It's beggining to look a lot like....
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This Month in Pioneer Square |
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- Shop Small in the Square this holiday season
- Visit Railspur's newest dining and retail experiences Heard Coffee, Hoot Beerdega and Cassette Club Bike Shop
- See the popular Pioneer Square winter lights
- Browse our calendar of events for entertainment and events in November.
- Enjoy during First Thursday Artwalk in Pioneer Square
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Shop Small Saturday celebrates what makes Pioneer Square so vibrant- our businesses. Mark your calendar and join us in Pioneer Square in the "shop small" movement to celebrate local small businesses!
To kick off the holiday season, Pioneer Square will host a welcome and information booth in Occidental Park on Saturday, November 26th from 11am to 2pm to provide information on Shop Small Saturday, as well as guide folks to the neighborhood’s small businesses.
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Railspur's Heard Coffee, Hoot Beerdega and Cassette Club Bike Shop Now Open |
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Hoot is an upscale Beerdega with a focus on beer and gourmet snacks. Visit for the perfect dinner on the go or night at home with friends. The Cassette Club is Seattle’s first commuter bike club that lets you enjoy your morning commute, shower for work and safely stow your bike for the day. Plus each monthly membership comes with an expert tune-up. Rounding out the trio is Heard Coffee, a home for like minded people to grab a coffee, discuss gear and embrace cycling culture.
Help us welcome Hoot, Heard and the Cassette Club to the neighborhood!
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New Dessert Shop
Opens in Pioneer Square
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Pioneer Square's latest dessert spot, Lune Cafe just opened at 107 1st Ave S. Stop in for their mini waffle and crepe desserts, try a refreshing Lune Glow beverage or simply grab a cup of coffee any day of the week.
Visit here for hours of operation and learn more about our new neighbor. Welcome to Pioneer Square Lune Cafe!
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Brighter Days Ahead Thanks to the Alliance |
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Autumn in Pioneer Square just became brighter thanks to our winter lighting program. Our lighting program is adorning more than 100 trees throughout the neighborhood, along with Occidental Square and Pioneer Park. The holiday lighting program started in over a decade ago, with funding from Pioneer Square Business Improvement area and Downtown Seattle Association.
Today, the program is fully managed by the Alliance for Pioneer Square to create a festive environment and help illuminate the sidewalks along First Ave S. and Occidental Ave. S. during the fall and winter months. You may have noticed that crews from Hollywood Lighting have already begun installing this year's lights.
The lighting program typically runs from Halloween until shortly after Valentine's Day, but this year the Alliance added a few extra weeks to bring a little more light to all of our lives. If you notice any winter light outages as you are out and about, contact us at info@pioneersquare.org. Share your winter light experiences in Pioneer Square on social media using #holidaysinthesquare.
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Holiday season is upon us. Usher in the festive season with the following events in Pioneer Square this month:
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Looking for more to do? Browse our calendar of events for more entertainment and events in the neighborhood in November.
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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 5pm to 10pm!
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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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For Neighborhood Businesses
The Alliance is sharing information regarding foot traffic coming and going from the south end of the district this upcoming holiday season. To better inform business operations on game and event days, follow this link to the Lumen Field and Event Center, WAMU Theater and T-Mobile Park event calendar for November, December and January.
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Monthly Staff Feature:
Thembela Mavuso, Alliance Marketing Manager
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Thembela serves as the Alliance’s Marketing Manager, applying creative marketing strategies to achieve its communication goals.
This month we catch up with her to talk about what she's been up to and discuss what folks can look forward to this holiday season in the near future.
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Storm Drain Mural Installed at
520 Occidental Ave S in Pioneer Square
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Last month, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) installed the first ever decorative storm drain marking in the city at 520 Occidental Ave S in Pioneer Square. This pilot program has been four years in the making between SDOT and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).
The goal of the pilot is to creatively raise awareness to the harmful waste being dumped in the storm drains and educate the public on where that waste drains to as well as the eco system and marine life it effects. The mural was designed by Native artist Tommy Segundo. This will be the first ever collaboration between the Alliance for Pioneer Square, Native artist and designer Tommy Segundo, SPU and SDOT.
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Installation of the mural marks the final stage of the Pioneer Square Green Space Improvement Project following a volunteer planting event earlier this year that transformed four tree pits into miniature rain gardens. Join the Alliance for Pioneer Square on Thursday, November 3rd from 4 to 6p to celebrate!
What: Green Space Improvement Project Storm Drain Mural Celebration
When: Thursday, November 3rd 2022
Time: 4 - 6p
Location: 520 Occidental Ave S
Reception to follow at TASWIRA
Please note, for those who will be driving to Pioneer Square, free parking will be available from 5 to 10p during First Thursday on November 3rd at participating garages. Free parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit the Pioneer Square website for more information.
The Pioneer Square Green Space Improvement Project is a community-led effort that was facilitated by the Alliance through last year's pride and resilience work which comprised of a group of neighborhood business owners and community members. Funding for this project was made possible by Historic South Downtown.
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Save The Date:
Pioneer Square BIA Annual Meeting 2022
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Election Day is November 8th |
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Please join us for the Pioneer Square BIA Annual Meeting to celebrate the successes of this past year. All Ratepayers in good standing are invited to meet the BIA Stakeholder Board, the Alliance board members and Alliance staff as well as learn about the new initiatives for 2023. You will also have a chance to meet and connect with both your first floor and upper level neighbors!
Date: Wednesday, November 16th
Time: 4:00p – 5:30 p
Place: THE 101
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King County election day takes place on November 8th this year. Did you know you can drop your ballot off in Pioneer Square?
Our 24/7 ballot drop box is located at the corner of 2nd Ave. S. and S. King St. Be sure to return your ballor by 8p on November 8th! For a map of all drop boxes, click here.
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City Hall Park Stays In City Hands |
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In November 2021, King County Executive Dow Constantine’s office announced an agreement with Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan to transfer ownership of City Hall Park from the City of Seattle to the county in exchange for 14 properties throughout the city. In December 2021, the King County Council voted to approve the agreement without an amendment guaranteeing the park will remain a park site.
Since late 2021, the Alliance, in coordination with a dedicated coalition of park and public space advocates, including: the Seattle Parks Foundation, Chief Seattle Club, Friends of Olmsted Parks, Real Change and the Pioneer Square Residents Council have been actively engaged with City Council and King County Council to keep City Hall Park in the city's hands. Our coalition expressed concerns regarding the city/county's lack of public engagement regarding the proposed land transfer, in addition to the county's lack of clarity on how they intended to use the park through potential development.
What’s Happening Now
On Friday, October 14th, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Executive Dow Constantine announced a new agreement regarding the future of City Hall Park that will result in the City retaining ownership and developing a plan to safely activate the park and fountain area in Prefontaine Park.
The new agreement will include the City of Seattle increasing activation, security and a visible presence in the park following an expected vote by the City Council to pass the mayor’s proposed budget, which includes $2.8 million dedicated to the park.
Looking Forward
City Hall Park is an irreplaceable community and historic asset which serves a diverse group of visitors. The park should be safe, accessible and inviting to residents, workers and visitors in the community. This success depends on both a change in context, though intensification and diversification of surrounding land uses and changes of park uses, through a redesign of the park and surrounding SDOT-owned rights of way. The Alliance and surrounding community look forward to working with the City of Seattle, King County and other partners to help create a more welcoming, vibrant urban environment, serving both residents and visitors of south downtown.
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Participate in Sound Transit's WSBLE project workshops
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Thank you to all those that were able to join the Alliance at Sound Transit's Chinatown International District (CID) kick-off open house on October 13th and for sharing your thoughts on their engagement approach and what to study further as part of the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions project. Your feedback is shaping the content and approach for an upcoming workshop series and Sound Transit looks forward to sharing a summary of that feedback in advance of it's next meeting. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd from 4:30 to 6:30p at Union Station (401 S. Jackson St.).
Building on the feedback Sound Transit received at the open house and through the online survey, they invite you to join a workshop focused on options for further study. They’ll bring forward concepts shared with them by community and agency partners and begin to explore opportunities and challenges together.
The Alliance seeks a group of passionate and dedicated neighborhood stakeholders to participate with us in Sound Transit and City of Seattle-hosted meetings/workshops to make a better light rail project for the neighborhood and for the region. We need you to represent Pioneer Square neighborhood interests from your point of view to Sound Transit and City of Seattle.
By participating in the workshops with us, you can help Sound Transit prioritize which impacts are most harmful and need to be minimized and help the agency understand the trade-offs related to the project design and operation. If you are interested in participating in this process, contact chris@pioneersquare.org.
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City of Seattle Launches
Storefront Repair Program
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UW Mobility Innovation Center
Commute Survey
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The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is leveraging nearly $2 million in federal funding to support the economic recovery of small businesses who experienced property damage. Through the Storefront Repair Fund, small businesses can apply for $2,000 grants to help repair storefront property damages that occurred on or after January 1, 2021. Storefront Repair Fund grants will help cover costs to repair current property damage or reimburse business owners for costs paid out of pocket for past damages. Eligible property damages include broken windows, broken doors, broken locks and etching on windows. This grant will not cover loss of stolen goods or damages such as graffiti.
OED will accept applications from small businesses on a continued basis until all funding has been spent. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility, required documentation, selection process and additional information on the program's website before applying. Interested businesses can learn more about the Storefront Repair Program and apply here.
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Commuting information gathered by this survey is important to state and local governments in deciding how to invest tax dollars in transportation. Complete the survey online by Friday, November 18th. Survey respondents will be eligible for a drawing to receive $100 gift cards to locally owned Seattle businesses.
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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.
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With several larger employers bringing back their workforce to Pioneer Square after nearly two years of remote work, we want to give your staff a warm welcome!
The Alliance has created a one page document for the returning upper floor office staff to make the transition back to the office as seamless as possible.
The resources listed provide returning workers with information on how to engage with the neighborhood and shop local.
If your staff need additional resources to support their return to work, please contact us at info@pioneersquare.org.
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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. 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.
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Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program’s
New Connection on Railroad Way Underway
Currently, travel lanes are shifted on Alaskan Way between South Dearborn Street and South King Street for drainage and pavement work. The left turn from northbound Alaskan Way to Pier 46 is temporarily restricted.
Additionally, installation of new bus shelters and shelter components at Alaskan Way began on Friday, September 23rd.
Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation expect to complete construction in 2023. Visit the project website for details or contact the project at viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov.
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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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Metropole Building Construction Updates
In 2019, Satterberg Foundation, a Seattle-based family foundation, purchased the historic Metropole Building, located at 423 2nd Ave Extension S. The primary motivation of this purchase was to provide centrally located, long-term office space for non-profit organizations committed to serving communities of color in response to social and environmental needs and challenges.
Crews began demolition on the project in late April with an anticipated opening date in January 2024. WG Clark is serving as the General Contractor and BuildingWork is the architect. The re-design and renovation of the building has been curated with the careful consideration of the current and future needs of the community and will adhere to the highest sustainability standards including LEED Platinum Certification and compliance with the Seattle 2030 District Goals. The Metropole Building will feature a childcare center, traditional lease office spaces, an event center with meeting breakout rooms and a large boardroom, ground floor art exhibit space and a rooftop meeting deck. Tenants will have access to amenities such as communal break rooms, complimentary meeting space, storage space and a nursing room.
During the construction phase, the Metropole is seeking tenants to rent space in the office suites and a tenant for the ground floor art gallery/office space. Tenant applications are currently being accepted. For more information about the Metropole, please visit here or reach out to Kendra Walker, Community Steward/Building Manager, at metropolebuilding@satterberg.org.
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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 info@pioneersquare.org. 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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