Woodland Park Zoo’s new West Entrance will open on May 1. The new West Entrance replaces both the old North and West entrances.
Here’s a rendering of what it will look like from architects Weinstein A|U:
They’ll have live music and giveaways. The remodeled Adaptations Building, with the new meerkats, also opens on May 1.
Set back from Phinney Ave. N. between N. 55th Street and N. 56th Street, a landscaped path leads visitors to the new Bank of America Commons, a safe, welcoming space for groups to gather in the West Entrance before embarking on their zoo adventure. Here the immersive zoo experience starts with state-of-the-art soundscaping featuring real audio samples from Woodland Park Zoo animals.
The 58,000-square-foot West Entrance complex also contains ticketing booths, family restrooms, member and visitor services, a coffee cart featuring shade-grown coffee by Caffé Vita, and a second ZooStore location.
“Our guests’ experience was the most important factor when it came to designing this new entrance,” Dr. Deborah Jensen, zoo President and CEO, said in a press release. “For too long, a busy day would find our guests and members waiting in line for up to 45 minutes. With the added efficiencies in the new West Entrance, waiting times will be cut down to no more than 5 minutes, giving guests a hassle-free start to their zoo adventure.”
The South Entrance at North 50th Street and Fremont Avenue North will also be updated to improve wait times.
