October News + Updates
Seahawks Football Returns to Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is open for Game Day! Celebrate the return of Seahawks football at your favorite bar or restaurant in Pioneer Square. Feel the energy of the game steps away from the stadium.

We’ve got your favorite game day food, drinks and the best seats in the house. Find a full list of restaurants and bars open for the game on our Pioneer Square Business listings map. Visit the Seahawks website for a complete game schedule. See you on game day!
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: The Pioneer Collective
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.

The Pioneer Collective is a place to do your most important work. Their local, independent co-working community offers inspiring workspace, meeting rooms and event spaces in Seattle’s Pioneer Square and Downtown Tacoma. 

What is one thing most folks do not know about your business, but should know?
For parents, who have a deadline coming up at work or share an office with their young children due to working from home, we have private offices you can rent with their own entrances by the hour or day at our co-working space. You can greatly boost your productivity without even seeing another human being!

What’s a business in pioneer square that you admire and why?
Damn The Weather. Bryn and team always have everything running on point, and the character of the space is so refreshing in a city full of top-down design. Also Arundel Books and Peter Miller Books. A visit to either of those stores is great cure for a stressful day.
October First Thursday Art Walk
Pioneer Square art galleries are now able to resume operations 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. We encourage our Seattle art community to check with individual galleries on their virtual, in-person offerings, and hours of operation on First Thursday and other days throughout the month. As a result, the First Thursday Art Walk free parking program is suspended until further notice. 

We will continue to market Pioneer Square's galleries and virtual gallery events, as well as encourage Seattle's art community to check with individual galleries on their offerings on First Thursday and other days. Galleries can also promote their in-person and online exhibits on the October First Thursday Facebook event page.
Pioneer Square Alley Lighting
Matching Fund
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is pleased to announce the PSQ Alley Lighting Matching Fund. With $50,000 in funding from Historic South Downtown, we aim to support alley lighting improvements in Pioneer Square.

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

Applications opened on September 28, 2020 and will be accepted through November 6, 2020 at 11:59pm. 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.
Downtown Seattle Association Economic Outlook Survey
The Downtown Seattle Association is conducting a series of economic outlook/recovery surveys and asking business leaders and decision-makers to participate. We invite Pioneer Square business owners to participate in the Downtown Seattle Association’s Economic Outlook Survey. Information gathered in this survey will help inform our collective understanding of the impact of the coronavirus on different Seattle industries and perspectives on re-opening.

Please consider completing this four minute survey. Those who enter their contact information will be entered to win a $150 gift certificate to Aerlume-Seattle near Pike Place Market.
Seattle Chamber 16th annual
All-Chamber After Hours 2020
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 16th annual All-Chamber After Hours 2020 virtually on October 15, from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Hang out with local professionals and business organizations and hear about what these groups are doing in the community and learn how you can get involved. Find more information and register here.
Pioneer Square Monthly
The Alliance for Pioneer Square will hold a virtual information session on Friday, October 16th, 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.

Visit our website to sign-up for the Pioneer Square Monthly session and to access recordings and presentation slides from previous webinars. Note, we have renamed our monthly information sessions to Pioneer Square Monthly to more accurately depict the content we present on. We will still provide relevant updates relating to the impact of COVID-19 and emerging resources available to the community, along with non COVID-19 related information pertaining to Pioneer Square. Thank you for joining us!
Technical Assistance for Businesses
The Alliance for Pioneer Square has again partnered with Merchant Method to facilitate a series of free workshops with the goal of providing BIA businesses technical assistance. Throughout October and November, Merchant Method will host three workshops over four session on a range of topics, including marketing and content creation, profitable pricing, and creative collaborations. The workshops will be held on the following dates and times:

1.The Infinite Content Model Workshop Part 1: Create Profitable Content Ideas For Your Business
Monday, October 5th 2:00-4:00pm

2.The Infinite Content Model Workshop Part 2: Create Profitable Content Ideas For Your Business
October 19th 2:00-4:00 pm

3.Profitable Pricing For Inventory-Based Businesses: Learn To Think Critically About Your Prices
Wednesday, October 28th 1:30-3:00pm

4.Creative Collaborations For Small Businesses: A Guide To Creating Valuable Relationships, November 9th 2:00-3:30pm
In October, the Alliance for Pioneer Square will host three new Grow with Google webinars to teach you how to help your customers find your business on google search and maps, connect with customers and manage your business remotely, and use YouTube to increase growth. Learn more and RSVP below:

  • Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely
Tuesday, October 6th, 2:00-3:00pm

  • Use YouTube to Grow Your Business
Tuesday, October 20th, 2:00-3:00pm

  • Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Tuesday, October 27th, 2:00-3:00pm

Last month, we hosted a three-part webinar series with Google on how businesses can reach customers online with Google, use data to drive growth, and make their business websites work. A copy of the presentation slides and recordings from all three events is available here.
2020 BIA Annual Meeting
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!

Tech access language: The Alliance acknowledges that some BIA ratepayers may not have access to the technology and internet resources required to attend the BIA Annual Meeting virtually. Please contact us at info@pioneersquare.org or 206-667-0687 if you have internet or technology barriers. Alliance staff can assist in facilitating your attendance at the BIA Annual Meeting.

Seattle Storefront Mural Book
Chatwin has published a full-color art book on Seattle's storefront murals during the COVID shutdown. The book celebrates the awesome community spirit of artists and small businesses and organizations coming together to make beauty in a time of crisis.

It includes over 160 submissions from artists and prominently features many of Pioneer Square's popular and beloved murals created during the pandemic.

The book aims to give exposure to the artists and can be purchased here.
Announcing the 2020-2021 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide
Free COVID-19 Retail Kits Available to
Pioneer Square Businesses
The Alliance for Pioneer Square has released the all-new 2020-2021 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide. The 12-page Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide is now available digitally online and in print at Pioneer Square Businesses.

The 2020-2021 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide works in tandem with Pioneer Square’s website, pioneersquare.org. Both tools assist in trip planning, way-finding, and creating personalized itineraries that can make a trip to Pioneer Square extra special and memorable. The business listings in the Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide have been incorporated into the pioneersquare.org website to make exploring the neighborhood even more accessible and easier from a mobile-device. 

Contact us if you'd like print guides for your business or if you are running low on supply! Call us at 206-667-0687 or email: info@pioneersquare.org.

The 2020-2021 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide is published by the Alliance for Pioneer Square, with support from 4Culture and Historic South Downtown.
Throughout the month of September, The Alliance for Pioneer Square/Pioneer Square BIA is providing COVID-19 Retail Kits to Pioneer Square businesses in support of the Alliance's Pride and Resilience effort. This is made possible through funding from Historic South Downtown
 
The kits are as a result of ideas originated by a working group representing a cross-section of Pioneer Square businesses and organizations. The “Pioneer Square Welcome Back” kits will be available to all street-level businesses whose customer base rely on foot traffic. The kit contains:

  • A Pioneer Square-branded "We're Open" flag and poster
  • A "Support PSQ" poster
  • Pioneer Square-branded social distancing floor decals
  • Pioneer Square-branded Public Health posters
  • Pioneer Square-branded hand sanitizer
  • 2020-2021 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map and Guide
 
The kit also includes information about resources available through partner organizations and ways to connect with neighbors throughout Pioneer Square.

Interested businesses can make arrangements for delivery by emailing info@pioneersquare.org.
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

On Thursday, October 1, Metro will resume collecting fares for all transit services Metro will suspend fare enforcement through the end of 2020. Riders are required to wear masks or face coverings at all times. Visit the Metro Matters blog for the latest on what Metro is doing in response to COVID-19. Visit the Reduced Schedules page for route details and learn more about King County Metro impact here.
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. Completion of the project is expected in the Fall.

General footprint and access to the south end of the park will remain closed during construction. Restricted access from the current information kiosk to the alley adjacent to the Grand Central building is also expected throughout the duration of the project.

For more information about the project please visit the park website or contact Garrett Farrell at at 206-233-7921.
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.

For more information, please visit the Seattle Department of Transportation's website or contact the SDOT Areaways team at areaways@seattle.gov or 206-684-3760. Additionally, you can stay up to date with the latest project information by signing up for SDOT's project email list.
Port of Seattle Cruise Terminal Update

In April 2020, the Port of Seattle suspended its planning for a new cruise terminal to serve the Alaska market, citing a need to better understand the short and long-term cruise industry market impacts from COVID-19 before continuing its project investment in additional cruise facilities. As a result of this current analysis, the Port will cancel its request for industry proposals for a joint investment to build and operate a proposed new cruise terminal at the preferred location of Terminal 46.

The Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance will continue with prior projects to make Terminal 46 more sustainable and durable for long-term general maritime use, including installing stormwater treatment infrastructure and rehabilitating the dock. Vessel berthing and maritime support will continue on the terminal. The Port will prepare a recommendation for the Cruise Terminal Project when there is greater certainty about demand for Port of Seattle cruise services.

For questions, contact Peter McGraw, Maritime Media Officer by email or call (206) 787-3446.
 
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 



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.






Press Highlights
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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.
Alliance For Pioneer Square | 206.667.0687