Business & Community Development Update – July 2014

World Cup viewing in Nord AlleyThe amount of activity in the neighborhood is dizzying. New leases are getting signed, spaces are in build-out mode, and doors are opening for business. Sidewalk cafes are popping up just in time for our long-awaited summer. The farmers market, ArtsParks installations, and buskers are back in the parks. And the World Cup is bringing people together in bars, restaurants, conference rooms, lobbies, and Nord Alley. Where else could you possibly want to be right now?

The new Pioneer Square Map & Guide will be out soon, but here’s a head start on what’s new and unfolding. While it’s easy to get caught up in all that’s new and shiny, remember our existing businesses have been hard at work making this the neighborhood where others want to set up shop. So get out there. Take a walk. Visit a new restaurant, whether it’s new to Pioneer Square or new to you. Meet a friend for happy hour. Buy something for yourself, just because you can. Enjoy your neighborhood.

 

Newly open for business

Joe’s Cantina

Tango Zulu (opening July 3)

Damn the Weather

The Hidden Alchemist

Intermezzo

The Cellar at E Smith Mercantile

Hall Spassov Gallery (opening July3)

 

Coming soon

Pilchuck Glass School – office and gallery

Good Bar

Pizzeria Gabbiano

Elm Coffee

Sprout

Taylor Shellfish

Fleurt

Clementines

Quality Athletics

Cone & Steiner

Velouria

Girin

Historic Districts are Older, Smaller, Better

The historic Pioneer Building. Photo by Hien Dang.I always knew I liked historic neighborhoods better than others because of the way they make me feel. A new report by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Green Lab takes a deeper look into why many of us feel that way. Older, Smaller, Better studied historic districts around the country, including Seattle’s own Chinatown/International District and the Pike Pine Corridor. Among their findings:

1/ Older, smaller buildings provide space for a strong local economy

2/ Older business districts provide affordable, flexible space for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds

3/ The creative economy thrives in older mixed-use neighborhoods

4/ Young people love old buildings

I think that last point might have been a typo and should really have read, “People young at heart love old buildings,” because I plan to love them for a long time to come.

 

David Yeaworth, Deputy Director