By Mercer Island Public Works Department
February 2025
The work on the Boiler Building and Annex is complete. Phase 2 of the Boiler Building is planned for 2030.
"The City's Public Works Department is planning to renovate the waterfront at Luther Burbank Park. Built in 1974, the docks and adjacent waterfront need major repairs to continue to provide the public with shoreline recreation. In particular, the fixed height piers are not useful for smaller boats and don't serve the needs of most current boaters or the City's boating programs.
The City is completing a design to:
Replace the south piers with floating docks for small (26' or less) power boats and non-motorized craft
Renovate the north pier
Expand the cobble beach and provide an accessible route to the ordinary high water level
Renovate the plaza with permeable paving, landscaping, furnishings and art
Install overwater stairs next to the Handsome Bollards to provide seating and contact with the lake
Stabilize the Boiler Building for continued boat storage and future reuse as a small craft boating facility
Renovate the restrooms and concession stand for boating programs
Construct a deck and railing on top of the restroom annex to provide space for viewing and passive enjoyment of the lake setting
Improve drainage across the site while minimizing impacts to the nearshore lake environment
Install a lake water intake and irrigation pump to irrigate the swim beach and Calkins Point
This work will use the Luther Burbank Master Plan to guide the design process. The plan provides a vision of a waterfront activity center centered around small boats including power, sail and paddlecraft. The design will also consider how to make the waterfront more accessible and attractive for the general public."
Read the full article here: https://letstalk.mercergov.org/lbdock