We’re still feeling the afterglow of last week’s announcement about Weyerhaeuser and 200 Occidental. What a bright spot in our future. Right now is a great time, too….
If the weekend move went as expected, the Seattle Mystery Bookshop, a beloved and sought-out Pioneer Square destination for 24 years, should be open for business today in their new location a few yards east of their former doorway. Can’t wait to see the new digs!
We’re thrilled about Seattle Magazine’s article about our growing retail scene. Of course, this is only a fraction of all-that’s-fabulous in our neighborhood. Want to see a complete list? Pick up the newest Pioneer Square Visitors Guide. You can find them all over the neighborhood, as well as in tourist brochure displays throughout the region. Pick one up and start checking out what you’ve missed. Better yet–pick up an extra, mark what you want to see, then invite a friend to the ‘hood for lunch or happy hour to explore with you!
August was busy with new openings: Cone & Steiner, Drygoods Design, Fleurt, Pizzeria Gabbiano, and – any minute now – Quality Athletics. And E Smith Mercantile adds lunch to their menu, starting this week! Opening soon: Sprout, Clementines, and more. Stay tuned.
Amid all the fun news, there is sad news this week. Wessel & Lieberman is closing. We asked Mark for a few words and this is what he shared:
“OK, short & sweet. This is it. Seriously, we really are closing, and the end is in now in sight. Saturday September 6 will be our last open day to the public. Everything in the shop and on our website will be 70% off. We hope that you can visit – both in person and virtually – and help us dismantle this place; book by book, pamphlet by pamphlet, print by print. BYOB! We will maintain regular hours every day until the 6th. We’ll be here as early as we can, and we will stay as late as someone is still taking away books. For this last phase of the sale please use the Promotional Code: THISISIT when checking out to receive the discount on the website.”
Take a minute to stop by the shop this week to support and thank these folks for being such an important part of our neighborhood. Their entrance is in the Grand Central Building on Occidental Park.
We’re expecting lots of people in Pioneer Square this week. The NFL’s Kickoff festivities will culminate on Thursday with a free concert and the Seahawks opening game against the Green Bay Packers. (Just noticed the following on the Seahawks page: “Fans interested in near-stage seating for the concert may register online at 1iota. Access to this exclusive viewing area opportunity is first come, first served.”) On Friday, set up will begin in Occidental Mall for the 2014 Design Festival. Come on down. This is going to be a blast.
I’m keeping it short this week. The neighborhood is hopping and I want to be out there. By the way, I’m still waiting for some of those stories about our longtime Pioneer Square businesses. I really want to hear them. Remember, the coffee’s on me. Until then, I’ll watch for you in the Square!
Go Hawks!
Karen True
Director of Business Development
Alliance for Pioneer Square