna Creek bed. It is a testament to the era’s craftsmanship. It embodies the spirit of the WPA.
As we stand here on the Cowen Park Bridge, remember its history. It is a landmark connecting not just places but also eras. It is a beautiful blend of art and engineering. The Cowen Park Bridge remains a treasured Seattle landmark.