featured – Page 10 – Alliance for Pioneer Square

Historic Districts are Older, Smaller, Better

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

A Big Thank You!

We raised $89,317 during GiveBIG for 2014! And that’s before the stretch pool match! (We’ll find out what the match is next week.) This is truly an exciting time to be in Pioneer Square making things happen, especially with the support of the community behind us. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.

What’s next? We’re updating the neighborhood plan! Tell us what you want to see in Pioneer Square. Submit an idea or several. Check Pioneer Square 2020 for updates on our progress. Thanks for being part of the solution!

Neighborhood Hero: Jeff Lilley

Throughout Pioneer Square, there are heroes working to make the neighborhood a better place. GiveBIG and the Alliance for Pioneer Square honors our neighborhood heroes.

Jeff Lilley is the President of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. Most people only see the line outside the Union Gospel Mission in Pioneer Square, so here’s a snapshot of what is going on inside over the past year:

768,000 meals were served
21,000 counseling sessions
193, 242 nights of shelter
35 beds of medical respite working directly with Harborview and Swedish Hospital
7,728 blankets given out
1,500 individuals served in the dental clinic
608 individuals served in the legal clinic.

And these are only a portion of their services provided across Seattle. In addition to running this complex organization meeting basic human needs, Jeff has stepped up to serve on both the Pioneer Square BIA and Alliance Boards.

Thanks Jeff Lilley, for being our neighborhood partner in human services. What a hero!

You too can be a neighborhood hero on May 6th during the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG event. Make a donation to the Alliance for Pioneer Square on our GiveBIG page on May 6th and have it matched by a percentage of the stretch pool fund. You’ll help continue our revitalization efforts in Pioneer Square to make it welcoming to everyone.