In 1979 sculptor Richard Beyer created Seattle’s most popular interactive artwork. It commemorates the light rail Interurban line that used to connect downtown Seattle with all of its neighborhoods. The piece depicts six people under a shelter and a curious dog, with a human face. It is located on the southeast corner of North 34th Street and Fremont Avenue North, just east of the northern end of the Fremont Bridge.
Made from cast aluminum, the statue has attracted the imagination, mischief and creativity of hundreds of neighbors each year. The Interurban has hosted costumes, displays and “art attacks” celebrating everything from weddings, birthdays, bon voyages, congratulations, I-love-you’s, memorials, good times and friendships to popular causes, and demonstrations. This continuous stream of interactive genius has made the Interurban Fremont’s most recognizable landmark and a symbol of the fun and creative energy for which the neighborhood has become famous.
About the Dog
Rumor has it that the face on the dog is that of another local legend, Arman Napoleon Stepanian. He was the unofficial Mayor of Fremont in the early years and known as the “Godfather of Recycling”. Arman’s tireless activism and “dogged” persistence pioneered Seattle’s highly successful recycling program that has now been copied nationwide.
Guidelines for Decorating The Interurban
No commercial messages, and everyone cleans up when their display is done.
- BE POLITE: the statue is intended for the pleasure of all
- First come, first to decorate
- If decorations look fresh, please leave them
- No advertising slogans, words or logos may be placed on the statue without the permission.
- Decorations may be left for up to one week however heavy rains will ruin decorations and if you arrive to find the decorations beyond ruin, you may remove them to place your own. ALWAYS RETURN TO REMOVE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS.
- The “Waiting for the Interurban” statue is public art on city property in close proximity to traffic. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Chris Swenson with the Office of Special Events and Film at the City of Seattle.
