This Month in
Pioneer Square
| |
|
- Celebrate Pride Month in Pioneer Square with queer tours, a summer market, and more!
- Soft Serve returns to The Pastry Project this month
-
Browse our calendar for more entertainment and events in May
- Thank You Volunteers: Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean a huge success!
| |
|
Happening this Pride Month | |
|
Celebrating Queer History
Go Gay! Go Underground! Take a guided exploration into the history of Pioneer Square's underground night life and how Seattle became a queer cultural mecca.
Each tour caps out at 25 guests and tickets are available here. Attendees must be 18 and over.
| |
|
Self-Guided Queer Tours
Pioneer Square and the Making of Queer Seattle chronicles the development of Seattle’s queer community from the 1890s to the present in Pioneer Square.
This self-guided tour comes from a walking tour, originally developed with the Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Museum Project in the 1990s by Angie McCarrel, a local architect, who wanted to not only preserve a history but also the buildings. This tour also acknowledges that Pioneer Square is on original Suquamish and Duwamish lands. Visit here to begin.
| |
|
|
Shop LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses
#SpendLikeItMatters and support LGBT-owned small businesses in your community with help from the Intentionalist. Ready to celebrate intentionally? Explore the Intentionalist website for June's receipt & receive promotion, tab program and the Pride Month marketplace.
Pride Month artwork is by Seattle artist, and business owner Yes Segura.
| |
|
LGBTQIA+ Storytelling
Join local storyteller Rosette Royale and special guests as we learn about and celebrate the LGBTQ+ history of Pioneer Square at the Central Library on Saturday, June 17 2-3pm.
This presentation and panel discussion will build on HistoryLink's walking tour of Pioneer Square, exploring the locations that were significant to Seattle's increasingly visible LGBTQ+ community in the 1970s. Registration is not required.
| |
|
Pioneer Square Summer Market & Music Festival
Mark your calendars for the Pioneer Square Summer Market on Saturday, June 10th from 11am to 6pm in Occidental Square Park. The market will feature an array of local vendors and artisans to showcase the best of Pioneer Square and offer an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike. Offerings will include handmade crafts, delicious food, and unique gifts. Performers such as AG Joints and Cherry Ferrari to Beverly Crusher and Reposado wll provide live music throughout the day.
For full event schedule and map, visit the summer market website.
| |
|
Soft Serve is Back
Soft Serve returns to Pioneer Square this summer on June 30 at the Pastry Project located at 165 South Main Street. The window will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 3 to 8 p.m. through August 27.
Visit the soft serve window for soft serve cups & cones, soft serve cakes, soft serve cookie sammies and frozen take & bake cookie dough!
| |
|
Downtown Dog Days
Stop by Occidental Square for Downtown Dog Days on June 10 from 2-6pm to shop local dog-friendly vendors and meet other dog owners at this friendly, laid back event.
Scheduled vendor line up includes Three Six Canine, Fur Fighters Grooming, The Brewmaster’s Company, Club Dogfish, Hambos Pups, and more! Note that vendors are subject to change.
| |
|
Taqueria and Bar Debuts
Tacolisto is NOW OPEN at RailSpur in Pioneer Square at 119. S. Jackson St.! This authentic taqueria and bar serves cuisine that is soulfully connected to both the land and sea.
Whether you're craving handmade masa tortillas, unique ceviches, or a margarita (or two!), Tacolisto has got you covered. Visit from Tuesday to Friday from 11am - 9pm or Saturday to Sunday from 11am - 10pm. Online orders are also available here.
| | |
|
|
Guided Historical Tours
The Klondike's Trail to Treasure tours return this summer, from June 3rd to September 3rd.
The one-hour Trail to Treasure guided walks will be offered on the following days/times between June 7 until September 3: Wednesdays-Fridays 2pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am and 2pm. Groups will be limited to 12 people and a sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk on the day of each tour.
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
| | |
|
|
Concerts in Secret Locations
Sofar Sounds is a global music community that connects artists and audiences through live music. They bring people together to create space where music matters in 400 cities around the world. This June, Sofar Sounds is hosting two concerts at secret locations in Pioneer Square (which are revealed 36 hours before the show). Learn more about the June 4th, 15th, and 23rd shows, as well as secure your tickets here. Photo credit: Maegon Sauer.
| |
|
Italian Speciatly Shop Grand Opening
Nduja USA, an Italian specialty shop located at 81 Yesler Way, will hold their grand opening on Saturday, June 10 from 11am-6pm. Nduja USA will feature speciality spreads, meats, cheeses, and vegetables along with sandwiches and beverages such as spritzes. Stop by to try out samples of their products.
| |
|
|
Sounders Concert Series
Join the Seattle Sounders in Occidental Square Park for SoundCheck! SoundCheck is a series of pre-match parties with music from local bands, food trucks, games and giveaways. The 90-minute event begins 2.5 hours before kickoff and will feature special appearances from the Sounders mascot, alumni, and your chance to win a signed Sounders jersey or tickets to a future match. For this seasons schedule, visit here.
| |
Seahawks 2023 Schedule Released
The Seattle Seahawks have announced their 2023-2024 season which includes 10 home games at Lumen Field this season. View all home games as well as the full schedule here.
For Neighborhood Businesses
With the Sounders FC, OL Reign, and Mariners seasons underway, May 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 Center, WAMU Theater, and T-Mobile Park event calendar. Visit here to learn more.
| |
|
Upper Floor Office Happy Hour
The Alliance is hosting the first in a series of happy hours this year to connect administrative, facilities, human resources, and operations professional from around the neighborhood. We also hope to build relationships with these folks so that the Alliance’s resources are adequately being shared to those working in offices in Pioneer Square. RSVP here.
Date: Tuesday, June 20
Time: 4 – 6pm
Location: Burbs Burgers Pioneer Square
(121 South King Street)
| |
Pioneer Square's
First Thursday Art Walk
| |
View the Newest Exhibitions and Artists
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 5p to 10p!
Check out www.FirstThursdaySeattle.com to learn more about the event and how to obtain free parking during Art Walk.
Be sure to visit our neighborhood eateries and bars for a bite to eat or to grab a drink.
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.
Photo: Courtesy of Foster White Gallery
| |
|
Gallery Marks 10 Years In the Square
Throughout the month of June, Frederick Holmes And Company will be celebrating it’s tenth anniversary in Seattle. In celebration of this milestone, the gallery will be doubling the performances of Hot Jazz at the Gallery with The Francesco Crosara Quartet on June 10, and Pearl Django on June 17. The Gallery’s Tenth Anniversary Exhibition titled, Marybeth Rothman: Recent Observations, and Conjectures Near Madaket Road will open June 1 and will run through July 1, 2023.
| |
|
50 Years of the Seattle Civic Art Collection
Join the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture on June 1 from 5-8pm to celebrate their current exhibition, The First 50 Years: Highlights from the Civic Collection, 1973-2023, on view at ARTS at King Street Station. This exhibition celebrates the City of Seattle’s 1% for Public Art Program, one of the oldest in the United States. Experience 150+ works from renowned artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Sherry Markowitz, Marita Dingus, and many more.
| | |
|
|
RailSpur Activated Once Again
Join Forest for the Trees, RailSpur, and ARTXIV for the 'Send Flowers' art exhibition at 419 Occidental Ave. S. on June 1 from 5-9pm. The interior exihibition will feature artwork by several artists, with the exterior exhibition including two mural installations, an AR experience, and live musical performances. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend the event.
| |
Looking for more to do? Browse our calendar for more entertainment and events in the neighborhood in June. | |
|
Spring Clean 2023 a 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 Service. Our 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 220 volunteers, we successfully picked up 37 bags of litter, added 40 cubic yards of mulch to five 1st Ave medians, Fortson Square and City Hall Park stenciled 56 storm drains, collected 10 bags of yard waste/weeds, cleaned up 11 traffic signal boxes, and so much more!
We also want to appreciate our city partners at the Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Utilities, the City of Seattle, and Mayor's office for collaborating with us on this event and making most of the day's work possible. Thank you to LAZ Parking for free event parking, First & Goal Inc./Seattle Seahawks for monetary contributions, and Sounders FC and OL Reign for offering free gameday tickets to volunteers.
| |
|
Overwhelming Support for GiveBig
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Alliance on May 2nd and 3rd during this year's GiveBIG. During the 48-hour fundraising campaign, you raised $25,551 on behalf of our neighborhood. We also thank Martin Smith Inc. and an anonymous donor for matching up to $20,000 in donations.
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.
| |
|
Sunday Fundraise at Flatstick
Last month, Flatstick Pub hosted the Alliance for Pioneer Square as their Sunday Fundraise program recipient for the month of May.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by on each Sunday in May for a round of golf, Flatstick has donated $3,000 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.
| |
|
Local Business Owner Spotlight:
Dani Cone, Cone and Steiner
| |
|
Hello! Tell us what you loved about the neighborhood/ what made you choose to locate your shop in Pioneer Square back in 2014?
Growing up here, I always felt that Pioneer Square is one of the spots in the city that feels most like a “city”. Though I wasn’t quite sure how to put that into words, it was just a feeling and I loved it. I watched Pioneer Square go through many stages and transitions over the years, but a constant was resilience, sometimes as an undercurrent, other times bold and almost palpable.
During one of those bolder stages of resilience, one of Pioneer Square’s “comebacks”, I was lucky enough to meet two incredible individuals, Kevin Daniels and Karen True both of whom played, and continue to play, an integral part of how and why we opened our store here. I’d loved this neighborhood from afar but they made it personal by connecting me with the people and businesses that make it so special. I quickly saw that Pioneer Square is so much more than the sum of its parts, it is history, art, culture, tenacity, vibrancy and, most of all, community. I continue to be so grateful to get to be a part of this neighborhood, and eager to be a part of the next chapter of its unshakable resilience.
Can you take us through the journey of how Cone & Steiner came to be?
Well, simply put, I just really love having good things to eat and drink! My businesses have been centered around basics done well, like coffee, pie and groceries, with the core belief that people come together over good food and drink. There is such powerful connection in sharing something we all have in common—eating! And, I love creating spaces in which hopefully everyone feels welcome and has a place to go where someone is happy to see them.
| |
|
How would you describe your business and what do you think makes it unique?
Cone & Steiner is a true Seattle original, an everyday market where shopping local is made convenient.
It is a modern take on the classic general store, and we believe that people come together over good food and drink. Cone & Steiner features specialty, local, and basic goods at our two Seattle stores and online/delivery platform as well.
The store is based on my Great Grandfather Sam Cone’s original store of the same name, established in Seattle in 1915 shortly after he came to this country. As a young man who didn’t know anyone here or even know the language, he created a community for himself through his business, providing folks with meats and groceries and provisions and a space to gather. This is where and how community happens.
Please introduce us to the rest of your team.
This is the best part! This Team is incredible, and I am so lucky to get to work with these folks, truly. Here we go:; Adam Trent (General Manager, and so much more! Adam does it all!), Brian Becker (Lead Buyer), Ryann Dunkeson (Pioneer Sq Store Lead), Flor-Mari Crisostomo (Capitol Hill Store Lead), Kristina Glinoga (Social Media Coordinator); and this incredible, fun, hard-working Counter Team: Jade, Gordon, Robert, Kila, Itzel, James, Emrys, Brian, Lillian,
Any specific things you would like to highlight (upcoming events, promotions, new menu items etc.)? Anything else you would like to add?
We just introduced our new nachos!! We make a Beecher’s cheese sauce, served warm on top of local favorite, Penny’s chips with fresh salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos. Our signature hot dog menu can’t be missed, who doesn’t love a Seattle dog? Or, try out the Chicago or New York dog, we love those places too!
AND—have you tried our seasonal signature beverages?? These non-alcoholic, housemade specialties are deliciousness in a cup to go, with something for everyone: Liquid Sunshine, Island Plum Shrub, Mango Habanero Ginger Beer, Oat Cream Soda, and Oat Cream Cold Brew. Honestly the Liquid Sunshine is my lifeblood these days!
| |
Pioneer Square Social Media
Takeover Program
| | |
|
|
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 us at info@pioneersquare.org if you have any questions.
| |
Neighborhood Construction Updates | |
Waterfront Seattle Construction Ongoing on New Alaskan Way
Waterfront Seattle continues building the new Alaskan Way. Crews have completed Elliott Way, the newly constructed street over the railroad tracks, nestled into the hillside below Pike Place Market between the waterfront and Belltown! Alaskan Way and Elliott Way will be open to traffic from the stadium district at S King St at the south end all the way up to Bell St at the north end.
Elliott Way will have travel lanes in each direction, new sidewalks, landscaping, bike lanes, pedestrian paths and signalized crossings. Additionally, the improved pedestrian bridge and stairs at Lenora St will also be opening to the public along with Elliott Way featuring new railings, landscaping, and a signalized intersection at Elliott Way.
| |
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program’s
New Connection on Railroad Way Underway
WSDOT crews have begun demolition of the 1051 building due to it being structurally unsafe. WSDOT made this determination based on inspections, and recently completed a SEPA environmental checklist for the work that can be viewed on the program website. Demolition activities will be staged from the parking lot on the west side of the building and proceed east toward 1st Avenue S.
During this work, the sidewalk and southbound parking lane of First Avenue South adjacent to the building will be closed. Additionally, one southbound travel lane of First Avenue South may also be closed intermittently. Building demolition is expected to conclude in June. Visit the project website for details or contact the project at viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov.
| |
Pioneer Square
Areaways Program
SDOT has 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.
| |  |
| |
|
Westland Hotel Construction
Project consists of a substantial alteration of the existing six-story Westland Building in the Pioneer Square Preservation District. The masonry and heavy timber structure was originally constructed in 1907 and is being converted into a 120-unit Hotel. Complete renovation includes seismic retrofit, new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, alarm system, elevators, and envelope improvements to the extent possible with historic preservation requirements. One-story rooftop addition at level 6, and new enclosure over existing Seattle City Light transformer vault. This project is a part of the developer’s larger project, Railspur, which includes the adjacent 419 Occidental and 115 Jackson buildings.
The work to be performed in the upcoming month:
- Continuation of slab demo and footing excavation
- Installation of underground MEP
- Place footings
- Level 2 structural demolition
- Man Lift Erection on North Building Elevation
For the above activities, JTM anticipates the following street/sidewalk/parking/etc. closures:
King St – The North parking lane and sidewalk directly in front of the Westland Building will be closed throughout construction for material staging and delivery. JTM has erected site fencing and cones to keep all construction activities within the fence line. During days with concrete pumping, JTM will be closing the Northern West-Bound lane of King St, as well as the parking lane, for truck staging.
Earl Douglas Alley – The alley from King St to the alley intersection throughout construction for material staging. JTM notes that this will not prohibit access to the bodega, café and bike shop located in the Northern half of the alley at 115 S Jackson. Manlift erection to occur at the intersection of the Earl Douglas Alley. JTM will barricade around erection to keep general public out of harms way.
1st Ave – No closures scheduled at this time.
| |
 |  |
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 with an anticipated opening date in January 2024. WG Clark is serving as the General Contractor and BuildingWork is the architect. 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 Metropole Building will feature a childcare center, traditional lease office spaces, an event center with meeting breakout rooms and a large boardroom, ground floor art exhibit space and a rooftop meeting deck. Tenants will have access to amenities such as communal break rooms, complimentary meeting space, storage space and a nursing room.
During the construction phase, the Metropole is seeking tenants to rent space in the office suites and a tenant for the ground floor art gallery/office space. Tenant applications are currently being accepted. For more information about the Metropole, please visit here or reach out to Kendra Walker, Community Steward/Building Manager, 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 | |
Resources for Pioneer Square Small Business
The Alliance for Pioneer Square has compiled a series of resources and information intended to assist neighborhood small business owners, managers and employees. The Alliance is committed to supporting Pioneer Square through the pandemic recovery period and beyond:
| |
|
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.
Want to feature in future newsletters? Promote you event, business and specials/deals with us by emailing them to info@pioneersquare.org. Be sure to attach an image or graphic along with your promo details.
| | |
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
| | | | |
