Ballast Island — Colman Dock
Ballast Island, a monumental installation of historic sandstone ballast stones interpreting the site's significance to Coast Salish peoples, opened 2026 at Colman Dock ferry terminal in Seattle for the Washington State Department of Transportation, designed by Studio Matthews.
| Venue | Colman Dock |
|---|---|
| Project type | Installation |
| Status | Completed |
| Year completed | 2026 |
Credits
| Firm | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Matthews | Interpretive Planning | |
| Northwest Sign & Design | Fabrication |
Description
The installation addresses the displacement of Coast Salish peoples by industrial development in the 1800s and how Ballast Island became a crucial Indigenous gathering place despite systemic exclusion. Developed in consultation with the Muckleshoot, Suquamish, Tulalip, Snoqualmie, and Stillaguamish tribes and the Duwamish Tribal Organization.