Qwest Field high-rise?

Sports fans looking north from Seattle's two stadiums could one day see new buildings of up to 24 stories occupying what is today an expansive parking lot.

The Seattle City Council on Monday approved changes to the city's land-use code to allow a massive retail and residential development on a three-block swath of asphalt just north of Qwest Field. In addition to changing the view, the development may revive the Pioneer Square neighborhood by bringing in 600 more homes.

"Why am I excited about this? Because it's exactly what Pioneer Square needs," said Seattle City Councilmember Jan Drago, who lives in the neighborhood. "It is the change that will change the dynamic of Pioneer Square."

Drago, whose home is near the site, then recused herself from voting on the issue because it's in her "front yard." The proposal passed 8-0.

Developer Kevin Daniels said he has yet to figure out a design or funding for the project, but the council's Monday vote sends an important message to potential investors.

"This goes a long way of saying, 'Look, the city of Seattle is clearly behind this project,' " he said.

The new development would take up about half of the large parking lot between Qwest Field and King Street, adjacent to King Street Station. The land belongs to King County, and the county is selling it to the developer with many strings attached. Among other things, Daniels' development must replace the parking and provide "open space" — an extension of Second Avenue South, most likely — to allow access to the rest of the parking lot.

The buildings will range from 40 to 240 feet tall, with 60 percent residential use and 40 percent retail. Daniels said he plans to build both apartments and condominiums. Working with the neighborhood, he agreed to leave a sight line between the heart of the Pioneer Square historic district and the King Street Station's historic clock tower.

Officials hope new development will bring life to the city's oldest neighborhood, which long has grappled with crime and a struggling retail district.

"Pioneer Square has long lacked a significant residential base, and I think some of the problems the neighborhood has struggled with for a long, long time have been exacerbated by that," said Gary Johnson, the city's center-city coordinator.

It's hard to determine when the project will get under way, because of the recession. Under the permit the city approved Monday, the developer has 15 years to finish the project.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com