Mural going up on the corner of 2nd & Yesler.
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Neighborhood Business Updates |
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Underbelly, at 119 1st Ave S has partnered with Dualidad to host a new weekly taco pop-up!
For now Dualidad is open Thursday through Saturday from 6pm until sold out. If you love San Diego style tacos you better come get some before they sell out! Here’s a link to Dualidad’s menu.
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The new space will serve as their new ticket office and we will display as much of the Death Museum artifacts as possible. Spooked in Seattle is currently preparing for their reopening and will announce a date soon.
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Highlights:
(Geek Wire)
(KING 5)
(Seattle Times- featuring the Chief Seattle Club)
(Seattle Refined)
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RADMOR is on a mission to provide a more sustainable, natural fiber alternative to typical polyester based golf wear.
Shop online and receive 15% off your first online order with Promo Code FIRST15. Enjoy free 2 day shipping with any purchase over $150.
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Enjoy Free shipping when you shop online from Pioneer Square artist and author Vikram Madan, for all orders over $35.
Vikram Madan creates whimsical visual art and writes hilarious poetry. He is the author-illustrator of award-winning books 'A Hatful of Dragons', 'The Bubble Collector', and 'Lord of the Bubbles'. Click here to shop
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Share Your Specials! Pioneer Square businesses currently offering neighborhood specific promotions and deals are invited to email them to info@pioneersquare.org.
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Passport to Pioneer Square |
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Passport challenge winner Marta enjoying her prize at
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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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Mother’s Day is officially around the corner. Celebrate mom with amazing gifts from our neighborhood businesses, available now on our online marketplace. So whether she’s your own personal superhero, a boss or all round Rockstar, show her just how much she means to you by visiting our Support-Local marketplace to shop all things Mothers Day.
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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Stories from the Square: Signs of the Past |
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We are excited to introduce a new series highlighting the remnants of Pioneer Square’s past as seen through ghost signs. A ghost sign is a hand-painted advertising sign that has been preserved on a building for an extended period of time.
Pioneer Square is home to a high concentration of ghost signs, in various conditions, indicating the neighborhood’s commercial and industrial history.
Each week, we will feature one ghost sign and tell the stories of who created it and why. Visit our website and follow us on social to discover the latest stories.
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Artist Feature: Vicki Basta |
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Vicki Basta is a multidisciplinary artist, who works across media, with a current focus in close-up photography. She has a passion for trees and the healing power of nature, which are often themes in her work.
Basta’s art career has taken her from painting and mixed-media works to creating earth art and mixed-media/botanical jewelry. Though Basta has dabbled in film photography in the past, she began to focus on mobile photography around 2013. She noticed that she enjoyed taking photographs, while out gathering objects for her art and her passion has continued to grow. Vicki draws on her love of nature and weathered objects and uses the lens to capture details that are often missed in casual observation.
Originally from Spokane WA, Basta moved back to Washington State in 2016, after twenty years in New Mexico. She holds an AFA from Spokane Falls Community College and BA in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College. Basta has coordinated art festivals, artist residencies, and has taught art to youth. She was active with Arts Unlimited in Renton in and looks forward to being involved in arts and community organizations in Seattle, WA.
Vicki has exhibited her art and photographs throughout the country. She recently had a photograph included in the “Fence” photo wall, installation along the Seattle Waterfront from 2019 – 2020. She was interviewed about her art and was invited to participate in an artist panel through Art Parlour in 2020. Art Parlour will feature her art in their inaugural zine later this year. Basta lives in Pioneer Square and can be found photographing throughout the city. Vicki's work can be found on her website. Inquires and exhibition opportunities are welcomed via email.
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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 info@pioneersquare.org. |
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First Thursday Art Walk Update + Make It an Art Day |
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Effective Monday, March 22, King County is in Phase 3* of Governor Inslee's Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery. 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, May First Thursday and the First Thursday Free Parking program will not be in effect on Thursday, May 6th. 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.
*Note: as of May 4, all Washington State counties will remain in their current phases for two weeks. At that time, King County phase status will be reassessed.
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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 events for some COVID-safe entertainment and online events in the neighborhood in May.
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Apply for the 2021 Pioneer Square BIA Inspiration Fund |
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This year, the BIA is matching volunteer hours and/or funding up to $5,000 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, alleys, workforce development, public area improvements, cleanup or experiences. Collaborate and connect with the community on a creative project!
Visit our website for grant details, eligibility information and to download the application form. Applicants must submit a completed form no later than May 31, 2021 at midnight.
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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 recovery. The Alliance for Pioneer Square is on the forefront of vital conversations impacting our district, serving as a full-time advocate, resource, and champion for Pioneer Square. Your generous support is critical to our success and allows us to continue our work, making Pioneer Square the best neighborhood in Seattle.
We continue to work alongside the neighborhood business districts to urge the city for robust community engagement, critical support, and action around economic development, public safety, and a cohesive public realm.
What is GiveBIG Washington?
GiveBIG Washington is a two-day online giving event that helps raise funds for nonprofit organizations serving Washington State. During the GiveBIG statewide fundraising campaign, individuals and organizations come together across Washington to invest in their communities. This year's GiveBIG campaign kicks off April 20th and culminates in a 48-hour giving event on May 4-5th, 2021!
GiveBIG was started by the Seattle Foundation in 2011 and transferred to 501 Commons in 2018. Since it's inception, GiveBIG has raised $144 million for nonprofits.
Ready to give? The Alliance’s GiveBIG Washington page is live and accepting donations.
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Monthly Staff Feature:
Sara Pizzo, Alliance for Pioneer Square
Public Realm Manager
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Sara Pizzo, Public Realm Manager for the Alliance for Pioneer Square, tackles projects that improve the streets, parks, and public spaces in the neighborhood.
She diligently works to enhance the streetscape and coordinate construction along with anything else that is needed.
With the pandemic's most visible impacts affecting the public realm, Sara talks about community members and organizational partners that have been crucial during the past year, the projects she has enjoyed working on during this time and coordinating all of this while dividing her time between working from home and in the neighborhood.
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Pioneer Square East West Pedestrian Improvements Online Open House |
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Map of original project study area
The City of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront & Civic Projects, working with community partner Alliance for Pioneer Square, is improving east-west streets in the heart of Pioneer Square. This project will design and construct improvements on portions of Main, Washington, King and Yesler streets between 2nd Avenue and Alaskan Way.
This effort will:
- Connect the heart of historic Pioneer Square to the new 20-acre waterfront park
- Provide safe, convenient and graceful pedestrian connections
- Improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities
- Strengthen the renewal of public spaces such as Occidental Park
- Support the economic vitality and culture of the district as a whole
At this online open house, you can:
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Learn about and provide feedback on the updated 60% design for east-west streets
- Hear how public feedback informs the design
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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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The next Pioneer Square Monthly will take place on Friday, May 21st from 1:30-2:30p on Zoom. RSVP here. Find previous meeting slides and webinar recordings here.
When: Friday, May 21st 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, May 21st.)
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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.
Please note:
- Class size will be limited to a maximum of 15 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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Save the Date:
Pioneer Square Preservation Board
Lunch and Learn
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In order to protect the Pioneer Square Preservation District’s historic character, but also to allow for its graceful evolution, the Pioneer Square Preservation District Board reviews development proposals for preservation and rehabilitation of existing buildings, new structures, signs and public realm improvements. Their primary tool for guiding alterations is the Pioneer Square Preservation District Guidelines.
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Pioneer Square Preservation Board are undertaking an update of Pioneer Square Preservation District Guidelines now in order to:
- Develop design guidelines that are user-friendly;
- Provide images and graphics to support the design guidelines document;
- Develop design guidelines that fulfill the Board’s goals and objectives as described in Seattle Municipal Code 23.66;
- Develop design guidelines that adhere to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation; and
- Develop design guidelines for new construction.
As part of the process, the Pioneer Square Preservation Board, the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the team drafting the guidelines would like to incorporate input from neighborhood business and the Pioneer Square community.
The Alliance for Pioneer Square and the Pioneer Square Preservation District will host a lunch and learn session on Thursday May 27th, where you will get a chance to ask questions about the project, share ideas and talk about any concerns regarding the issues the guidelines should address. Save the date for the event and stay tuned for registration details to follow soon.
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OED Small Business Support Services |
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The City of Seattle's Office of Ecconomic Development provides the following small business support services to assist business owners with the resources they need:
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Food Manufacturing Consulting: Services and support for businesses who are looking to start or expand a packaged food business, catering operation, or operate a farmers’ market concession. Contact: Jennifer Tam, Restaurant Advocate at Jennifer.Tam@seattle.gov.
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Accounting Consulting: OED consultant, Ellen Brown (see flier below) helps small businesses put their financials together for grant applications and helps them set up business accounting systems. Businesses needing this type of help can contact AJ Cari, Business Advocate at AJ.Cari@seattle.gov. Services are free for businesses with 5 or less employees and less than 80% AMI (about $70k for household of 2). Other businesses would pay her going rate of $50/hr.
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Pioneer Square Preservation Board Seeking New Members |
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Mayor Jenny Durkan invites community members to apply for open positions on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board. The four open positions are: 1) Architect, 2) Architectural Historian/Historian, 3) Attorney, and 4) At-Large member that lives in the District. Individuals who have an interest in historic preservation and/or familiarity with Pioneer Square are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants must be Seattle residents, and Board members serve without compensation. In general, Board members must commit approximately 6 - 12 hours per month to Board business. Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Friday, May 21, 2021. Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible. Please email your letter and resume to: genna.nashem@seattle.gov (reference the Pioneer Square Preservation Board in the subject line). To submit a paper copy, send to: Genna Nashem, Pioneer Square Preservation Board Coordinator, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, P.O. Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649.
For more information, contact Genna Nashem at (206) 684-0227.
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Seeking Story Submissions
for Seattle Histories
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The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is looking to commission writers, artists, photographers, or other creatives to participate in a new storytelling project called Seattle Histories. This series focuses on the people and places that have shaped Seattle’s past and led us to the present. In partnership with the Historic Preservation Program, they are highlighting communities and stories that have not been prioritized in mainstream media or have been left out of the historical narrative. People who have connections to Seattle’s Black, Indigenous, or people of color communities are encouraged to submit ideas for creative work. Each participant will receive a $600 stipend upon delivery of the work.
- Brief pitch (max 300 words) that loosely describes what you plan to do.
- Short paragraph (max 300 words) about how you are connected to the community or place you are focused on.
- Link to or attached sample of your work.
Learn more and apply here.
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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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Pioneer Square
Areaways Program
SDOT recently completed safety inspections of the Pioneer Square areaways. This was a multi-year effort to inventory and inspect the 146 active areaways within the district.
Thank you to all the building owners and property managers who facilitated access for the inspectors.
Curb lane restrictions will remain in place while SDOT continues to monitor, evaluate, and strengthen the areaway street walls throughout Pioneer Square.
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Construction Roundup
(Note: Most construction has resumed after being paused due to COVID-19.)
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Metropole Building Construction Updates |
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JTM Construction has begun work on the Metropole Building at 423 2nd Ave. Ext. S. In April, JTM began select demolition and exploratory excavation in the alley west of the Metropole Building. This month, During the week of the 2nd-8th there will be intermittent closures of the alley directly west of the Metropole building. The alley will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic at Yesler Way and S. Washington St. entrances. Access will continue to the Interurban Building’s alley parking garage during
this work. For questions regarding these activities contact: jlawson@jtmconstruction.com.
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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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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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