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 member 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.
Looking for a gift for that special someone in your life this Valentines Day? Check out our dedicated Valentines day page to find the perfect gift.
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Looking For Something To Do in Pioneer Square? |
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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 February events for some COVID-safe entertainment and online events in the neighborhood.
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Looking Back at 2020 in Pioneer Square |
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Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Pioneer Square. You are a part of a unique social fabric of individuals who together make this neighborhood a one-of-a-kind place.
2020 was a year unlike any other in Pioneer Square’s history. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire focus of the Alliance for Pioneer Square team has been supporting the needs of our neighborhood. As we look forward to the year ahead, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some highlights from 2020 in our efforts to serve our community. In 2020 we assembled several programs and strategies to assist the businesses of Pioneer Square through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond as guided by our COVID-19 Recovery Plan, focusing on Business Development, Public Realm, Marketing and Communications, Advocacy and Leadership. A brief recap of our activities, programs, and strategies can be found here.
The Alliance for Pioneer Square team is grateful to serve you and our community by helping preserve what makes our neighborhood the most authentic, engaging and dynamic neighborhood in Seattle.
Lisa Dixon Howard, Executive Director
Jessa Timmer, Deputy Director
Karen True, Economic Development Director
Chris Woodward, Business Development Director
Sara Pizzo, Public Realm Manager
Thembela Mavuso, Marketing Manager
Nikki Somers, Office Manager
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Monthly Staff Feature:
Jessa Timmer, Alliance For Pioneer Square Deputy Director
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Our Deputy Director, Jessa Timmer, oversees an unprecedented number of projects impacting Pioneer Square using her extensive background in community engagement and organizational leadership. Since October 2020, she has led the organization while Lisa, our Executive Director, was on maternity leave- helping our staff and neighborhood businesses navigate the different phases of the pandemic. Recently, Jessa took some time out to share a few takeaways from what will soon be her first year anniversary with the Alliance.
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February First Thursday Art Walk Update + Make It an Art Day |
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In light of restrictions on retail businesses imposed by Governor Inslee, many Pioneer Square galleries are open to the public and/or offering by-appointment only visits, along with robust virtual exhibitions. 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, February's First Thursday will be promoted as a virtual-only event based on the Center for Disease Control's considerations for events and gatherings. Additionally, the First Thursday Free Parking program will not be in effect on Thursday, February 4th.
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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Pioneer Square Monthly with
Guest from the Port of Seattle
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The next Pioneer Square COVID-19 Information and Updates will take place on Friday, February 19th from 1:30-2:30p on Zoom. Joining us this month is Commissioner President Peter Steinbrueck from the Port of Seattle. RSVP here. Find previous meeting slides and webinar recordings here.
When: Friday, February 19th 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 February 19th.)
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De-Escalation Training with the Metropolitan Improvement District |
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The Metropolitan Improvement District in collaboration with the Alliance for Pioneer Square will be providing an in-depth training program that teaches organizations, businesses and individuals in the neighborhood how to recognize, reduce, and manage aggressive behavior.
The training will be held on Tuesday, March 16, at 1:30 am to 3:00pm via Zoom. Over the course of the presentation you will learn effective and compassionate methods of handling anxious or aggressive people. You will also be introduced to new skills to help increase your confidence, that can be used during threatening situations. RSVP here.
Please note this training is open to Pioneer Square business employees and residents only.
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Shine A Light Call For Art - Pike/Pine Storefront Program |
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The Downtown Seattle Association is seeking artists to help enliven the Pike/Pine corridor through the placement of artwork in the storefront window displays of two Pike/Pine Corridor buildings. This opportunity is available for any artist who is interested in creating an installation that will be displayed for three to six months, ranging from sculptures, lighting designs, hung painting/graphics, or other artworks.
Funding for this program has been provided by a combination of public and private sources and, given the number of available display windows, 3-10 artists will be selected for this call. The minimum award per selected artist will be $1,500. Awarded artists may use funding, as they see fit, for any of the following:
- artist fees
- project management and personnel costs
- supplies
- equipment rentals or other production-related costs
Applications must be submitted by email to sethg@downtownseattle.org by 5PM on February 11th. Click here to apply. The selection process will be completed by a panel of arts and design professionals, DSA staff, and City staff members and selected artists will be notified by February 18th.
Questions If you have questions about any element of the open call, please contact: Seth Geiser or call 206-708-9484.
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City of Seattle Commuter Benefits Ordinance |
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The City of Seattle recently passed a Commuter Benefits Ordinance, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Businesses with 20 or more employees will be required to offer their employees the opportunity to make a monthly pre-tax payroll deduction for transit or vanpool expenses. The ordinance encourages commuters to use transit options other than single occupancy vehicles, thus reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Because the deduction is pre-tax, the law has the added benefit of lowering the tax bills for both workers and businesses. The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) will begin enforcement from January 1, 2021.
The Office of Labor Standards looks forward to teaming up with Seattle's Department of Transportation, Commute Seattle and community partners to equip workers and businesses, including our small business community, with the information and tools to understand these new requirements. Find the full details of the ordinance here.
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Temporary Outdoor Café and Street Closure Permits |
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SDOT is also offering temporary street closures to support restaurants and retail operations. They have also published winter weather guidance that contain details on permissible shelters and furniture that may be used without additional SDOT review. Please be aware that the Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and Seattle Department of Neighborhood Historic/Landmark approvals may still be required, and that those agencies may have additional rules that affect your proposal. SDOT put together a video showing the importance of setting up a sidewalk café and business signage correctly for accessibility. Visit the SDOT website to learn more and apply.
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Sound Transit and King County Metro Fare and Service Updates |
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Sound Transit Impacts
On July 1st 2020, full fares resumed on all Sound Transit services. ST Express buses transitioned to a single flat fare of $3.25 for all Adult riders, regardless of distance traveled. More information about this resumption of fares can be found here. Fare collection is dependent on the completion of safety measures being installed at the front of our buses, so some routes may continue to be fare-free until these measures are complete. In response to increases in ridership, Sound Transit is planning to add service across its system for its fall/winter service change. More information can be found on the service changes page.
King County Metro Impacts
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Neighborhood Construction Updates |
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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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4th Ave Mobility Improvements Project |
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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) 4th Ave Mobility Improvements Project will extend the two-way protected bike lane south along 4th Ave to the 2nd Ave protected bike lane (via Dilling and Yesler Way) as early as spring 2021. They are currently accepting public comment and input on this project. While the Alliance supports projects that improve mobility in Pioneer Square, we are urging the city to take a more holistic approach to planning. SDOT wants to hear from you about how you get around and what your business and building needs are as they continue the design.
We have requested that SDOT proceed with this project in coordination with the Alliance for Pioneer Square's Northeast Pioneer Square Framework Plan beginning in 2021. You can request SDOT work on this project in collaboration with neighborhood stakeholders and partners through this process in your comments. Without this coordination, there is risk to impacting parking, loading, buses, and valuable access to your businesses and properties. You can contact SDOT with comments questions at ccbike@seattle.gov or 206-771-0481.
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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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Pioneer Square Residents' Council Neighborhood Loyalty Program |
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The Pioneer Square Residents’ Council seeks to partner with neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and bars to encourage residents to eat and drink at Pioneer Square businesses as part of a Neighborhood Loyalty Program.
The Pioneer Square Residents’ Council has proposed working with neighborhood businesses to offer discounts, such as 10% off, for residents when they mention what building they live in when purchasing goods.
If your business is interested in partnering with the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council on the Neighborhood Loyalty Program, email Chris Woodward at chris@pioneersquare.org.
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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:
(The Seattle Times)
Restaurant & Retail News:
(Seattle Met)
(The Stranger)
Arts & Culture News:
(Seattle Refined)
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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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