Marigold and Mint Botanicals at 401 1st Ave S
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This Month in
Pioneer Square
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- Discover new businesses to visit in Pioneer Square
- Checkout events in the neighborhood this month
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Browse our calendar for more entertainment and events in May
- Save the Date; the annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean is back!
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New Businesses to Visit
in Pioneer Square in May
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Ephesus Meze & Wine Bar is now open in Occidental Square at 210 Occidental Ave S.
Open daily from 8am, Ephesus is an artisan Greek restaurant that offers both traditional and inspired cuisine.
Stop by for meze, kebabs, oven-baked dishes, and more. Several vegetarian as well as vegan options are also available. Visit here to learn more.
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Marigold and Mint Botanicals just opened at 401 1st Ave S (1st and Jackson), in the vestibule between Flora and Henri and General Porpoise Doughnuts.
The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 1-4pm and offers deliveries, walk in bouquets, wedding flowers, buckets to arrange at home, subscriptions, and lots of beautiful local blooms. Visit here for more information.
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Nefertiti Holistic’s is a gemstone and Art gallery specializes in functional gemstone decor, wearable gemstone jewelry, and artifacts imported from Ghana; such as acrylic paintings, Djembe’s, traditional masks, waist beads, and much more.
They also have a small event space/lounge used for community events and pop-up markets. Learn more here.
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Plan a trip to Pioneer Square this month and enjoy a number of events, and programming happening throughout the neighborhood. |
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Hot Jazz at the Gallery and 10th Anniversary Celebration
at Frederick Holmes and Company
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Experience live music with Hot Jazz At The Gallery at Frederick Holmes and Company located 309 Occidental Avenue S.
Frederick Holmes and Company - Gallery of Modern & Contemporary Art is proud to offer extraordinary evenings in their ongoing monthly series - Hot Jazz at the Gallery, featuring top musicians and vocalists in the pacific northwest and nationally.
Indulge in an evening of fantastic jazz by world-class musicians, phenomenal contemporary & 20th century modern artwork, and premium award-winning wines! This month, the series presents the Mark Lewis Quartet featuring internationally touring master of the saxophone, flute, and piano, Mark Lewis with Seattle jazz veterans, Randy Halberstadt (keyboard); Phil Sparks (bass); and Bob Merrihew (drums). Visit here to purchase tickets.
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 with a private, RSVP only reception honoring Ms. Rothman, followed by a presentation of her particular practice and the exhibited series. The show will run through July 1, 2023. For further information, email Frederick Holmes or call (206) 682-0166.
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Flatstick Pub Sunday Fundraise |
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Flatstick Pub strongly believes in helping others and building a stronger community inside and out.
Join us every Sunday this month at the Pioneer Square location for Flatstick's Sunday Fundraise where a portion of all games sold will be donated to the Alliance for Pioneer Square in support of our programs. Alliance staff members will also be available to share more details about our work in the neighborhood.
Have fun and help make a difference each Sunday by simply playing mini-golf! Learn more about Flatstick Pub's Sunday Fundraise program here.
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Forest for the Trees
Returns to Railspur
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The art non profit Forest For The Trees has partnered with Urban Villages and creative production house ARTXIV to bring a new series of public art activations and events to RailSpur in Pioneer Square Seattle.
Forest For The Trees is returning to Pioneer Square! Starting May 4 for First Thursday Art Walk & through August attendees will be able to experience art exhibitions, murals, live music, & food, and beverage services in the buildings and alleyways between Jackson & King , 1st & Occidental.
For a full event calendar for Forest For The Trees at RailSpur please visit here.
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Joy Is My Justice Launch Party
at Gray Sky Gallery
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What’s the health link between Joy and justice? Find out on Saturday, May 6 at 4pm with Tanmeet Sethi, M.D., author of the upcoming book Joy Is My Justice: Reclaim What Is Yours, as she discusses the critical role of Joy in our shared fight for justice in the world with special guest Congressmember Pramila Jayapal.
The event will be held at Gray Sky Gallery, located at 320 1st Ave S. in Pioneer Square. Beverages and light snacks will be available. Be sure to stop by Arundel Books beforehand to grab your copy of Joy is My Justice for Tanmeet to sign at the party. RSVP here to attend.
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Fundraiser in Support of the ACLU's Drag Defense Fund
There are currently more than 375 bills targeting LGTBQIA+ rights in the United States and the last two years have been the deadliest for Trans people, especially Black Trans Women, on record. On May 7 from 3:30pm-6:15p Kip Brookbank and Undead Labs will host Drag Isn’t Dangerous watch party, a fundraiser featuring world class talent from the drag community & celebrity ally’s. All ticket sales will be donated to the ACLU’s Support The Drag Queen Defense Fund, and used to fight against anti-Trans and anti-Drag Bills being enacted across the US.
Tickets can be purchased here and the evening will include wine, charcuterie, a silent auction that guests can bid on throughout the event. If you would like to donate to the fundraiser (services, gift baskets, gift cards, crafted goods, wine, etc.) please reach out to Kip Brookbank for more details.
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Looking for more to do? Browse our calendar for more entertainment and events in the neighborhood in May.
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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.
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Pioneer Square's
First Thursday Art Walk
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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!
Be sure to visit our neighborhood eateries and bars for a bite to eat or to grab a drink.
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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.
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Local Business Owner Spotlight:
Daniel Pena, Rojo's Mexican Food
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Rojos Mexican Food is now open in Pioneer Square at 217 James St. Feast on in-house-made burritos, tacos, tortas, aguas frescas, and more served daily from their robust plant-based menu. Stop by for authentic Mexican flavors in the heart of Seattle! Rojos is open Monday to Thursday 11a-4p and Friday and Saturday 11a-7p.
Welcome to Pioneer Square! Tell us what you loved about the neighborhood/ what made you choose to locate your shop in Pioneer Square?
Pioneer Square is a very central location and to be honest I didn't know too much about the area but the more time I spend here the more things I find to love about it! The art community is very strong here and the neighbors are so friendly and welcoming.
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Can you take us through the journey of how Rojo’s came to be?
The idea for Rojo's began with my love for cooking and a passion I have for business. During the pandemic I began taking preorders for a menu I had developed and delivering orders to people's homes.
After connecting with some wonderful people from Pike Place Market I started vending at their farmers markets and eventually at Pike Place Market. After over a year, I felt ready to open up a restaurant and I took the leap!
I found my current space in Pioneer Square that had already been a restaurant a couple years prior and I thought I could make it work. I consider my restaurant one big art project because I've put my time and work into every inch of that place and continue to do so. We are open now and I hope to continue to expand my reach and connect with more people!
How would you describe your business and what do you think makes it unique?
My business is a Mexican food restaurant that serves classic Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, tortas, and aguas frescas, as well as more specialty items. Our menu is completely plant based but I don't necessarily want that to define who we are, the food we make can be enjoyed by anybody who likes good food. This is just the way we decide to make it.
We also make almost everything from scratch in house! Our salsas, marinades, spice blends, aguas frescas, and a lot more. Other things we don't make like the bolillos for our tortas or corn tortillas, we try to source locally. As we are starting to settle in we will also regularly have special and seasonal items like our strawberry horchata or pozole.
What are some of the hopes you have for Rojo’s in its 1st year of operation in the neighborhood?
My hopes for my business in the next year is to make a lot of new connections and especially with the people in the neighborhood! Everybody has been so friendly and welcoming so I would love to meet more people from the area. The art scene in Pioneer Square also seems amazing so I'd love to meet more people doing cool things around here.
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Please to introduce us to the rest of your team.
Currently the rest of the team includes:
- Pedro, a great musician and one of my good friends, has been with me since the beginning of my pop-ups. I met him through music shows shortly after he moved to Seattle from Chile. Definitely one of the friendliest people I've ever known!
- My sisters Nathalie and Stephanie who help out occasionally when they have the time. Nathalie is currently studying at The University of Washington and Stephanie is a Registered Nurse.
- My mom Angelica who also helps out a lot at the restaurant with prep and front of house duties. She is always there when I need her and I'm grateful for that.
- And my cousin Jenny who recently moved here from California who I rely on to run stations. It's been awesome having her around.
Finally, do you have anything else to highlight? Anything you would like to add?
There are so many things we are trying to add to the business! To start, we will be offering online ordering very soon! More menu items to come soon after that including weekend specials and seasonal items. Expect birria, chimichangas, nachos, chicharrones, and more in the near future! We hope to start catering as well in the near future. Stay tuned for the updates on our Instagram page.
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Save The Date:
Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean
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The Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean is back! Join us and a host of neighborhood volunteers on the morning of Saturday, May 20th to help give the neighborhood a little extra TLC. Team up with your fellow coworkers and neighbors for this community effort. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean
Date: Saturday, May 20th, 2023
Times: 9am-12p
(Registration begins at 8:00 AM)
This year's Spring Clean is in coordination with the City's second annual One Seattle Day of Service. Learn more about the Day of Service here. The Spring Clean is a great way to make a positive difference in the community and make Pioneer Square an even more beautiful and welcoming neighborhood.
Registration begins at 8:00 AM in Occidental Square Park. Cleanup activities are scheduled from 9:00 AM-12:00 noon. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided at the start of the day's activities. A boxed lunch will also be provided to volunteers in the afternoon (vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options available).
A huge thank you to First & Goal Inc. (Lumen Field), OL Reign, and Sounders FC for their generous contribution towards supporting this year’s event and helping ensure another successful Spring Clean.
All volunteers will receive free Pioneer Square swag for participating. Stay tuned for more information on the day's cleanup activities in upcoming communications.
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The Alliance for Pioneer Square recognizes GiveBIG Washington by celebrating the innovation, resiliency, and vitality embodied by you, our Pioneer Square community members. The Alliance is on the forefront of vital conversations to uplift our district, serving as a full-time advocate, resource, and champion for Pioneer Square. We are committed to supporting our neighborhood by:
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Collaborating to create community, foster connections, and balance the needs of the neighborhood;
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Advocating to address neighborhood issues, steward thoughtful infrastructure management, and preserve the character of Pioneer Square; and
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Communicating key information to neighborhood stakeholders to ensure all are aware of the latest resources and are able to navigate city and state processes.
Today, we ask for your help as we strive to ensure long term economic prosperity in our neighborhood. Your generous support is critical to our success and allows us to persist in our important work to make Pioneer Square the best neighborhood in Seattle in 2023 and beyond. For GiveBIG 2023, Martin Smith Inc and an anonymous donor commit to providing a matching contribution up to $20,000!
A gift of any size can have a BIG impact! Additionally, with the matching contribution, your gift will have an even greater impact, allowing us to do our vital work. We are always grateful for your generosity on these days of giving, and we are glad to have you as part of our Pioneer Square community.
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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. Please RSVP here to attend.
Date: Tuesday, June 20
Time: 4 – 6pm
Location: Burbs Burgers Pioneer Square
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Announcing the 2023 Pioneer Square BIA Inspiration Fund Award Recipients |
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The Pioneer Square BIA is excited to announce the recipients of 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. This year, the BIA is matching volunteer hours and/or funding up to $17,500 for community members to implement projects and programs making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Project goals included celebrating neighborhood diversity, enhancing public spaces, and neighborhood storytelling.
With the increase in financial support, this year the BIA is granting matching funds to support a total of four projects that align with these goals and are making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Our 2023 Inspiration Fund award recipients are as follows:
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A restoration project led by local artist Aubrey Birdwell will rebuild a neighborhood public art piece featuring six new artists. Originally constructed in 2014, Natural Movement is a free, kinetic sculpture and installation in Nord alley created from bicycle wheels and painted aluminum disk-canvasses. Some of the local artists currently represented in the collaborative installation are Darya Husak, Danielle Blackwell, DK Pan, Feleisha Cannalora, Baldman Watching, NKO, Sign Savant, Smurf and Baso Fibonacci, and Aubrey Birdwell. The installation was repaired and extended in 2018 but has deteriorated significantly due to increased vandalism. The project will conclude with two public opening events to activate Pioneer Square and Nord Alley this summer.
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Neighborhood Gallerist Fredrick Holmes will expand a monthly live music series held in Pioneer Square at Fredrick Holmes and Company Gallery, benefiting neighborhood businesses and local artists. Hot Jazz at the Gallery is a series of monthly live Jazz performances held at Fredrick Holmes and Company Gallery with top jazz musicians and vocalists in the Pacific Northwest. Currently once a month, the series will expand to two nights a month. The performances not only support the local arts community but also encourage the public to have a positive cultural experience in Pioneer Square.
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The Exploded View, a free group art exhibition led by neighborhood gallerist Jane Richlovsky and local artist Dawn Endean will create a compelling art experience for Pioneer Square neighbors, visitors, and art lovers attending the 2023 Seattle Art Fair. The exhibit will both educate the general public, and also make a significant contribution to the contemporary art conversation by showcasing a diverse group of Northwest artists who use innovative materials and techniques to transform traditional printmaking techniques into sculpture, immersive installation, video, or augmented reality. It will also feature 16 exhibiting artists, with Urban Visions Seattle providing the exhibit space for The Exploded View in their new waterfront development, The Jack.
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The Pioneer Square Art Fair and Summer Market by neighborhood artist Lloyd Gregory will promote arts participation and community relations through meaningful and unique experiences. This one-day event features 40 vendors, live music, food and drink, and activities for all ages. The Pioneer Square Art Fair and Summer Market will take place in Occidental Square this summer on Saturday, June 10th. It will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the arts, as well as support local businesses and artists.
The Alliance will keep the community updated regrading these projects as they progress. Congratulations to the 2023 award recipients!
Be sure to keep an eye out for the 2024 Inspiration Fund application period next year.
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Alliance for Pioneer Square Awarded Funding through Neighborhood Recovery Program
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is thrilled to be an awardee of a portion of $87,000 in grants through the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture Neighborhood Recovery Program distributed by Historic South Downtown. Our grant allotment of $21,000 will fund an increase in musical activation throughout Pioneer Square in the month of July. This program will capitalize on the increase foot traffic during the Seattle Art Fair and Major League Baseball's All-Star Series.
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Alert: Street Closure and Parking Restrictions Saturday, May 20th |
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As part of the Spring Clean activities, 1st Ave. S. will be closed to traffic and stretches of S. Main St. will have parking restrictions on Saturday, May 21st from 7AM to 4PM.
1st Ave. S. will be closed to vehicle traffic between Cherry St. and S Dearborn St. Additionally, parking will be restricted on 1st Ave. S. between Cherry St. and S. Dearborn St. and on S. Main St. between Alaskan Way S. and 2nd Ave S. East-west streets will remain open to through traffic.
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2023 Annual Pioneer Square
Crime and Safety Survey
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The Alliance for Pioneer Square is asking business owners/managers to fill out this annual crime and safety survey. The goal of the survey is to get an accurate understanding about the impacts of crime and the effects of safety concerns of Pioneer Square businesses over the past year.
The Alliance for Pioneer Square will use data collected from this survey in our advocacy efforts with City, County, and State representative as we advocate for a clean, safe, and inviting community for all people. The 2023 Annual Pioneer Square Crime and Safety survey will close on May 31st, 2023.
Note, specific survey responses are kept confidential and shared only in the aggregate unless a business owner had a specific story or incident they wished to share publicly. Take the survey here.
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Pioneer Square Social Media
Takeover Program
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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] i f you have any questions.
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34th District Democrats is hosting candidate forums for all King County Council District 8 and Seattle City Council District 1 candidates, on Saturday, June 10 from 1-4p at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (doors open at 12:30 PM).
This event is open to the general public and the community will be able to learn about the candidates prior to the August primary election. Those interested in attending may also offer input on the questions candidates get asked. You can share your ideas and questions on this form until Wednesday, May 10.
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City of Seattle City Council District Boundaries
The City of Seattle is updating the boundaries of its seven City Council Districts to give each district approximately the same number of residents and balance representation in city government. These changes do not affect current City Councilmember representation in 2023. Those running for City Council in November of this year will go on to represent the new districts when they are sworn into office in January of 2024.
Learn more about what these changes will mean for you and the community here. Click here to view our district's new boundaries.
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Port of Seattle
2023 Cruise Schedule
The Port of Seattle announced its 2023 cruise season schedule, which features 291 sailings from Seattle. The 2023 Seattle cruise season is expected to be the biggest season ever, with an estimated 1.4 million revenue passengers sailing out of the city. The season kicked off on April 15 and closes October 30.
According to the Port of Seattle, total economic impact for this year's cruise season is estimated to be nearly $900 million, with local businesses expected to benefit greatly. For more information on this year’s cruise season, please visit the Port of Seattle’s cruise website.
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Neighborhood Construction Updates |
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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)
Occidental Avenue South Paving Project
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Please note that Segment 2 has been completed ahead of schedule. The new asphalt will be allowed to settle for 20 days before crosswalks are re-installed. Crews will continue with Segment 3 construction dates as scheduled.
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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.
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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 [email protected].
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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.
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Westland Hotel Construction
This 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 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.
This project is a part of the developer’s larger project, Railspur, which includes the adjacent 419 Occidental and 115 Jackson buildings. JTM has been issued their Building Permit from SDCI and have begun work. The work to be performed in the upcoming month includes:
- Structural Demolition
- Site Preparation and Excavation
- Concrete Pumping
- 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 will be closed 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.
- 1st Ave – No closures are scheduled at this time.
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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].
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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.
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Business News and Updates |
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Alliance For Pioneer Square | 206.667.0687
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