June News + Updates
This Month in Pioneer Square
Press
Highlights
  • Celebrate Pride Month with Beneath the Streets' Queer Tour

  • Soft Serve returns to The Pastry Project this month

  • Thank You Volunteers: Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean a huge success!

  • Apply for the Pioneer Square Façade Improvement Fund

  • Enjoy Free parking every Saturday and during First Thursday Artwalk in Pioneer Square

  • And More!

Happening in the Neighborhood this Month
Summer is almost here and Pioneer Square is buzzing with new and exciting things to do, see and enjoy. Check out these events and more premiering this month in the neighborhood and around Seattle:

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS: Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean and One Seattle Day of Service a huge success.
The Alliance for Pioneer Square would like to extend a big THANK YOU for joining us at this year's Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean event and the city's One Seattle Day of ServiceOur community is truly grateful to you and to all the neighborhood volunteers and partners who participated, rolled up their sleeves and got to work making much needed improvements to Pioneer Square.

Thanks to the work of over 200 volunteers, we successfully picked up 56 bags of litter and an additional 8 bags of weeds from tree pits, added 36 cubic yards of mulch to the 1st Ave medians,
Fortson Square and Pioneer Square Park, stenciled 100 storm drains, completed 21 walking audits, cleaned up traffic signal boxes and so much more!
What an incredible turnout and equally incredible day of taking action and making a difference in our community. Your efforts mean so much to Pioneer Square and thanks again for all you do for our neighborhood.
citizenM Opens Pioneer Square Hotel
Last month, citizenM opened its second Seattle location in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The 10-story, 216-room hotel, located at 60 Yesler Way joins the citizenM Seattle South Lake Union .

The hotel is located near art galleries, boutique shops and dining and is across the street from the Seattle Ferry Terminal. Welcome citizenM to Pioneer Square!
Pastry Project Soft Serve Window
Opening June 3rd

Soft Serve returns to Pioneer Square this summer on June 3rd at the Pastry Project located at 165 South Main Street.

Visit the soft serve window Fridays to Sundays from 1-8pm for soft serve cups & cones, soft serve cakes, soft serve cookie sammies and frozen take & bake cookie dough!
Live Music, Food Trucks and More
in Occidental Square This Summer
This summer will be full of exciting events happening in Pioneer Square and across downtown.
These events are aimed at encouraging our residential and business communities to get reacquainted with shops, bars and restaurants in downtown. Programming will include live musical performances, games, rotating food trucks and more. 

Visit www.loveseatown.com for the latest details on programming, artists and special appearances and click here for upcoming food truck schedules and menus in Occidental Square Park. 
Looking for more to do? Browse our calendar of events for more entertainment and events in the neighborhood in June.
For Neighborhood Businesses

With the Sounders FC, OL Reign and Mariners returning to the field, June will see plenty of foot traffic coming and going from the south end of the district. 

To better inform business operations on game and event days, follow this link to the Lumen Field and Event CenterWAMU Theater and T-Mobile Park June event calendar.
Pastry Project Fall 2022 Student Application
Due Monday June 13th
The Pastry Project provides free baking and pastry training to individuals with barriers to education and employment in the industry. The 14-week free baking and pastry training program focuses on in-demand technical skills, time management, teamwork and problem-solving. Classes are a full day each week for 14 weeks plus one Saturday per month.

Applications for the Fall 2022 Student cohort are now open until Monday June 13th. Uniforms, curriculum materials, transit stipends, childcare stipends and lunches are all provided! 

The Pastry Project also provides assistance with resume writing and interview prep and will help with job placement and continued mentorship. Learn more and apply here.
Thank You Flatstick Pub!
 
Earlier this year, Flatstick Pub hosted the Alliance for Pioneer Square as their Sunday Fundraise program recipient for the month of March.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by each Sunday in March for a round of golf or to grab a beer, Flatstick has donated $2,400 in support of the Alliance's work and programs.
 
A big THANK YOU to Flatstick Pub for the generous contribution. Learn more about Flatstick Pub's Sunday Fundraise program here.

Give Big 2022 Raises $1,170

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Alliance on May 3rd and 4th during this year's GiveBIG. During the 48-hour fundraising campaign, you raised $1,170 on behalf of our neighborhood.

Your generous support is critical to our success and allows us to continue our work, making Pioneer Square the best neighborhood in Seattle.
Stay tuned for our next giving event this fall.

You may also donate anytime through the Alliance website.
Free Parking Saturdays

Parking is free at the Butler Garage (114 James St) from 11a-8p each Saturday with proof of purchase from a neighborhood business. You can also check out the mobile-friendly DowntownSeattleParking.com website for more parking locations throughout the neighborhood.

Save with Veo BikeShare

Save $5 with code PIONEERSQ on First Thursday Artwalk with Veo, one of Seattle's new bikeshare providers.

Learn more about their class II e-bikes in Seattle here.
The Seattle Seahawks have announced their 2022-2023 season which includes 11 home games at Lumen Field this season. View all home games as well as the full schedule here
Pioneer Square's
First Thursday Art Walk
Join Seattle’s Original First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square. The art walk is FREE & self-guided, every First Thursday of the month and parking is free from 5pm to 10pm!

Check out www.FirstThursdaySeattle.com to learn more about the event and how to obtain free parking during Art Walk.
Announcing the
2022-2023 Pioneer Square Map and Guide
Apply Now: Pioneer Square Façade Improvement Fund
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is excited to announce the release of its annual Neighborhood Map and Guide for the year 2022-2023. The newly designed Pioneer Square Map and Guide brochure is now available in print form at various local Pioneer Square establishments and online on the Alliance website. 

Now in its seventh year of production, the Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide is an introduction to Seattle's original neighborhood, with a  surplus of places to be and things to enjoy for local visitors, out-of-towners and newcomers. Beautiful illustrations of iconic neighborhood sights, wayfinding maps and stunning photography on each page combine to create a truly engaging pamphlet that covers everything you need to know about our neighborhood. 

The 2022-2023 Neighborhood Map and Guide brochure sees a return of physical maps featuring Pioneer Square's one-of-a-kind galleries, well curated boutiques and shops, renowned eateries and the city’s exciting nightlife and live music scene, all located within the district’s square mile. Additionally, an up-to-date comprehensive online listings map tracks changes throughout the year helping customers find and patronize both new and existing businesses in the neighborhood.

The Pioneer Square neighborhood is served by more modes of transportation than anywhere else in the city. A ‘Getting Around’ map provides an overview of the many available options to getting here, while a ‘Points of Interest’ map directs you to hidden gems and charming locations to explore on arrival. 
Together with the pioneersquare.org website, the 2022-2023 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide will help visitors and customers with planning their trip to the neighborhood, pointing out sightseeing spots, places to eat, shop and creating personalized itineraries that can make a visit to Pioneer Square extra special and memorable.

Want to get some copies of the new brochures for your business? Contact us today to request delivery of print guides by or emailing info@pioneersquare.org. Alliance staff will also be doing distribution over the coming weeks. 

The 2022-2023 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide is published by the Alliance for Pioneer Square, with financial support from 4Culture
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is excited to announce open applications for the Façade Improvement Fund, a financial support program for businesses and properties in the district.

The Façade Improvement Fund is intended to provide financial support to Pioneer Square business and property owners who embark on projects to improve the overall appearance of their building facades and storefronts. Funds may be used to reimburse costs of materials and labor including, but not limited to, the following types of projects:

  • Fresh coat of paint
  • Lighting Improvements 
  • Cafe Seating
  • Planters
  • Façade repairs & upgrades
  • Broken door lock replacement 
  • Broken window replacement
  • Professional cleaning 

Only properties and businesses within the Pioneer Square District boundaries will be eligible to apply. Funding awards will be capped at $5,000 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Funds will be awarded on a first come first serve basisThe deadline to apply for funding is August 31, 2022.

For program eligibility, frequently asked questions and how to apply, visit the Alliance for Pioneer Square website. If you have any questions about this program, please reach out to sara@pioneersquare.org. 

Funding for the Façade Improvement Fund is made possible by Historic South Downtown and the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development .

Pioneer Square Social Media
Takeover Program
Neighborhood Discounts and Specials
Each Friday, we give neighborhood businesses and organizations the opportunity to share a series of photo and video content to the Alliance for Pioneer Square’s social media channels via stories, feed posts and live video updates, for the entire day.

Fill out the Google Form to get started with the process or email our Marketing Manager, Thembela Mavuso at thembela@pioneersquare.org if you have any questions.
With several larger employers bringing back their workforce to Pioneer Square after nearly two years of remote work, we want to give your staff a warm welcome!

The Alliance has created a web page and a one page document for the returning upper floor office staff to make the transition back to the office as seamless as possible. In addition to providing returning workers with information on how to engage with the neighborhood and shop local, we are also rounding up neighborhood retailers’ discounts or specials for upper floor folks.

If your staff need additional resources to support their return to work, please contact us at info@pioneersquare.org.
Partner Efforts
MS PAM’S Block Party
Coming to Pioneer Square on August 6
Port, City and Borough of Juneau, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and Leading Global Cruise Lines to Explore Feasibility for First-of-its-kind ‘Green Corridor’
This summer, Created Commons will bring a festival of arts and culture to three neighborhoods in Seattle, including an 80's themed Block party in Pioneer Square on August 6.

Styled as MS PAM’S Block Party and curated by local Pioneer Square artist and gallerist Tariqa Waters, the event will be held in Nord Alley, Occidental Mall and surrounding areas. MS PAM's Block Party will feature DJs, musical acts, interactive art activities and performances. 

The event will be coordinated with the release of Thank you, MS PAM, a television show that explores and celebrates local food, fashion, arts and entertainment with a focus on BIPOC business owners in Seattle neighborhoods. Stay tuned for additional details on this event and other exciting Created Commons: Neighborhood Edition events!
The Port of Seattle, City and Borough of Juneau, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, leading global cruise lines, as well as the Global Maritime Forum, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition and Washington Maritime Blue have announced a new commitment to explore the feasibility of the world’s first cruise-led ‘green corridor.’ A green corridor is a maritime route where zero greenhouse gas emission solutions are demonstrated and supported.

The First Mover Commitment was announced during the International Association of Ports and Harbors World Ports Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. Read the entire press release here.
Neighborhood Construction Updates
Waterfront Seattle Construction Ongoing on New Alaskan Way

Waterfront Seattle continues building the new Alaskan Way.

Earlier this year, Waterfront Seattle completed installing new roadway markings on the east side of Alaskan Way, allowing King County Metro buses to begin using the new northbound transit lane. King County Metro has opened two new bus stops, one northbound and one southbound, on Alaskan Way S near S Jackson St. New bus shelters will be added to the new bus stops this summer.

The Waterfront Seattle Program construction has contributed to building the foundations (including concrete and electrical infrastructure) needed for these new bus stops and transit lanes on Alaskan Way S, between S King and Columbia streets. 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.
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program’s
New Connection on Railroad Way Underway

Work is now underway on the final project of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program, which will turn Railroad Way into a pedestrian-oriented plaza and make other significant improvements near the south end of the State Route 99 Tunnel.

The work zone on First Avenue South has shifted toward the east curb lane. Crews placed gravel and temporary asphalt in the middle of First Avenue South, between South Royal Brougham Way and South Dearborn Street. The northbound travel lanes will be shifted west, atop this temporary asphalt, so crews can begin work on the eastern edge of the street.

Crews will eventually remove this asphalt and pour concrete in its place, but this temporary condition will keep traffic moving on First Avenue South while crews advance work on the east side of the street. This new work will take place south of the First Avenue South / Railroad Way South intersection, which will remain in its current configuration for the time being.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation expect to complete construction in 2023.
Pioneer Square
Areaways Program

SDOT recently completed safety inspections of the Pioneer Square areaways. Curb lane restrictions will remain in place while SDOT continues to monitor, evaluate and strengthen the areaway street walls throughout Pioneer Square. 

For more information, please visit the SDOT Areaways webpage or contact the SDOT Areaways team at areaways@seattle.gov or 206-684-3760.  
Metropole Building Construction Updates

In 2019, Satterberg Foundation, a Seattle-based family foundation, purchased the historic Metropole Building, located at 423 2nd Ave Extension S. The primary motivation of this purchase was to provide centrally located, long-term office space for non-profit organizations committed to serving communities of color in response to social and environmental needs and challenges.

Crews began demolition on the project in late April and the estimated timeframe for renovations is 18 months. The re-design and renovation of the building has been curated with the careful consideration of the current and future needs of the community and will adhere to the highest sustainability standards including LEED Platinum Certification and compliance with the Seattle 2030 District Goals. The building will feature a childcare center, rooftop community event space, conference meeting space, community kitchen and office space for nonprofit organizations. Visit here for more information.

Currently Satterberg is looking for a nonprofit art organization to hold classes, sell art and utilize the ground floor space. The foundation is also looking for nonprofit BIPOC organizations to rent office space on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Please reach out to Kendra for more information at metropolebuilding@satterberg.org.
Visit The Alliance for Pioneer Square’s website for an interactive project map and up to date information on of current and future public realm projects.
Business News and Updates
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.






Stay Engaged!
Find us on Facebook

Are you a resident or business owner in the neighborhood? The Alliance for Pioneer Square Facebook page communicates resident and business owner specific news/information to compliment our more general Pioneer Square Facebook page.

Pioneer Square Business Owners and Managers Facebook page: The Pioneer Square Business Owners & Managers Facebook group is a private platform providing business owners and managers in the neighborhood the opportunity to connect, ask questions and share support among one another while collectively navigating the current health crisis and resulting economic challenges. Request to join the group here.
Please consider a gift to the Alliance for Pioneer Square and help us to ensure Pioneer Square remains a strong, vibrant neighborhood. We cannot do it without you.
Alliance For Pioneer Square | 206.667.0687