November 2018

Pioneer Square News + Updates

Business News & Updates

It’s hard to imagine a year when the tree lights on Occidental and 1st Avenue South were more welcome. After the havoc of months of construction, and whatever January holds with the viaduct closure, everyone is eager to make the most of this period of respite for the holidays.

Now is the time to grab your jacket and take a walk. Visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants you know AND try something new. Keep checking on those papered windows. New businesses are scurrying to open their doors in the coming weeks. A special mention that we’re shouting from the rooftops: Salumi is moving to a new space at 404 Occidental Ave S, the former Rain Shadow Meats space!!! Their grand opening on December 13 will be a big deal.

Here are a few other new businesses joining your favorites in Pioneer Square:

NEW AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS:
MadeHere SEA – 115 S Jackson. Beautifully crafted products by PNW designers, artists, and makers.
Sew Generously Bespoke – 108 Cherry St. The new tailor next to H.Bailey CURATED RESALE.
Bad Bishop Bar – 704 1st Ave. Playful bar food, cocktails, beer and wine in the Good Arts Building. Open for lunch, too!
The 101 – 101 S Jackson. Pioneer Square’s newest event venue.
i5 Pho – 213 1st Ave S. Vietnamese noodle soup house.
Nordo Cellar – 1st Ave S & S Main St. Café Nordo’s expansion into the cellar brings jazz nights, wine nights, and more to the iconic Globe Building.

COMING SOON:
(Already told you about Salumi!)
Bisato – 80 Yesler Way. James Beard award-winning chef, Scott Carsberg, is bringing life back to the Travelers Building. (Some of you might remember the space as the old Mitchelli’s Trattoria.)
Meg’s – 2nd Ave S & S Jackson. Old school hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes by Megan Coombes and Lex Petras, owners of Altstadt Bierhalle & Brathaus.
D+E – 314 2nd Ave S.  Former Bar Sajor manager, Jonathan Fleming, returns to Pioneer Square with a new concept for comfort “Drinks and Eats”. (D+E. Get it?)
Lady Yum – 116 S Washington. “Macaroons and Mischief”
The People’s Burger – 102 Occidental Ave S. Long-time Seattle food truck opens brick & mortar!
Donare Mediterranean – 104 Occidental Ave S. An additional concept by The People’s Burger owner.
WeWork – 255 S King St. Coworking space in Hawk Tower.
The Office of Arts & Culture will be bringing new energy to the third floor of King Street Station in January. In addition to their new offices, the Arts@King Street Station cultural space will open in the spring. Stay tuned.

It’s great to see so much of the “New and Coming Soon” news made up of Pioneer Square businesses believing in and reinvesting in the neighborhood, despite the challenges we all know so well.

TIME TO MAKE PARTY PLANS!!
Pioneer Square is filled with a bounty of unique event venues for your holiday (or other) celebrations. Why go anywhere else? In addition to gorgeous full-service event venues, your choices include restaurants, theater space, underground, and more. Check out our website for more information. (And please let us know if your business isn’t listed, but should be.)

“PERIOD OF MAXIMUM CONSTRAINT”
Have you thought about your commute after the viaduct closes permanently on January 11? This is not a drill. We all need to be aware and prepared.

Speaking of the commute….
There is an exciting new opportunity for small business owners to offer ORCA transit passes with matching funds provided by WSDOT. The state will match an employer’s investment in ORCA passes, up to $10,000 per business. These funds are limited and being allocated on a first come basis, so email Nick Abel at nicka@commuteseattle.com or 206-613-3233 for more information today!

November First Thursday + FREE Parking

November 1st, 5-10pm

Every First Thursday of the month, Pioneer Square welcomes you to join us in the venerated tradition of Art Walk with exceptional artists, innovative works, and creative kinship. During Art Walk, parking is free from 5 to 10pm! Make sure to grab your voucher from a participating gallery or studio to park for free at one of three neighborhood garages.


Parking Info

Free Waterfront Shuttle Extended!

The Downtown Seattle Association, in partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square, is now offering a free shuttle, connecting some of the most popular downtown attractions along Seattle’s historic waterfront. Riders can hop on and off at 9 different stops, including two stops in Pioneer Square, 7 days a week – for no charge.

Shuttle service runs approximately every 20 minutes, 10am – 8pm through summer 2019.

Please contact info@pioneersquare.org for shuttle postcards for your customers.

Learn More

Pioneer Square Holidays 2018

The holidays aren’t too far off! Come to Pioneer Square for your holiday shopping and fun.

  • Small Business Saturday – Nov 24th
  • Carriage rides every Saturday in December
  • Shop the Square – Sat, Dec 8th
  • Sixth Annual Howlidays – Sun, Dec 9th 12-3pm
  • 3rd Annual Holiday Hooky Hour – Fri, Dec 14th
  • Neighborhood Holiday Market – Fri, Dec 14th 1-5pm

More information coming soon!

Historic South Downtown Annual Mixer

Do you live, work and play in Chinatown-International District or Pioneer Square? You are cordially invited to our Annual Mixer to learn about HSD and vote for HSD Board Members, who represent residents, businesses, arts and cultural organizations and nonprofits in your community.

November 13th
5:30 – 8:00 PM

The Offices of
Blanton Turner
159 S Jackson Ste 320

Free drinks & appetizers!

RSVP

Neighborhood Construction Updates

Center City Connector Streetcar

On March 30, Mayor Durkan directed the City of Seattle to halt the ongoing projects related to the Center City Connector streetcar, except for work on seismically vulnerable water mains in Pioneer Square.

The initial summary of findings was released on August 31 with further information on capital and operating costs.

Learn more here

Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

Have you seen the new Alaskan Way? In October WSDOT completed the work required to switch the travel lanes of Alaskan Way west, out from beneath the viaduct. The street is now two lanes in each direction from S. Jackson Street to Union Street, with new traffic signals and striping. Moving the road will allow it to remain open during viaduct removal. The AWV Program website has a map of the new alignment.

The space under the viaduct that previously held Alaskan Way’s two lanes is now striped for parking. WSDOT created nearly 250 spaces beneath the viaduct, accessible via a northbound access lane. These 4-hour parking spaces will be in place until the contractor Kiewit begins preparing for removing the viaduct, set to begin in early 2019.

For questions about the Alaskan Way traffic switch or the upcoming viaduct removal project, please email the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program at viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov.

Construction Roundup

Have you seen an issue in the neighborhood, but didn’t know how to report it to get it taken care of? “Find It, Fix It” is a smartphone app offering mobile users one more way to report selected issues to the City of Seattle. Reporting an issue is as easy as snapping a photo with your smartphone, adding detailed information, and hitting submit. Help us keep our neighborhood clean and well maintained. Be on the lookout to report graffiti, potholes, street lights out, abandoned cars and other issues through the Find it, Fix it app, online, or by calling 206-684-7587. If graffiti shows up on your property, make a police report by calling 206-625-5011.