Neighborhood Update – October 2013

Two wonderful pieces of news for the neighborhood.

1. The Pioneer Square BIA expansion was passed unanimously by City Council on Monday September 23rd. This ensures that Pioneer Square will have resources for on-going economic development for years to come. What does this mean to me you ask? If you want additional information please visit our BIA Expansion page on our web-site or e-mail BIA@pioneersquare.org and one of our team will answer your questions. On behalf of the BIA Ratepayer Board, I would like to thank all of the neighborhood business owners and staff who stepped up to ensure that this happened. It was truly a team effort. Well done everyone!

2. Yesterday afternoon the City Council passed a piece of legislation that allows the development at 200 Occidental to move forward (PDF of Council Bill). The Community Benefits of this development include several components….activating the east edge of Occidental Park (something the neighborhood has long wanted/needed), brings much needed market rate residential apartments to Pioneer Square, and lastly, the developer will be purchasing and installing a Portland Loo….something else Pioneer Square has long needed. This too was an effort that required many partners. Our thanks to everyone who worked on the various aspects of this project.

Thanks to everyone for their on-going support and belief in a better Pioneer Square. See you in the neighborhood!

Leslie Smith

Executive Director

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE

Community & Business Development Update – October 2013

Yes, it’s still happening in the Square.

The transformation taking place as Altstadt prepares to open its doors to serve beer and brats is stunning. They assure us it will be this month. We’re watching and counting the days.

Across the street, E. Smith Mercantile is offering a selection of snack and small bites with their classic cocktail menu in their new back bar. In a couple of weeks, they’ll offer an extended offering of entrees and specialty cocktails featuring house-made infusions and bitters. Bar hours are Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to “close.” (“Close” meaning until the people are gone. They’ve been shutting down around 10-10:30 lately.)

Coming soon: A family-friendly restaurant in Smith Tower! Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Irish Pub (O’Donnells for short) will be about much more than corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. Shawn O’Donnell’s excitement about being part of the new Pioneer Square story is contagious. We’ll keep you posted on details.

The party will be at Ebbets Field Flannels on Friday, October 25. They’ll be hosting a Grand Opening celebration in their new space at 119 S. Jackson, along with a pop-up shop for PF Flyers. A DJ will be spinning 45s from the sixties. How fun does that sound!?

Work continues at London Plane’s second space on Occidental Mall. Be sure to stop by to shop, eat, or enjoy a glass of wine at their open space at the other end of the block.

As always, more is bubbling behind the scenes that we hope to share soon.

Stay in touch!

KAREN TRUE

Business & Community Development

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE

Alaskan Way Viaduct Project Update – October 2013

Semiannual Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection, utility work to close SR 99 through Seattle this weekend

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for a semiannual safety inspection from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, crews working on the City of Seattle’s Mercer Corridor Project will close a section of SR 99 north of downtown, including the Battery Street Tunnel, to install a sewer line from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

The closures were scheduled on the same weekend to avoid creating backups on multiple weekends. Travelers should expect increased congestion in and near downtown Seattle and allow extra time to reach their destination.

Closure details

Friday, Oct. 4, to Monday, Oct. 7 (Mercer Corridor Project):

All lanes in both directions of SR 99/Aurora Avenue North will be closed between the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Saturday, Oct. 5 (viaduct inspection):

All lanes in both directions of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed between South Spokane Street and the Battery Street Tunnel from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6 (viaduct inspection):

All lanes in both directions of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed between South Spokane Street and the Battery Street Tunnel from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WSDOT recommends leaving early, carpooling or taking transit. Drivers can stay up to date with all closures and roadway conditions by checking the Seattle traffic page, the What’s Happening Now page, or WSDOT mobile app.

Milepost 31 Speaker Series — Archaeology and the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

Past meets future as Bertha, the SR 99 tunneling machine, begins digging through Seattle’s first neighborhood, Pioneer Square. Join us for this month’s speaker series to hear how the Washington State Department of Transportation is protecting 20th century history as we build this 21st century project. See what archaeologists have uncovered in the south and north portal areas, and learn about their monitoring plans as the project continues.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013

6 – 6:30 p.m.

Milepost 31, 211 First Ave. S., Seattle

After the talk, be sure to leave enough time to explore the rest of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square. Milepost 31 is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and stays open until 8 p.m. on First Thursdays. Free parking is available for First Thursday Art Walk patrons in Pioneer Square. Please visit www.FirstThursdaySeattle.com for information about participating garages.

Alliance for Pioneer Square

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