UW Medical Center – Montlake Building Waterproofing and Entrance Upgrade
In 2022, UW Medical Center – Montlake launched a multi-phase renovation project to create a more welcoming space for patients and visitors and to protect important clinical areas below ground level from water damage.
Work is underway to remove paved areas so that crews can apply a new waterproof seal to below-ground level hospital, office and clinic areas, preserving our ability to provide high-quality healthcare in these settings.
The hospital entrance areas will also get a complete redesign that will improve the flow of foot and vehicle traffic; provide additional access for people with disabilities; and create pleasant outdoor, courtyard and garden areas.
Work is phased to ensure that patients, staff and students have continuous access to our facilities. We also have plans in place to help minimize impacts to regular operations during construction.
What you need to know
Our hospital and clinics remain open throughout this renovation project. Please plan extra travel time in case there are traffic or parking delays. Below you can find information on how to get to your appointment and an FAQ about construction impacts and building/transportation access.
Front of UW Medical Center - Montlake (above ground level)
Areas needing new waterproof seal (below ground level)
Will the areas in front of UW Medical Center – Montlake campus be closed off?
The main hospital entrance is open at this time, though vehicle drop-offs and pedestrian routes have been rerouted around construction areas. (Note: The main hospital entrance will close in late fall 2024 to undergo renovation. All traffic will be rerouted to another entrance.)
Pedestrian access to the hospital:
Pedestrian crosswalk and sidewalk closures are in place from May to September 2024, requiring alternative routes to the hospital. One of the three crosswalks across NE Pacific Street to the hospital is closed (see graphic below). The sidewalk directly in front of the hospital on the south side of NE Pacific Street is also closed. During this extended closure, pedestrians will need to cross the street using the two crosswalks at either end of the Montlake Triangle.
- Main route: Pedestrians can get to the hospital by using the east crosswalk (near Montlake Blvd.) and following the signs towards the emergency room entrance and the main hospital entrance. This route requires stairs.
- Accessible route: Pedestrians that use the east crosswalk and require a route without stairs can enter the hospital through the Brotman Baty Surgery Pavilion between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Tunnel route: The underground route from Montlake Triangle parking garage and the main hospital entrance will remain open. Pedestrians can access the underground garage and tunnel near the bus stop using the stairs or elevator. After walking through the tunnel, pedestrians can use an elevator or escalator on the hospital side to reach the hospital entrance on the ground level. Note: Escalator may not always be available due to construction activities.
- Alternate route: The west crosswalk provides another accessible route that does not require stairs, Pedestrians can enter the Health Sciences Bldg. C300 lobby and follow the main interior hallway on the left to enter the hospital between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
Will I still be able to go to my in-person appointment at UW Medical Center – Montlake?
Yes. Our clinics and hospital facilities will continue to provide care in person. Please plan additional travel time to get to your appointment on time. There may be traffic or parking delays. Patients with compromised immune systems should wear their best fitting medical grade mask (such as a surgical mask, N95 or KN95) when entering and exiting the building on Pacific due to the potential for increased dust and debris. Text 'renovation' to: 206.520.5000 for more information.
Will shuttles to UW Medical Center – Montlake continue to operate?
Yes. All shuttles to UW Medical Center – Montlake will continue to operate. Shuttle stops on Pacific Avenue have been relocated to the back (south side) of the hospital on NE Columbia Road. Please plan additional travel time. For updates on routes or schedules, visit UW Transportation’s update on shuttle stop changes
Will the parking garages still be open?
Yes. Both Surgery Pavilion and Triangle parking garages will remain open throughout the project. The Triangle Garage will continue to offer valet services.
Will bike lockers and racks be available?
Bike lockers Bike lockers have been relocated to the plaza between Magnuson Health Sciences Center and the UW Medical Center.
Bike racks: Existing racks in the BB Northwest courtyard have been relocated to the lower level of the S1 parking garage, on both the East and West ends. There are now bike racks by the Emergency Department.
Will noise and vibration disrupt sensitive treatments such as surgeries and laboratory procedures?
We have stress-tested the areas and work plans are in place to minimize the impacts of noise and vibration. Work will be closely monitored and coordinated with clinical and patient care activities.
When will the work be complete?
This construction and renovation project will be completed in four phases across three years. We anticipate that the work will be completed in 2025.
Getting to your appointment
Directions to UW Medical Center – Montlake
Patient drop-off area
For access to the main hospital, please use the patient drop-off ramp. No parking is available at the main entrance. Whenever possible, please use the Cascade Tower Entrance for drop-off and pickup to help us avoid congestion at the main hospital entrance.
Parking
Vehicle Parking:
Both the Surgery Pavilion Parking Garage and Triangle Parking Garage are open, with valet service available in the Triangle Parking Garage.
Bike Parking:
Bike lockers are available in the plaza near the Magnuson Health Sciences Center. Bike racks are available on the lower level of S1 Parking Garage (both East and West ends).
Shuttles
Shuttles to UW Medical Center – Montlake continue to operate. All stops are located in the back (south side) of the hospital on Columbia Road. More information about routes and schedules are available on UW Transportation’s Shuttle page.
Public transit resources
Please use one of these public transit resources to plan your commute to UW Medical Center – Montlake.