Business & Community Development Update – October 2014

Velouria's ribbon cuttingThe doors to Velouria opened last Friday in their beautiful space at Stadium Place. Cat and Chika, Velouria owners, borrowed our big scissors and ribbon to do a proper ribbon cutting. When you stop by to introduce yourself and check out their gorgeous clothes, you’ll also notice the interior door connecting them to Cone & Steiner. Such fun.

ribbon cuttingOther recent openings include Fleurt (Sam and the gang used our scissors, too), Drygoods Design, and Quality Athletics. Rumor has it that Clementines might be open in time for tonight’s Art Walk. We’re thrilled about the direction of retail in our neighborhood. And work continues behind those papered windows at Sprout (nice looking menu), Good Bar, and Elm Coffee, as well as the Nordo Culinarium.

Ward Van Allen, one of the partners at Altstadt, is teaming up with Paul and Tom Lyman and Chef Rodolfo Riveron to bring a new Mexican restaurant to Pioneer Square. Not only will Casco Antiguo be a welcome addition to Occidental Ave between Yesler and Washington, but their plan includes activation of the space in Pioneer Passage Alley, too. What?! Stay tuned!

We’re honored to welcome two new venues to today’s First Thursday art walk. Pilchuck Glass School will feature a preview of select items from their upcoming annual auction gala in their new office and exhibition space in the Pacific Commercial Building at 2nd Ave S & S Washington. One block south, The New Foundation will be welcoming all to visit their new Foundation HQ. While they await the construction of their permanent home in the JANDS Center, the space will house their growing periodical library and presentation space.

To many, it feels like the return of an old friend. Jeff Schoenfeld, owner of the Duncan Building on 2nd Ave S, searched for over a year to find a replacement for the statue that once graced the entrance of his building. Duncan & Sons Saddlery installed the original statue in the 1920s and left it in place even after the business moved to another location sometime in the late seventies. It disappeared during rehabilitation work after the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The Duncan Building is now home to 88 Keys – and one handsome horse.

DuncanBuildingHorseBeen wondering about the plan for the spaces on Occidental Ave between Rain Shadow Meats and Taylor Shellfish? Seattle Sounders FC will convert the spaces into a fan friendly Clubhouse early next year. The Clubhouse will feature events, player appearances, live broadcasts, team interactive displays, historic artifacts, fan polling and viewing parties, all free to the public. Watch for more information on Soundersfc.com.

Don’t let the cooler days keep you inside. Get out for a walk. Visit old friends and businesses. Discover new ones, too. And perhaps this is the year you experience “Thrill the World“, the eighth annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, in Occidental Park on October 25 at 3:00 PM. (Check out a video of last year’s event here.)

Community & Business Development Update – November 2013

Shawn O'Donnell American Grill & Irish PubWe’re having fun now….

Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub just opened their doors in Smith Tower.  While they are having fun with the beer theme, Shawn and the gang have created a welcoming place for all ages.  You’ve got to stop by to meet them and see what they did to this gorgeous space.

The long-awaited opening of Altstadt is tantalizingly close.  The new “authentic bierhalle and brathaus, German cousin to Hitchcock Restaurant & Deli” will be opening their doors any day now.  And thanks to Altstadt owner, Brendan McGill, for the shout out about E. Smith Mercantile’s new bar across the street.  We’re all in this together, right?

More about E. Smith Mercantile…  The recent Seattle Times article about their new and charming Back Bar will give you an idea of their latest endeavor.  If that weren’t enough, they’re also serving coffee and pastries at the bar Monday-Saturday, 10 AM – 2ish.  How cool is that?

SO many people will be doing a happy dance when Manu Alfau opens La Bodega at 100 Prefontaine Pl S.  If all goes as planned, the neighborhood will be enjoying Puerco Asado con Repollo before the month is out.  Check out photos and more news @labodegaseattle.

It’s tough to keep up with all the good press that Pioneer Square businesses are getting these days.  Fun posts we saw last week:  The Seattle Times wrote about Gina Batali, owner of Salumi’s, and the Friday rush at Il Corvo Pasta got the attention of Seattle Eater.  The article about Pioneer Square artist, Celeste Cooning, was tremendous fun.  She was responsible for the fabulous installation of sailboat sails that drifted above Occidental Park.

Fun food events are coming to the neighborhood this month, though you’re out of luck if you didn’t jump on the tickets.  Both sold out quickly.  On November 15, Little Uncle will host Andy Ricker for Pok Pok: Breakfast at Little Uncle.  On November 18, Occidental Mall will be transformed when Bar Sajor and The London Plane host an outdoor dining event for Rene Redzepi, chef and owner of the world-renowned Noma Restaurant.  Chef Matt Dillon will partner with Blaine Wetzel of Lummi Island’s Willows Inn to prepare a 4-course locally-sourced dinner for those quick enough to get those coveted tickets.

New is fabulous, yet keeping Pioneer Square businesses IN Pioneer Square is just as fabulous.  Ebbets Field Flannels is settled in their gorgeous new space at 119 S Jackson.  And Tarboo is finally opening a storefront on 2nd Avenue.  (Yet another happy dance.)  Stay tuned for details about their opening.

Finally, the press was all over the big news about 13 Coins coming to Pioneer Square.  It will be at the base of the Embassy Suites Hotel scheduled for construction next year.  The 24-hour restaurant will offer yet another dimension to options in Pioneer Square.

Please help me stay on top of the latest news and give me a shout anytime.  It’s great to be part of Pioneer Square.

 

Karen True

Community & Business Development Specialist

Alliance for Pioneer Square

‘TIS THE SEASON TO WELCOME NEW NEIGHBORS

Nothing like ending the year on a happy note…   Lots of new neighbors coming to Pioneer Square:

  • The Kitchen by Delicatus – 311 1st Ave S.  Commissary kitchen and event space. Open for business.
  • Gaba Sushi – 216 1st Ave S. in Grand Central Building. Opening this month.
  • Floor 13 – 114 Alaskan Way S, #301.  New gorgeous event space.  Open for business.
  • Bar Sajor – 323 Occidental Ave S. Matt Dillon’s newest restaurant. Opening in January
  • Rain Shadow Meats – 406 Occidental Ave S. Butcher shop.  Opening in February
  • The Stadium Lodge – 166 S. King St. Owner of Mukilteo Lodge and Kirkland Lodge. Opening “before baseball season!”
  • Indigene – 322 Occidental Ave S. Meeting space, wine bar, and retail. Opening Spring 2013
  • The London Plane – 300 Occidental Ave S. Restaurant, deli, floral, and commercial bakery. Opening Spring 2013
  • Il Corvo Pasta – 217 James St. A new home for Mike Easton! Opening early 2013