The world’s largest tunneling machine isn’t the only thing being launched in Seattle this week. Two new tools aimed at enabling drivers to find parking during the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement are getting their cue call.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will launch a new Web app and unveil helpful, bright signage. Developed in partnership with the City of Seattle, and the Waterfront and Pioneer Square neighborhoods, the tools are part of an ongoing effort to assist travelers in locating affordable, convenient parking during construction.
The Web app is slated to go live this week. No download is required. Optimized for mobile usage, it enables visitors to find parking 24 hours a day in the Waterfront and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. The app also allows users to locate nearby garages that partner with WSDOT and the city to offer a rate as low as street parking – $3 an hour. In all, there are more than 2,000 discounted parking spots available.
“We want people to know that parking is plentiful in Pioneer Square and on the Waterfront, and we’re doing everything we can to help you find it,” said Leslie Smith, executive director of the Alliance for Pioneer Square. “These new tools are another way to make your visit to these neighborhoods easier.”
WSDOT and its partners are also set to launch a more low-tech solution: Pioneer Square artist Jeff Jacobson will spend this week painting eight columns between South King and Union streets a bright shade of blue. Each column will also alert drivers of the parking website, DowntownSeattleParking.com.
The parking tools launch coincides with Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk on Aug. 1, during which free parking is offered by WSDOT and its partners.
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Seattle-based Games Incubator Launches, Makes Recruiting Call
HouseOgames, a new Seattle-based indie game incubator is officially accepting applications for a program designed to help indie developers over the course of a full year by supplying them with living accommodations, workspace, business training and access to top level industry mentorship.
Two veteran gaming professionals are holding down the fort at HouseOgames, which is focused on fostering the development of casual to mid-core multi platform games: Luke Burtis (Former Production Director for Casual Connect), Scott Jarboe (an Infrastructure Architect, Lead Systems Engineer and Development Engineer for Microsoft’s Edge Computing Network).
“A slew of talented indie developers are making innovative high quality games,” said Luke Burtis of HouseOgames. “We want to recognize that innovation and help it stand out from the crowded realm of clones and sequels and get them recognized. Our goal is to help foster this talent, and assist in getting these games in front of as many eyes as possible. Along the way, we’ll also teach them how to run a company and make money doing what they love as a career choice.”
Teams selected by HouseOgames will be granted a shared office space, development tools, access to a plethora of industry mentors, and a communal style accommodation with rent and utilities covered while participating in the program. HouseOgames will also have their very own David Carney of DVGMusic as an in-house audio composer for the teams to utilize, free of charge.[24×7]
