Mark Your Calendars!
Pioneer Square Holidays
|
|
Celebrate the season locally with a holiday line up to help you indulge and be merry in Pioneer Square. Pioneer Square is your one-stop winter destination for all festive essentials and home to a fun, lively and safe holiday experience.
This year, we invite you to Pioneer Square to shop locally on Small Business Saturday, travel the neighborhood with the Passport to Pioneer Square and admire unique light art installations from LUSIO Lights. Prefer to hunt for gifts online? Our virtual Holiday Gift Guide has you covered! Be on the lookout for the following activities rolling out this November and December in the neighborhood. For more information on our 2020 holiday program, visit our website.
Holiday Gift Guide
Find the perfect gift by shopping a curated selection of goods and products
this holiday season on our neighborhood Holiday Gift Guide.
Date: November through December
We challenge you to explore the neighborhood with the Passport to Pioneer Square!
Shop your favorite store, restaurants and more to be entered for a special prize.
Location: Pioneer Square businesses
Date: November through December
Free Parking Saturdays
Park for free at the Butler Garage on select Saturdays throughout November
and December with proof of purchase from a Pioneer Square business.
Date: 11a-8p November 28th (Small Business Saturday), December 5th,
December 12th, December 19th.
Small Business Saturday
Celebrate what makes Pioneer Square so vibrant- our small businesses.
Location: Pioneer Square
Date: Saturday, November 28th
Enjoy a luminous journey through a rainbow of art installations
as we paint the neighborhood with lights!
Location: Throughout the neighborhood
Date: Begins December 1st, 2020 and runs through January 2021
|
|
Support Pioneer Square Market Place |
|
The Alliance for Pioneer Square, in collaboration with DEI Creative, launched an online marketplace as a tool for member businesses to generate revenue through online sales during the Coronavirus pandemic.
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.
|
|
Ensuring a Vibrant Tomorrow |
|
Thank you for being one of our most ardent supporters. People like you help us to strengthen, preserve and promote the amazing assets that the Pioneer Square neighborhood provides to Seattle residents and visitors alike. We wholeheartedly believe Pioneer Square is an amazing and unique place in which to live, work and visit; and we’re thrilled that you recognize that as well. 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.
|
|
Stories From the Square:
D&E Famous Fried Chicken
|
|
Stories from the Square is a series highlighting small businesses in Pioneer Square. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website for more Stories from the Square.
Since the onset of the pandemic, what is one way you have changed how you do business and what drove that decision?
We decided that since our menu had been created for dine-in guests, that we needed to try something new to accommodate take-out orders. While we have always offered a fried chicken sandwich, we decided to make a new menu focusing specifically on fried chicken & expand on that idea.
What is one thing most folks do not know about your business, but should know?
D&E stands for drinks & eats but it also stands for Audrey & Evan, our children (we call Audrey 'Dee').
What's a business in Pioneer Square that you admire and why?
We really admire Velouria. The two owners spend a lot of time & energy including other businesses in the neighborhood in their business, whether through supporting them personally or through catered events or a map of some of their favorite Pioneer Square businesses to share with their guests.
|
|
Do Something Nearby and
Support Your Local Favorites
|
|
With everything from art galleries, restaurants, retail shops and bars, you'll never run out of things to taste, share, shop and explore in Pioneer Square. Need some ideas? Check out our Passport to Pioneer Square for exciting challenges to do around the neighborhood. So get out, mask up and Do Something!
|
|
November First Thursday Art Walk Update + Introducing Make It an Art Day |
|
Pioneer Square art galleries are open to the public and/or offering by-appointment visits under Phase 2 of Washington State's Safe Start plan. Many Pioneer Square galleries are open to the public and/or offering by-appointment only visits, along with robust virtual exhibitions. 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, November First Thursday will be promoted as a virtual-only event based on the Center for Disease Control's considerations for events and gatherings. Additionally, the First Thursday Free Parking program will not be in effect on Thursday, November 5th.
Introducing 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. Make It an Art Day will be promoted as falling on each Saturday of the week until First Thursday Art Walk can resume.
While public health guidance pertaining to large gatherings prevents traditional First Thursday events from occurring, Pioneer Square galleries continue to host exhibitions and show wonderful works of art.
Beginning this month, the Alliance will transition from promoting the one-day First Thursday Art Walk to promoting the multiple-day Make It an Art Day.
The Alliance encourages Pioneer Square galleries to engage with Make It an Art Day. Additionally, we invite Pioneer Square galleries to submit an image of works currently exhibited, along with the artist name/work title/medium/sizing, to be featured on the Make It an Art Day Facebook event cover image, posts made on the Pioneer Square social media pages, and an image slider on the Pioneer Square website.
|
|
“Art Outside the Box” Public Art Project
Now Complete!
|
|
In 2018 the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council (PSRC) initiated their first public art project in the neighborhood Art Outside the Box! The intent of the project was to spread art throughout the neighborhood on the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) signal boxes.
This first set of artworks were installed in the summer of 2019 and featured artists who are enrolled members of Coast Salish tribes, people who historically inhabited this region. These boxes were funded by the Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council.
In late 2019, the PSRC board decided to extend the same theme for six more boxes. The second phase of the project is now complete and the 2020 signal box artworks can be found on Jackson Street and one box at 1st and Main. The boxes on Jackson are fully funded by the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council and the box at 1st and Main is funded by BIA and PSRC.
|
|
The Alliance for Pioneer Square will hold a virtual information session on Friday, November 20th, from 1:30-2:30p, to discuss the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Pioneer Square, relief and resources available to those impacted by the crisis, and the Alliance’s response to support our neighborhood. Joining us this month is Commissioner President Peter Steinbrueck from the Port of Seattle.
Visit our website to sign-up for the Pioneer Square Monthly session and to access recordings and presentation slides from previous webinars. Thank you for joining us!
|
|
Pioneer Square Alley Lighting
Matching Fund
|
|
Applications are still open for the the PSQ Alley Lighting Matching Fund. With $50,000 in funding from Historic South Downtown, the Alliance for Pioneer Square aims to support alley lighting improvements in Pioneer Square. Applications opened on September 28, 2020 and will be accepted through November 6, 2020 at 11:59pm.
The PSQ Alley Lighting Matching Fund will provide funds to property owners for alley lighting improvements. Building tenants who obtain written permission from their property owner are also welcome to apply for funding. The funding may be used for:
- Purchasing new light fixtures
- Purchasing replacement light fixtures
- Paying for electrician labor costs and wiring equipment
- Buying lighting control gear
- Select maintenance or cleaning service costs where existing products are appropriate for re-use
- Lift rental and installation equipment
- Related site and project specific permit fees
The Alliance hosted an informational webinar on October 1st, 2020 at 1:00 pm to provide useful information to help interested applicants submit a strong lighting proposal. Visit our website for a copy of the presentation and a recording of the event.
For more information about the PSQ Alley Lighting Matching Fund, please visit the Alliance for Pioneer Square website.
|
|
HistoryLink Launches Pioneer Square Walking Tours |
|
HistoryLink, the online encyclopedia of Washington state history, has expanded its lineup of historical resources with a new series of walking tours including a new walking tour of Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood.
Researched and written by historian David B. Williams, the goal of this walk is to highlight the early economic development of Seattle, share stories about Pioneer Square's evolution as a melting pot for diverse cultures and how they helped further its diversity. The self-guided walking tour is handsomely illustrated, easily accessible via public transportation and GIS-located for accuracy. Users can download an easy-to-use web app by visiting the HistoryLink tours website.
HistoryLink's walking tours are made possible with support from Visit Seattle, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, 4Culture, King County, Historic South Downtown, and Vulcan Real Estate.
|
|
Downspout Maintenance
in Pioneer Square
|
|
As we approach the wetter months of the year, it is important to be prepared and check downspouts for clogging, missing parts, and other issues. Downspout maintenance is essential to protecting the district's historic buildings and public realm assets. Here are a few tips for gutters and downspouts, recommended by Seattle Public Utilities:
- Inspect regularly for leaks or damage.
- Clean at least twice a year.
- Direct downspout flows at least 5 feet away from your foundation, without sending flows to adjacent properties.
- Direct downspout flows away from your foundation without discharging flows to adjacent properties.
- Never discharge water over the edge of a steep hill.
- Coordinate with the Seattle Department of Planning and Development for approved points to discharge water.
|
|
De-Escalation Training with the Metropolitan Improvement District |
|
The Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) will host a de-escalation training on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 2:00-3:30 PM.
The de-escalation training is going to be an in-depth training program that teaches you how to recognize, reduce and manage aggressive behavior. Over the course of the presentation you will learn effective and compassionate methods of handling anxious or aggressive people, as well as increase your confidence and skills that can be used during threatening situations.
|
|
Technical Assistance for Businesses |
|
The Alliance for Pioneer Square has again partnered with Merchant Method to facilitate free workshops with the goal of providing BIA businesses technical assistance.
In November, Merchant Method will host the final workshop in a series of workshops that included a range of topics, from marketing and content creation to profitable pricing and creative collaborations. This workshop will be held on the following date and time:
Creative Collaborations For Small Businesses: A Guide To Creating Valuable Relationships
November 9th 2:00-3:30pm
Previous workshops, hosted in the month of October, included the following:
-
The Infinite Content Model Workshops took place on October 5th and 19th. You can view the Part 1 workshop recording here, workshop materials here and audio recording here. Part 2 workshop recording and materials can be found here and here.
-
Profitable Pricing For Inventory-Based Businesses workshop on October 28th. View recording here.
|
|
Please join us virtually for the Pioneer Square BIA Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 17 4:30-5:30p to look back on 2020 and look ahead to 2021. All ratepayers in good standing are invited to meet the BIA Stakeholder Board, Alliance board members, Alliance staff, as well as learn about new initiatives for 2021, including our COVID-19 Recovery Plan and 2025 Strategic Plan. You will also have a chance to meet and connect with both your first floor and upper level neighbors!
Please contact us at [email protected] or 206-667-0687 if you have internet or technology barriers. Alliance staff can assist in facilitating your attendance at the BIA Annual Meeting.
|
|
City of Seattle Extends Free Street Use Permits for Businesses Through October 31, 2021 |
|
The City will also provide free tent and heating permits to help businesses maintain outdoor operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced that the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) temporary street use permits are extended through October 31, 2021. These free permits allow small businesses to expand their operations outside to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining in compliance with local and statewide public health guidance and requirements. This extension impacts free sidewalk café and curb space permits as well as free street closure permits.
In addition, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead.
|
|
Sound Transit and King County Metro Fare and Service Updates |
|
Sound Transit Impacts
On July 1st, full fares resumed on all Sound Transit services. ST Express buses transitioned to a single flat fare of $3.25 for all Adult riders, regardless of distance traveled. More information about this resumption of fares can be found here. Fare collection is dependent on the completion of safety measures being installed at the front of our buses, so some routes may continue to be fare-free until these measures are complete. At this time, Sound Transit continues to operate with a reduced service level due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on the Reduced Service page.
King County Metro Impacts
|
|
Neighborhood Construction Updates |
|
Occidental Square Park Pavilion Construction Update
Construction has started on a central performance pavilion, covered gathering area, and visitor kiosk in Occidental Square, located at 117 S Washington St. The project, led by general contractor Schuchart, is made possible through funding provided by donors to Seattle Parks Foundation in partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square.
A new wood and glass pavilion, which was designed by Olson Kundig Architects, will be built to replace the existing kiosk at the south end of the square, with a larger information and concierge center for enhanced park activation. The activation of the park is the result of five years of investment in staffing, programming, maintenance, and security. This new pavilion will serve as an outdoor classroom, a stage, a dining area and most importantly a covered space for use by the public.
|
|
Pioneer Square
Areaways Program
SDOT recently implemented a strict vehicle weight limitation, increased commercial vehicle enforcement, and modified commercial vehicle load zone locations beyond the 1st Ave corridor.
Curb lane restrictions on S Jackson St are currently in place that effectively close the street to heavy vehicles between 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave S. South Main St is open to local access for deliveries (unless otherwise restricted by posted signs) following the removal of the decommissioned trolley platform near Occidental Square.
|
|
 |
Waterfront Seattle Construction Ongoing on New Alaskan Way
Waterfront Seattle has begun building a new Alaskan Way. Waterfront Seattle's initial work zones will span from S King to Marion streets. Activities include establishing work zones, mobilizing equipment, potholing work, breaking pavement and excavation for utility installation. Work is scheduled 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.
|
|
|
|
Construction Roundup
(Note: Most construction has resumed after being paused due to COVID-19.)
Best Western Annex
|
|
|
|
450 Alaskan Garage “Welcome Back”
promotion
|
|
Beginning last month, the 450 Alaskan Parking Garage will offer a special $3 (+ tax) promotional rate to help bring customers back to our Pioneer Square retail businesses! This special rate will begin at 3pm Monday through Friday and will be valid until closing no validations required to receive discount.
Currently garage hours are Monday – Thursday 3PM – 10PM, and Friday 3PM – 11PM. In addition, complimentary valet will be available to guests beginning at 4:30 PM nightly. For more information or questions please contact Scott Reisnouer at (206) 409-4817.
Promotional pricing sponsored by Hudson Pacific Properties.
|
|
Business News and Updates |
|
COVID-19 Resources for Pioneer Square Small Business
The Alliance for Pioneer Square recognizes the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 virus on Seattle’s small business community. We have compiled a series of resources intended to assist small business owners, managers, and employees minimize the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 virus on themselves and their community. We will revise this and all associated pages with more information as it becomes available- please check back for updates.
|
|
Highlights:
(Seattle 24x7)
Restaurant & Retail News:
(2019 Inspiration Fund Award Recipients)
(Seattle Refined)
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Alliance For Pioneer Square | 206.667.0687
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
