March News + Updates
Spring has returned to Pioneer Square!
Picture courtesy of Renato Daluyen
This Month in
Pioneer Square
Press
Highlights
  • Springtime in PSQ!

  • Shop local at a spring market in Occidental Square

  • Hole In the Wall Barbecue Re-Opens

  • Browse our calendar for more entertainment and events in March.


  • Meet Megan Wagstaff, Owner of Lady Yum: Macarons & Mischief

  • And More!
Springtime in Pioneer Square
Plan a trip to Pioneer Square this month and enjoy a number of events and programming happening throughout the neighborhood.
Hello Spring
Market in Occidental

Celebrate springtime and support local at the "Hello Spring" Market in Occidental Square on Friday, March 24.

The event, hosted by the Downtown Seattle Association, runs from 11a-4p and features more than 15 makers offering handmade jewelry, art, gifts, flowers and more.

Free face painting, a craft station and live music will also be on hand. All are welcome, come out and say hello to spring!
Hole In the Wall Barbecue Re-Opens
Hole In the Wall Barbecue, now in it’s third decade serving BBQ in Pioneer Square, has re-opened on James St. Founded in 1989 by legendary pitmaster, Chuck Forsyth, Hole in the Wall BBQ is still a family establishment serving Chuck’s original recipes and offering the no-frills, down-home, finger-licking BBQ joint experience regulars have come to love.

Hole in the Wall BBQ serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11a-2:30p, with specials on Thursday and Friday. Catering, bulk orders, and meal delivery service is available.
Artist Trust 2023 Benefit Art Auction

The Artist Trust Board of Trustees and staff invites you to celebrate and support Washington State artists! Join them for a hybrid of online and in-person events at AXIS Pioneer Square from March 2-19, including opening celebration, virtual art auction and auction brunch.

All proceeds benefit Artist Trust's funding, training, and resources for individual artists of all disciplines across Washington State. If you have any questions, please visit the FAQ page or contact [email protected]. Visit the Art Auction page to purchase tickets.
Real Change Open House

Real Change is hosting open houses on Thursday, March 16, from 11a-1p and Saturday, March 18, 12-2p at 96 South Main St. These events are free and open to the public.

The community is encouraged to attend to learn about their programs and ongoing coverage of homelessness, the housing crisis, local politics, and art. Attendees will hear from Editor Ashley Archibald about Real Change’s award-winning, independent journalism. Real Change vendor Bryant Carlin will also speak on the direct impact of our newspaper on his photography career.

You will have the opportunity to tour Real Change's Vendor Program, Advocacy Department, and Newsroom firsthand with Development Manager Samira Khadar.Real Change was founded in 1994 to provide low-barrier, immediate work opportunity to people experiencing homelessness and poverty through the sale of our weekly Real Change newspaper. Through our people-first journalism, Real Change provides opportunities for our neighbors who are directly impacted by the housing crisis to tell their stories.

For more information about Real Change, visit realchangenews.org.
Mariners Opening Day
Join the Downtown Seattle Association this month in Occidental Park on Thursday, March 30, to celebrate Opening Day! The pregame festivities will begin at 3p and include food vendors, music and more.
SAVE THE DATE:
Marriott Seattle Charity Golf Tournament
For 34 years, Marriott International has held annual Charity Golf Tournaments across the country to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In past years, proceeds from Seattle's golf tournament have directly benefited Seattle Children’s Hospital. After a brief hiatus, due to the pandemic, the golf tournament returns in 2023. The event will bring together local partners for a great day of golfing and fundraising in support of an amazing organization.
 
The 2023 Marriott Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 26 from 11a-7p at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge. Organizations and companies can sign up 1 or more golf players at a sponsorship level of their choice. Visit here to register.

For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Susan Ellis at [email protected].
Looking for more to do? Browse our calendar for more entertainment and events in the neighborhood in March.
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 5p to 10p!

Check out www.FirstThursdaySeattle.com to learn more about the event and how to obtain free parking during Art Walk.
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.
For Neighborhood Businesses

The Alliance is sharing information regarding foot traffic coming and going from the south end of the district from February though April. 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 event calendar.
Local Business Owner Spotlight:
Megan Wagstaff, Lady Yum
After a 2-year hiatus, Lady Yum's Pioneer Square location re-opened in 2022! This month we catch up with owner Megan Wagstaff to see what's new at the parlor located at 116 S. Washington Street.
Welcome back to Pioneer Square! Tell us what you love about the neighborhood/what made you choose to locate in Pioneer Square in 2019? 

Thank you. When I walked into this space it had previously been a ceramics studio. It was such a mess. But when I looked up and saw that original tin ceiling, I knew I'd go to great lengths to make this a warm, beautiful space to be in. 
Can you take us through the journey of how Lady Yum came to be?

Well, its quite the story that really began for me at a very young age in a remote Alaskan village. The most in depth answer can be found in this Youtube video.

Alternatively, you can read all about our origins on our website.
How would you describe your business and what do you think makes it unique?

Well, there's a couple of different angles. Firstly, we say we're about macarons and mischief, and we make French style macarons. They are fancy and luxurious. There is a depth of flavor, texture, and eating one of our macarons is a whole experience. I like the precision they take to get right and in biting into one, you feel that specialness.

But I never want my macarons or my macaron parlors to be just about fancy cookies. I want everyone to be uplifted when they come into contact with my macarons and parlors. And that's kind of where the Mischief comes in.

So our parlors, our message, even our wonderful staff are all here to extend an invitation for everyone to make room for play, make moments to luxuriate, and to boldly express themselves. I hope we can be that encouragement in people's lives. 

What are some of the hopes you have for Lady Yum in this 1st year of return to the neighborhood? 

I hope people will come in and stay awhile. I hope they will tell their friends and bring everyone!
Any specifics to highlight (upcoming events, promotions, new menu items etc.)? Anything you would like to add/share?

At Lady Yum we are constantly developing new flavors every month. This month we are introducing flavors I've never even imagined or seen in a macaron. So it's always different. We also recently got our liquor license reinstated so you can now relax with a glass of wine or enjoy a cocktail at our locations.

New on our menu are espresso drinks made with coffee from local roaster Watson's Counter, as well as pastries and savory dishes that are always changing because we keep having new ideas. If you haven't experienced our loft, we have free Wi-Fi, so feel free to bring a bit of work, or plan a meeting and stay awhile.

(We are currently developing a plan to provide the loft as event space for small gatherings and parties so lookout for that announcement too!)
2023 BIA Inspiration Fund
Now Open
The Pioneer Square BIA is excited to open the application period for the 2023 Inspiration Fund. In 2022, the Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area (BIA) granted a total of $10,000 in matches to support two projects making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.

The first was a community performance art piece titled “THANK YOU, MS. PAM” by neighborhood artist Tariqa Waters of Martyr Sauce Pop Art Museum and Gallery that encouraged the public to engage with Pioneer Square’s vibrant community and supports local artists, creatives and small businesses. The second was a cabaret-style musical revue titled “People In the Square” by Rose Cano and David Nyberg of Creative Hiatus Productions that brings awareness, understanding, acceptance and laughter to those who visit Pioneer Square.

This year, the BIA is matching volunteer hours and/or funding up to $10,000 for community members to implement projects and programs making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Project goals include celebrating neighborhood diversity, enhancing public spaces, and neighborhood storytelling. The BIA encourages applicants to propose their best and most creative ideas. Potential projects might include work around murals, art, workforce development, alleys, public area improvements, cleanup, experiences, or events.

Applications are now open and applicants must submit a completed Application Form with required documentation (if applicable) by email to [email protected], no later than March 31, 2023 at midnight. Visit our website for grant application, details and eligibility.
You're Invited:
Alliance Spring Networking Event
You're invited to join the Alliance for our spring networking event. Stop by and connect with your neighborhoods! This event is open to anyone who owns property, a business, or works in Pioneer Square. Complimentary food and beverages will be available.

Alliance For Pioneer Square Spring Networking Event
Date: Thursday, March 23rd
Time: 4:00p – 6:00 p
Place: 210 Studio

Drop in anytime during the networking event and RSVP here. For any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We cannot wait to reconnect with all of you.
Public Safety Neighborhood Open House
On Wednesday, April 12th the Alliance will host a variety of representatives from the City, County, and nonprofit organizations for a drop-in open house during which community members can share their concerns and ideas about public safety in our neighborhood. Your input is important and will be key in developing strategies regarding street civility and public safety.

The location of this event, as well as the schedule will be announced soon. RSVP here to attend.

Date: Wednesday, April 12
Time: 12-6p
Location: TBA
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 our Marketing Manager, Thembela Mavuso at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Partner Efforts
Downtown Neighborhood Arts and Culture Recovery Grant 
The Downtown Seattle Association/Metropolitan Improvement District, in partnership with the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, is seeking proposals from interested organizations to enliven downtown public spaces through a City funded grant program. The Downtown Arts & Culture Recovery Grant is a funding opportunity available to Seattle arts/culture organizations, small businesses, and artist groups that are looking to incubate new ideas for public space events/activations and/or continue existing activation programming in new spaces. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $12,750 and applications are open now through Tuesday, March 14th.

Events and activations are intended to reach underserved communities and audiences and ideas may include, but are certainly not limited to:
  • A series of performances at indoor or outdoor venues
  • Temporary public art or lighting
  • Festivals, fairs, or other public events
  • Art and culture exhibits
  • Art or cultural workshops or classes

More information on the program and application process can be found here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Seth Geiser at [email protected] or 206-708-9484 
Request of Proposals: Washington Street Boat Landing
Retail and Food Vending Opportunity
The City of SeattleAlliance for Pioneer Square and Friends of Waterfront Seattle are seeking a retail/Food and Beverage (F&B) tenant for the historic and newly restored Washington Street Boat Landing. Located at the south end of the new Central Waterfront, adjacent to Habitat Beach (opening summer, 2023), just south of Colman Dock, on the route to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park and at the west boundary of Pioneer Square, the boat landing is an iconic structure that will benefit as a retail/F&B venue from high levels of foot traffic year-round.

The Boat Landing has been identified as a small business incubation. The site has scale and amenity limitations and should provide an adjunct or complementary retail/F&B use to an existing neighborhood business. The tenant will steward the historic space, and its outdoor grounds, and may oversee ancillary uses (such as pop-ups, non-competing food carts, art showcases or entertainment.) The Boat Landing contains approximately 350 SF of interior space and 850 SF of covered exterior space.

For more information and application instruction, please visit here. Submissions are due March 7, 2023.
2023 Cruise Summer Job Fair
Summer jobs available in Seattle and Alaska! Join the Port of Seattle at the 2023 Cruise Job Fair on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10:00 a to 4:00 p and meet with employers hiring for part-time and full-time positions at Pier 66 and Pier 91 cruise terminals and for Alaska jobs.

Positions are available at $20–25 per hour from mid-April to October. Interviews will be held on site. Still in school? Employers will work with high school and college students and teachers to accommodate academic schedules. Click here for more information.
Neighborhood Construction Updates
Waterfront Seattle Construction Ongoing on New Alaskan Way

Waterfront Seattle continues building the new Alaskan Way. Assembly of the falsework to support the new Marion St Bridge has begun over Alaskan Way. This temporary support structure will allow for work to continue on the bridge spans that will connect pedestrians between 1st Ave and the new ferry terminal at Colman Dock.

The temporary bridge-like structure over Alaskan Way at Marion St. is anticipated to remain in place into spring 2023 while the new pedestrian bridge over the roadway is built. Another nighttime closure will be required to remove the falsework once it’s no longer needed.

Head to Waterfront Seattle's website for more information and to sign up for weekly construction 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 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.
A closure of S Charles St. began on January 9 and will last up to 45 days. S Charles St. will be closed between 1st Ave S. and Occidental Ave S while crews install decorative pavers and complete finishing details.
 
Construction is expected to be complete by by summer 2023. Visit the project website for details or contact the project at [email protected].
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. 

For more information, please visit the SDOT Areaways webpage or contact the SDOT Areaways team at [email protected] or 206-684-3760. You can also stay up to date with the latest project information by signing up to join the project email list.
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 [email protected].
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:





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.

Want to feature in future newsletters? Promote you event, business and specials/deals with us by emailing them to [email protected]. 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