Former Vacant Site Transforms Into Community Hub
More than 3,300 residents and visitors gathered at Renton’s newly opened Legacy Square on July 6 to watch the U.S. men’s soccer team face Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, marking a significant milestone for the city’s downtown revitalization effort. The event showcased the transformation of a property that had remained vacant for 15 years before the park’s official unveiling on June 6.
Legacy Square features a new playground, an amphitheater stage surrounded by grassy lawn space, and a futsal court designed to serve the community year-round. The city accelerated construction by one year to ensure the space would be ready for World Cup events, demonstrating Renton’s commitment to capitalizing on Seattle’s role as a host city for the international tournament.
Gurminder Kaur, owner of Rice N Curry restaurant nearby, reflected on the change: “It’s been good to see the area so lively. It was just empty land earlier, you know? Completely empty. But now this place has been full of people.”
Part of Larger Downtown Transformation
Legacy Square represents one component of a $15 million three-site downtown revitalization initiative. The city invested approximately $10.6 million in the overall project, with grant funding covering about $4.5 million of the expenses. The Legacy Square component alone cost $5.4 million.
The property, which previously housed a Big 5 store, was acquired by the city in 2011. The full concept for Legacy Square was developed in 2024 following FIFA’s announcement that Seattle would host World Cup matches. The design draws inspiration from Italy’s piazzas and Mexico’s El Jardín in San Miguel de Allende, featuring blue and gold colors that represent the city.
Two additional downtown sites round out the revitalization effort. Piazza Park has undergone renovation and now hosts a farmers market on Tuesday afternoons. The third site, Renton Market, is taking over the former Renton Pavilion Events Center and remains under construction.
World Cup Events Continue
The success of the July 6 gathering has set the stage for two additional World Cup watch parties at Legacy Square. The third-place match is scheduled for Saturday, with the World Cup final set for Sunday, providing further opportunities for the community to experience the tournament at the revitalized downtown venue.
The Belgian men’s team, which competed against the U.S., stayed at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington and practiced at the Sounders’ training facility during their time in the region. Mayor Armondo Pavone noted the importance of the city’s appearance during the tournament, stating, “The Sounders are here – we needed to have a good showing.”
Pavone, who owned a restaurant in downtown Renton for 25 years, has witnessed significant changes in the area. He referenced shifts in shopping habits over the past 10 to 15 years that had impacted the downtown corridor before the revitalization project began.
What Comes Next
With the World Cup providing immediate visibility and foot traffic to Legacy Square, Renton’s downtown revitalization is positioned to build momentum. The completion of Renton Market and the continued operation of Piazza Park’s farmers market suggest the city is establishing year-round programming and attractions. The success of the initial World Cup watch parties and the community response to the transformed space indicate whether the investment will sustain long-term economic activity and residential interest in the downtown district.