Parks & Gateways Project Jumps a Hurdle

Pioneer Square's parks and gateways

Working with a dynamic group of volunteers, the Alliance submitted a grant request to hire a consultant to lead the neighborhood through a process to create a concept plan for our eleven parks and gateways. Our end goal is to then develop a master design plan for one of them. The grant application was submitted to the City’s Department of Neighborhoods (DON) for $100,000.

We recently learned that DON’s Citywide Review Team made a recommendation to the Mayor, City Council and the City Neighborhood Council to make the full award. Barring any unforeseen disapproval, we’re cautiously optimistic we’ll be funded in the autumn.

The idea for the project was inspired in part by an event led by the Seattle Parks Foundation. Foundation staff conducted a parks assessment tour for community members, City staff and Alliance staff last spring. The analysis suggested environmental design could help our parks feel safer and rethinking our gateways could help visitors recognize they’re entering a grand historic district.

The Alliance appreciates the opportunity the DON grant would provide. Our neighborhood thrives when our community works together. This project will work to bring out the best in the neighborhood.

 

 

Business & Community Development Update – April 2014

Kristen-Honeycutt-Photo-Co_karensquare_smallI don’t have much to add since last week’s blog, but I’d like to mention briefly a couple of opportunities that remind me why Pioneer Square is such an extraordinary neighborhood:

The Spring Clean on Saturday, April 19 is an opportunity for everyone to roll up their sleeves to work side-by-side to make our neighborhood shine. Business owners, property owners, people who work in the neighborhood, people who live in the neighborhood, and people who love the neighborhood all have a vested interest in Pioneer Square. Behind-the-scenes planning has been underway for weeks so the event will be organized. We’ll accomplish a great deal in a short period of time. It’s going to make you feel great about being part of Pioneer Square AND you’ll get a great t-shirt. Sign up here.

4Culture’s annual LANDMARKS CAPITAL application period is now open.  The deadline for submittal of online applications is Wednesday, May 14.  Owners or long-term tenants of individual Seattle landmarks and contributing buildings in landmark districts are eligible to apply.  Any type of ownership, whether private, public, or non-profit, qualifies. The funding range this year remains at $3,000 to $30,000.  There is no longer a cash match requirement, although some level of owner cost share is encouraged.  Grants are reimbursable, and work items completed prior to award notification are not eligible costs.  Please help us spread the word. Landmarks Capital Applications are due May 14. For more information, contact Flo Lentz at 4Culture.

 

KAREN TRUE

Director of Business Development

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE