Seattle, Washington story
A Concrete Legend
Tucked under the north end of the Aurora Bridge is a giant that's been watching the neighborhood since 1990. The Fremont Troll is an 18-foot cement sculpture born from a 1989 city…
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Tucked under the north end of the Aurora Bridge is a giant that's been watching the neighborhood since 1990. The Fremont Troll is an 18-foot cement sculpture born from a 1989 city arts competition to revitalize the under-bridge space. Led by artist Steve Badanes and a crew of volunteers, including two architecture students from the University of Washington, the team used rebar steel, wire, and ferrocement to bring this beast to life.
His design is based on the Norwegian folktale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and if you look closely at his eye, you'll find a quirky piece of Seattle recycling: a Volkswagen Beetle hubcap. It's become a favorite local spot where visitors climb and pose with the troll's massive frame.
Updated June 2026