Neighborhood Business Updates |
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After a year-long closure General Porpoise Doughnuts on 1st and Jackson street is now open! The Pioneer Square location is open for doughnuts and coffee, Monday-Friday from 8am to 3pm.
Doughnuts at General Porpoise are made with fresh eggs and are filled with seasonal jams, jellies, curds, custards, and creams. In addition to doughnuts, General Porpoise serves top quality coffees from multiple roasters. Espresso, pour over, drip, and draft cold brew are all available.
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As of April 1st, Altstadt at 209 1st Avenue South is back open for service.
Altstadt is a bierhalle & brathaus specializing in northwest inspired German and Sudetenland fare, reinvented classics such as bratwurst & pretzels, unique beers and liquors served in a lively beer hall.
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Passport to Pioneer Square |
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Where will your Passport to Pioneer Square take you?
The Passport to Pioneer Square is a celebration of shopping and dining in Pioneer Square. Pick up your Passport and stamps, complete a Passport Challenge, and get rewarded for shopping in Pioneer Square.
Prizes include restaurant gift cards, cooking classes, private tours and more. Find out what the current Passport to Pioneer Square challenge is below and start collecting your stamps!
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Support Local Pioneer Square Marketplace |
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The Alliance for Pioneer Square, in collaboration with DEI Creative, launched an online marketplace as a tool for businesses to generate revenue through online sales during the Coronavirus pandemic.
On the Pioneer Square Marketplace site, shoppers can view curated selections of products and purchase directly from Pioneer Square boutique retailers, restaurants, bars, art galleries, salons and more. Businesses can also feature gift cards for purchase. The site includes a restaurant directory takeout/delivery function that links customers directly to Pioneer Square restaurants for easy ordering of takeout or delivery. The takeout section is a convenient way to help customers order food and support their favorite local restaurants through one online location.
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ICYMI- Stories from the Square:
Pioneer Square, Then and Now
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Our neighborhood's rich story includes a collage of historic buildings and some of the city's oldest architectural features. Last month we introduced a series highlighting the past and present of Pioneer Square's most iconic buildings. In case you missed it, visit our website to discover more.
Our next Stories from the Square series explores the many "ghost signs" that remain on the exterior walls of buildings in the neighborhood which were used by businesses to advertise products and services in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Be sure to follow us on social for the latest stories.
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A New Look For The Cannery Building |
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Last month, after community volunteers cleaned up graffiti on the Cannery Building in Pioneer Square, artists were commissioned to install new murals and give new life to its walls. Take a look at some of the new art gracing the neighborhood.
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Artist Feature: Sydney M. Pertl |
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Sydney M. Pertl is a classical realist portrait and figure artist, social activist, and cofounder of the local nonprofit Damfino Arts (aka SeaPertl Productions), which connects local artists with local art lovers here in Seattle! She trained at the Gage Academy of Art in the expressive atelier and graduated from Lawrence University with a degree in Fine Art in 2012. Her most recent works include a short dance film with SeaPertls called The Only Thing You See Now which was accepted into both the Fuselage Film Festival (Seattle) and Cinedans (Amsterdam), one of the most prominent dance film festivals in the world.
Sydney's most recent mural at 2nd and Main in Pioneer Square, decries the violence against our Asian community in the wake of COVID. "We must all take a stand against this hatred and stand in solidarity with our Asian family at this time", she says. She often uses symbolism to express complex ideas and therefore features three native Pacific Northwest flowers in the piece to represent belonging, beauty and hope amid the fear, hate and racism often directed at our friends, family and neighbors.
Her work has been shown at galleries across the country, and she lives and works locally, at Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts in Pioneer Square. You can check out her artwork here: www.sydneympertl.com and her many murals and dance projects here: www.seapertls.com. Commissions, murals, and art show ideas are always happily welcomed- [email protected].
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Want to be our next artist feature? We invite all Pioneer Square artists and photographers who would like to be featured in our monthly artist spotlight to contact us at [email protected] or reach out to Sara Pizzo.
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First Thursday Art Walk Update + Make It an Art Day |
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On March 11, 2021, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that a new third phase of the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery had been added, and effective Monday, March 22, the entire state will enter Phase 3.Find phase 3 guidelines here. Traditional First Thursday Art Walk events, such as artist receptions, are suspended for the time being due to public health guidance pertaining to large gatherings. Accordingly, April First Thursday and the First Thursday Free Parking program will not be in effect on Thursday, April 1st. While Art Walk activities may be on hold, Pioneer Square galleries are open to the public and/or offering by-appointment only visits, along with robust virtual exhibitions.
Make It an Art Day
Make It an Art Day is a promotional campaign and recurring series intended to:
- Invite the Seattle community to visit Pioneer Square, view works on display at neighborhood galleries, and patronize neighborhood businesses while in the area.
- Build upon the success and visibility of the First Thursday Art Walk and promote viewing art throughout the month as opposed to the first Thursday of the month.
- Promote exhibitions and show wonderful works of art on each Saturday of the week until First Thursday Art Walk can resume.
Showcase Artwork on Make it an Art Day
Submit an image of works currently on display and get featured on the Make It an Art Day Facebook event page!
Galleries who submit an image, along with the artist name/work title/medium/sizing, will be featured on the Facebook event cover image, posts made on the Pioneer Square social media pages, and an image slider on the Pioneer Square website.
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Looking For Something To Do? |
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There is still plenty to see and do safely in Pioneer Square all month long, while practicing social distancing.
You can find a variety of these on our website to help you stay entertained, including virtual online events and in person by-appointment only exhibitions.
Browse our calendar of April events for some COVID-safe entertainment and online events in the neighborhood.
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Seattle Sounders Back for 2021 Season |
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After nearly four months of waiting, Major League Soccer is finally back! Sounders FC has released their 2021 MLS schedule, with times for scheduled for almost all of the matches. In March, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state would move forward under Phase 3 reopening guidelines of the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery, which allows for up to 9,000 fans at major sporting events. Find phase 3 guidelines here.
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Tips For Pioneer Square Residents |
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Our neighborhood, and city at large, is a dynamic one and the Alliance understands how challenging it can be to keep track of it all. This is why we have put together a list of tips and information to help Pioneer Square residents navigate changes and updates affecting the neighborhood and our Seattle community.
Learn more about how to stay engaged with neighborhood updates, support Pioneer Square businesses, keep our neighborhood looking clean, and more below.
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GiveBIG 2020 is almost here! |
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This year the Alliance for Pioneer Square is partnering with GiveBIG and 501 Commons to ask for your help as we continue to support the neighborhood through the COVID-19 pandemic and into recovery. Our Pioneer Square businesses need us and the support of the community, now more than ever. The Alliance is very excited about our fundraising efforts in 2021 and we look forward to your support.
What is GiveBIG Washington?
GiveBIG Washington is a two-day online giving event that helps raise funds for nonprofit organizations serving Washington State. the annual event returns on May 4-5, 2021.
Ready to give? The Alliance’s GiveBIG Washington page is live and accepting donations.
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Pioneer Square businesses currently offering neighborhood specific promotions and deals are invited to email them to [email protected].
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The Alliance has a number of resources neighborhood businesses can take advantage of to to reach customers and empower them to visit the neighborhood and support Pioneer Square. Our Pioneer Square Business Marketing Toolkit is a resource to help your business tell your story, keep people in the know, and drive customers towards your product.
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Monthly Staff Feature:
Karen True, Alliance For Pioneer Square Economic Development Director
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Karen True is the driving force behind the Alliance for Pioneer Square’s economic development efforts. The era of COVID-19 has not only redefined her role in many ways, it also emphasized how important sustained and progressive economic vitality is for our entire community.
As part of our monthly staff feature, we asked Karen to describe the overall impact that the pandemic has had on the business community in Pioneer Square and to provide an outlook on the year ahead.
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Pioneer Square Lunch and Learn |
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Join the Alliance for Pioneer Square and Waterfront Seattle for an update on upcoming Pioneer Square East West pedestrian improvements. RSVP here. Learn more about the project here.
When: Tuesday, April 27th from 12:00-1:00p
Where: Zoom Video Conference
(note, the meeting link will be sent out to those who RSVP on the morning of Tuesday, April 27th.)
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The next Pioneer Square Monthly will take place on Friday, April 16th from 1:30-2:30p on Zoom. RSVP here. Find previous meeting slides and webinar recordings here.
When: Friday, April 16th from 1:30-2:30p
Where: Zoom Video Conference
(note, the meeting link will be sent out to those who RSVP on the morning of Friday, April 16th.)
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De-Escalation Training with the Metropolitan Improvement District |
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The MID/SPD de-escalation training is going to be in-depth training program that teaches you how to recognize, reduce and manage aggressive behavior. Over the course of the presentation, the MID will provide effective and compassionate methods of handling anxious or aggressive people, as well as increase confidence and introduce skills that can be used during threatening situations. Members of SPD will also present on personal safety techniques and field individualized questions from attendees. RSVP here.
Please note:
- Class size will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a meaningful experience for all participants. Registration will be first come, first served. Registration is available to those affiliated with a Pioneer Square Business
- Due to limited class size, participation will be limited to one person from any business.
- Once we reach the maximum number of participants, we will maintain a waitlist and notify you if a space becomes available.
Please note this training is open to Pioneer Square business employees and residents only.
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Lumen Field Event Center
Mass Vaccination Site Updates
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To keep the community stakeholders updated, FGI will share the sites operation schedules and traffic impacts on a weekly basis. These notifications will be posted weekly on the Alliance for Pioneer Square Facebook page. Follow the page to stay up to date!
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Seattle Department of Transportation
Food Pick Up Priority Zones.
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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is making changes to food pick up priority zones. As part of its COVID-19 pandemic response, SDOT will soon install new signs on selected block faces around the city. These signs will be:
- A new permanent 5-minute Load Zone sign and curb paint, to provide space at the curb for food delivery and other retail pickup/drop-off needs. This affects eight blocks in the Pioneer Square district that do not already have a temporary loading zone.
- An accompanying blue Food Priority Pick-up sign
SDOT will be doing individual outreach to the businesses on blocks that will be affected. Learn more here.
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Pioneer Square Preservation District Code
COVID Recovery Proposed Amendments
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As part of the COVID Recovery Phase I ordinance, Seattle City Council authorized the Pioneer Square Preservation Board (PSPB) District Coordinator to administratively approve certain Certificate of Approval (COA) applications without Board meetings, including Code-compliant signage, lighting, paint, storefronts, and changes of use. These changes will help streamline the permitting timelines for many Pioneer Square businesses, especially retail and restaurant owners.
It also reduces the number of projects going before the Board, which will help the Board manage its workload and give more attention and direction to complex applications. This administrative approval authority expires 60 days after the end of the Mayor’s emergency order on COVID response without further Council action. That date is currently unknown.
Proposed amendments also extend the term of COA for approved projects without a corresponding SDCI permit from 18 months to 48 months.
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Sound Transit and King County Metro Fare and Service Updates |
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Link to close between UW and SODO each weekend in April
Sound Transit has announced that Link light rail stations from the SODO station to the University of Washington (UW) station will be closed for five consecutive weekends in April for East Link systems construction. Starting April 2, Closures will begin at 10 p.m. on Fridays and continue until 4 a.m. Mondays on the following weekends:
- April 2-4
- April 9-11
- April 16-18
- April 23-25
- April 30-May 2
During these weekends, the Link light rail will run from the Angle Lake station to the SODO station, then Link shuttle buses will make surface stops at the closed stations between the UW and SODO station. Fares will be required for Link, but will not be required for the Link Shuttle buses. Sound Transit riders should budget extra time for their trips, which could take up to 45 minutes between the SODO and UW stations.
All Sound Transit passengers must wear face coverings consistent with public health directives. Riders should also follow social distancing and other critical health guidelines to protect the community. Riders can sign up to receive automatic email service alerts for Link light rail, ST Express, Tacoma Link, Sounder North and Sounder South. Rider Alerts provide information about schedule changes and help riders plan trips around inclement weather.
As part of the April closures, Sound Transit's contractor crews will also conduct maintenance activities and remove the temporary center platform at Pioneer Square station that was constructed for Connect 2020.
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Neighborhood Construction Updates |
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Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project |
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Running roughly north to south, Route 40 is 13.5 miles long and serves the Northgate, Crown Hill, Loyal Heights, Ballard, Fremont, South Lake Union, Downtown Seattle, and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. From now until late 2021, King County Metro and SDOT are continuing to review corridor needs, identify community priorities, and determine what improvements are most beneficial and feasible. After this process is completed, an identified set of designs will move forward to final design in mid-2023 and construction in late 2023.
King County Metro and SDOT would like feedback from the community on concept plans and proposed changes along the Route 40 corridor. Click here to take the survey, which will be open through April 16th. Learn more about the project and give your input here.
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Waterfront Seattle Construction Ongoing on New Alaskan Way
Waterfront Seattle continues building the new Alaskan Way. Following the shift of vehicle traffic east, onto the newly rebuilt roadway between S King and Columbia streets in mid-December, construction to build the new roadway now continues on the west side of Alaskan Way. Activities include mobilizing equipment, potholing work, breaking pavement, excavation and utility installation. Work hours are Monday through Friday 7 AM to 5 PM with occasional overnight and weekend work.
Here's how you can stay up to date on Waterfront Seattle construction: Head to Waterfront Seattle's website for more information and to sign up for email updates. Text "WFSCN" to 474747 to receive text updates. You may also contact Waterfront Seattle via email or by phone at (206) 499-8040.
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Pioneer Square
Areaways Program
SDOT recently implemented a strict vehicle weight limitation, increased commercial vehicle enforcement, and modified commercial vehicle load zone locations beyond the 1st Ave corridor.
Curb lane restrictions on S Jackson St are currently in place that effectively close the street to heavy vehicles between 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave S. South Main St is open to local access for deliveries (unless otherwise restricted by posted signs) following the removal of the decommissioned trolley platform near Occidental Square.
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Construction Roundup
(Note: Most construction has resumed after being paused due to COVID-19.)
Best Western Annex
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Occidental Square Park Pavilion Construction Update |
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In June of 2020, construction began on a graceful new wood and glass pavilion in Occidental Square at 117 S Washington Street in Pioneer Square. The pavilion, designed by Olson Kundig Architects, replaces the former kiosk at the south end of the square, with a larger information and concierge center for enhanced park activation. The new wood and glass pavilion is designed with a glass roof that can serve as an outdoor classroom, a stage, a dining area and most importantly a covered space for use by the public. The project construction is led by Schuchart.
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Business News and Updates |
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COVID-19 Resources for Pioneer Square Small Business
The Alliance for Pioneer Square recognizes the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 virus on Seattle’s small business community. We have compiled a series of resources intended to assist small business owners, managers, and employees minimize the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 virus on themselves and their community. We will revise this and all associated pages with more information as it becomes available- please check back for updates.
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Highlights:
(Geek Wire)
(KUOW)
(Visit Seattle)
Restaurant & Retail News:
(KING 5)
(KING 5 - featuring the Pastry Project)
Arts & Culture News:
(International Examiner - featuring Martyr Sauce)
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Find us on Facebook
Are you a resident or business owner in the neighborhood? The Alliance for Pioneer Square recently created a Facebook page. This page will communicate resident and business owner specific news/information that to compliment our more general Pioneer Square Facebook page.
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Alliance For Pioneer Square | 206.667.0687
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