Update to the Neighborhood – September 2013

Kristen Honeycutt Photo Co.-021Our ever changing neighborhood is interesting isn’t it? I would like to start by thanking you for hanging in with Pioneer Square as it prepares for the future. Incessant construction is noisy, inconvenient, and really trying. The payoff is coming; people started moving into the Nolo (the development on the North Lot) last weekend, the streetcar lines await the arriving of the first train next spring, and the work on moving the gas main is almost finished. Empty retail and restaurant spaces continue to fill up. We will get there.

Alliance staff are busy with promoting all the fabulous offerings of the neighborhood, engaging in business development, giving tours of the neighborhood to interested businesses, constantly managing construction impacts, and generally working to improve Pioneer Square for everyone.

Mark the date on your calendar, the Alliance is co-hosting an evening Mayoral forum on Wednesday, September 26th at the Sculpture Park. Please consider attending to learn more about the two candidates. More information to follow.

AND once again, as we move into the lovely month of September, keep your eye on Occidental Square…if you haven’t visited the Wednesday Farmers Market, please step away from that desk and wander on down…the offerings are fabulous.

Thanks again for your support, enjoy the weather, and see you in the neighborhood!

 

Leslie Smith

Executive Director

Alliance for Pioneer Square

Alley Corridor Project in Pioneer Square

Alley-paveOur partners at the International Sustainability Institute (ISI) are leading the effort to create new resurfacing and lighting design for alleys in Pioneer Square. The effort is known as ISI’s Alley Corridor Project and is funded by a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

The need for a new alley surface design came about from the diverse needs of the community. Residents, visitors, local businesses and their employees need a clean and safe pedestrian experience to use Pioneer Square’s alleys. The Pioneer Square Preservation Board requires that the neighborhood’s built environment adhere to historical standards. Utility workers frequently need to dig up alleyways in conjunction with construction projects in the neighborhood. ISI is tasked with creating an alley surface design that will balance all of these needs.

From ISI:

In 2013, ISI kicked off the Alley Corridor Project with funding awarded by the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods to design a cost effective, historically appropriate “shovel ready” surface design and lighting concepts. An opportunity to restore alley surfaces to new standards is occurring as alleys are retrofitted with new utility infrastructure. The outcome of this project – a design that is cost effective and approved through SDOT’s Street Improvement Permit (SIP) process and Pioneer Square Preservation Board, will clear hurdles for resurfacing any of the neighborhood alleys, positioning Pioneer Square to use alleys as active public spaces full of historic character. The design will be led by SvR Design with Olson Kundig Architects and Leni Schwendinger Light Projects Ltd.

To get involved, join the Information Gathering Open House in Nord Alley from 5 to 7 pm on September 5th, 2013. Share your ideas, meet designers SvR and Olson Kundig Architects, and help design Pioneer Square’s alleys. For more on the Alley Corridor Project timeline, see ISI’s Alley Activation page here.

ISI has made tremendous progress in activating Pioneer Square’s alleyways. Through the Alley Network Project, ISI has programmed Pioneer Square’s Nord Alley since 2008 with World Cup and Tour de France viewing parties, art and lighting installations, and more. They also headed the effort in organizing this year’s first-ever Alleypalooza event, which celebrated a transformative pedestrian experience in the heart and soul of Seattle.

Community & Business Development Update – August 2013

Kristen Honeycutt Photo Co.-038Yep, I’m still leaning on you again to get out for a summer neighborhood walk.  What better time to take another look at new developments in Pioneer Square?

  • Add Madboy Electric Vehicles to the “must see” list.  They’re on 1st Avenue South, just a little south of Railroad Ave.  Not only will you discover the coolest electric bikes, there’s a good chance you’ll be convinced to take a test ride.  Even if you’re not in the market for an electric bike, you’re going to love meeting Daniel and Maggie.  And the things you will learn…
  • The official opening of AXIS Pioneer Square will be August 1 during the First Thursday art walk.  A nod to the Globe Building’s rich history is evident throughout the space.  The connection between the sidewalk on 1st Ave South and Nord Alley in the back offers yet more opportunities to activate these unique public spaces.
  • The lease is signed.  Finally.  Manu Alfau will open La Bodega in the Prefontaine Building this fall.  Stay tuned.  This is welcome news.
  • The new Mediterranean Mix is open on Occidental Avenue between Yesler and S Washington, a welcome addition to the block.
  • Another First Thursday opportunity.  The Nolo at Stadium Place will be giving hardhat tours August 1, 4:00-7:00 PM.
  • Have you heard that the Seattle Design Festival is coming to Pioneer Square?  The dates are September 13-22.   “The hub of the Festival will be at the ‘Design Block’ at Occidental Avenue South in Pioneer Square featuring large scale installations, design competitions, activities, and demonstrations investigating design’s impact on active lifestyles and healthy communities….” (From the Design Festival website.)  Wow.  Aren’t you curious?
  • Don’t forget to watch for the new Trail to Treasure kiosks around the neighborhood…since you’ll be out and about.
  • Only in Pioneer Square:  Even if you’re not a soccer fan, you should check out the “March to the Match” that starts in Occidental Park one hour before every home Sounders game. These folks know how to have fun!  (Click here for the Sounders FC schedule.)

I’ll be getting out of the office more in the upcoming weeks to look for retail and restaurant businesses that we might like in Pioneer Square.  Who would you like to see in the neighborhood?  Email me at karen@pioneersquare.org.

Final negotiations are underway on a few exciting retail/restaurant leases, but they’re not quite ready for prime time.  We hope we’ll be ready to share more next month.  If you’d like to get this kind of news when it breaks, follow us on Twitter @PioneerSquare.