Support Pioneer Square Market Place |
|
The Alliance for Pioneer Square, in collaboration with DEI Creative, launched an online marketplace as a tool for member businesses to generate revenue through online sales during the Coronavirus pandemic.
On the Pioneer Square Marketplace site, shoppers can view curated selections of products and purchase directly from Pioneer Square boutique retailers, restaurants, bars, art galleries, salons and more. Businesses can also feature gift cards for purchase. The site includes a restaurant directory takeout/delivery function that links customers directly to Pioneer Square restaurants for easy ordering of takeout or delivery. The takeout section is a convenient way to help customers order food and support their favorite local restaurants through one online location.
|
|
Business News and Updates |
|
COVID-19 Resources for Pioneer Square Small Business
The Alliance for Pioneer Square recognizes the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 virus on Seattle’s small business community. We have compiled a series of resources intended to assist small business owners, managers, and employees minimize the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 virus on themselves and their community. We will revise this and all associated pages with more information as it becomes available- please check back for updates.
|
|
Bidding Farewell to Pioneer Square Business |
|
These last few months have been a testament to our neighborhoods tenacity in the face of adversity. The current health crisis has also presented many of our small businesses with new and undreamed of challenges. As a result, we say goodbye to the following businesses that have closed their doors in Pioneer Square permanently, many of which had become longstanding anchors of our neighborhood:
Food and Drink
-
Bisato, (Now 84 Yesler)
- Il Corvo Pasta,
-
Medzo Gelato Bar, (Burien Location)
-
The Berliner Doner Kebab, (Downtown Location)
-
Grand Central Bakery & Café, (Other Seattle Locations)
- Planet Java Diner,
-
Quality Athletics, (Now Trophy Pizza)
- Seattle Historic Triangle Pub,
- Pacifica,
- Sprout Salads,
Retail
Services/Tours/Event Space
While we are going to miss all of these amazing businesses, who have contributed to the character of Pioneer Square over the years, their contribution will always be a part of our community's story. They will always be a piece of what makes our Pioneer Square the most vibrant, creative and interesting neighborhood in Seattle.
And while there is no getting around the heartache and the loss, we wish these departing businesses all the best and look forward to supporting and seeing what the future holds for each one.
|
|
August First Thursday Art Walk Impacts |
|
Many of Pioneer Square's galleries are open to the public and/or offering by-appointment visits under Phase 2 of Washington State's Safe Start plan. Despite approval from the State for Phase 2 operations, August First Thursday will be promoted as a virtual-only event based on the Center for Disease Control's considerations for events and gatherings. Additionally, the First Thursday Free Parking program will not be in effect on Thursday, August 6th.
Galleries are invited to participate in The Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair, a collaborative group effort by the galleries in the city to create a virtual art fair of galleries showcasing work that had been planned for the Seattle Art Fair. The Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair is encouraging individuals to visit galleries during the month of August either by appointment or during limited available gallery hours. The website www.seattledeconstructedartfair.com will feature more information, images and virtual tours of the gallery spaces. Galleries interested in signing up can reach out to Judith Rinehart of J. Rinehart Gallery by email. Follow the fair on Instagram @seattledeconstructedartfair for updates
We will continue to market the Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair and other Pioneer Square virtual gallery events, as well as encourage Seattle's art community to check with individual galleries on their offerings on First Thursday and other days. Galleries can also promote their in-person and online exhibits on the August First Thursday Facebook event page.
|
|
Announcing the 2020 Inspiration Fund Winners |
|
The Pioneer Square BIA is excited to announce the recipients of the 2020 Inspiration Fund!
This year, the BIA is proud to fund two more projects making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The first, by Dan Wilson; Pioneer Square resident and Principal at Olson Kundig, is an installation in Occidental Park of painted metal wind chimes with the phrase "we all play a part" in different languages representing cultural diversity in our neighborhood. The goal of the project, which will be installed in 2021, is to emphasize unity, togetherness, our connectedness to each other, and to nature.
The second is a creative story-telling marketing campaign, by Michael Gill of the Central Saloon, centered around individually curated content from artists, businesses, and personalities in the neighborhood. The project presents an opportunity to focus on the connections between businesses and the community they are part of. The campaign will not only create digital assets for businesses, but also include materials that support residents in the neighborhood.
The Alliance will keep the community updated regrading these projects as they progress. Be sure to keep an eye out for the 2021 Inspiration Fund application period next year.
|
|
Valerie Sivinski Fund
Grant Application Open
|
|
The Valerie Sivinski Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 to organizations and community groups engaged in historic preservation around our state. The goal of the fund is to support historic preservation where it really happens: at the community level. The application for the 2021 Valerie Sivinski Fund grants is now available online and will be due October 14, 2020.
For the 2021 grant application, we've made a few changes that will open the program up to more types of preservation projects. Grant requests must still be centered on a specific historic or cultural place, but we will no longer weight "bricks and mortar" projects over planning, research, and advocacy projects. Sivinski grants may be used to:
- Directly preserve/rehabilitate a historic or cultural place
- Hire design, assessment, feasibility, or planning expertise for a historic preservation/rehabilitation project such as architectural or engineering expertise
- Hire professional expertise for a documentation and/or research project for a historic or cultural place such as a landmark nomination
- Increase public access and/or education about a historic or cultural place by developing interpretive programming or materials
- Raise awareness of and/or support for a historic or cultural place related to the histories of marginalized or underrepresented communities
- Organize a group, event, or campaign to advocate for a historic or cultural place
|
|
4Culture COVID-19
Reopen Fund
|
Through an allocation by the King County Council, 4Culture has committed a total of $1.4 million to support King County cultural organizations and historic properties in their efforts to reopen their programs to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reopen Fund provides grants for cultural organizations and designated landmarks that are reopening, restarting, and continuing programming while adapting to COVID-19 related public health restrictions. This fund supports training, protective equipment, infrastructure improvements, systems upgrades, additional personnel and other measures needed to do these activities successfully.
Applicants must be cultural organizations, municipalities, or owners/stewards of historic properties in King County. Cultural organizations applying for these funds must have a primary mission related to one or more of 4Culture’s funding areas: arts, heritage, and preservation. You are encouraged to apply whether or not you operate out of a permanent facility.
4Culture is providing application support through an informational workshop, on Tuesday, August 4 at 3:00 pm, with a detailed overview of the program and an opportunity to ask questions. To join, you will need to register here. Further guidelines and access to the online application can be found on the 4Culture website .
The deadline to apply is August 17, 2020 at 5 pm PDT.
If you need assistance or require different forms of access, please email Jackie Mixon or call 206-263-0971.
|
|
4Culture Landmarks Capital Grant
If you own a designated historic landmark property in King County and are working to rehabilitate it, you may be eligible for a Landmarks Capital grant.
The Landmarks Capital program supports urgent needs, including emergency repairs and immediate projects. This year, the project will prioritize projects that prevent further damage or disrepair to historic properties, or address life safety issues. Your property must be designated as an official landmark at the city or county level, or a historic building within a locally designated historic district. This grant program requires construction bids and you may request up to $30,000.
4Culture is providing application support through informational workshops, on August 14th , August 22nd and August 27th with a detailed overview of the program and an opportunity to ask questions. You will need to register to join.
For further guidelines and to access the application, visit the 4Culture website . The deadline for this grant is September 16, 2020 at 5:00 pm PST.
|
If you are a first-time applicant or f or more information, contact the Landmarks Capital program manager Dana Phelan, at dana.phelan@4culture.org , (206) 263-1604)
|
|
Sound Transit and King County Metro Fare and Service Updates |
|
Sound Transit Impacts
On July 1st, full fares resumed on all Sound Transit services.ST Express buses transitioned to a single flat fare of $3.25 for all Adult riders, regardless of distance traveled. More information about this resumption of fares can be found here. Fare collection is dependent on the completion of safety measures being installed at the front of our buses, so some routes may continue to be fare-free until these measures are complete. At this time, Sound Transit continues to operate with a reduced service level due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on the Reduced Service page.
King County Metro Impacts
|
|
We are getting ready to install native art wraps on a second round of traffic signal boxes and we need your help getting the boxes cleaned and prepped! Cleaning may involve scraping and sanding by hand in addition to washing and covering the box with plastic once clean.
Members from the same household are strongly encouraged to sign up to volunteer together (to allow for as much physical distancing between households as possible). **Please note face masks are required for participation. If you forget to bring your own, we will have a disposable mask for you.
When: Saturday, August 8
Pick up supplies from 9:30am-10:30am
Drop off supplies from 12:30-1pm
Where: Supply pick up and drop off is located in Occidental Mall (Occidental Ave S between S Jackson St and S Main St). Please RSVP here by August 7th.
|
|
Occidental Square Park Pavilion Construction Update
Construction has started on a central performance pavilion, covered gathering area, and visitor kiosk in Occidental Square, located at 117 S Washington St. The project, led by general contractor Schuchart, is made possible through funding provided by donors to Seattle Parks Foundation in partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square. The current information kiosk is scheduled to be removed in the first week of August.
A new wood and glass pavilion, which was designed by Olson Kundig Architects, will be built to replace the existing kiosk at the south end of the square, with a larger information and concierge center for enhanced park activation. The activation of the park is the result of five years of investment in staffing, programming, maintenance, and security. This new pavilion will serve as an outdoor classroom, a stage, a dining area and most importantly a covered space for use by the public. Completion of the project is expected in the Fall.
General footprint and access to the south end of the park will remain closed during construction. Restricted access from the current information kiosk to the alley adjacent to the Grand Central building is also expected throughout the duration of the project.
|
|
Seattle Department of Transportation Resumes Paid On-Street Parking |
|
Paid parking and hourly time limited parking enforcement were suspended in early April in response to the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order. With King County’s transition to Phase 2 of the Safe Start Plan , businesses are reopening, and reliable access at the curb for customers is critical for recovery. Parking will therefore be charged at $0.50/hour in all paid areas; which is the lowest rate allowed according to the Seattle Municipal Code.
The rate will remain unchanged for at least a month while SDOT reviews data to determine parking activity and occupancy in business districts. Further adjustments are expected to come later in 2020.
|
|
Temporary Outdoor and Street Closure Permits |
|
Building on the City’s free permits for sidewalk cafes and curb spaces, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced an expansion of street closure permit options as part of the City of Seattle’s efforts to support businesses during the ongoing public health crisis. The City began accepting applications for these street closures on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.
Last month, the City announced free sidewalk café and curb space permits, which allow restaurants, retail stores, vending trucks and carts to operate in the sidewalk or curb space in front of their business. The permits are available for up to six months, and business owners interested in applying for this type of permit should visit SDOT’s website for more information. Additionally, the sidewalk tables and chairs permit is available to businesses to set out tables and chairs on the sidewalk outside the business.
As part of the permitting process for the new street closure permits, permit applicants will need to notify and demonstrate support from neighboring businesses and residents of proposed street closures. While typical SDOT permit costs are waived, applicants are responsible for any expenses related to the street closure proposal – such as barricades, temporary no parking signs, and tables and chairs.
|
|
Pioneer Square COVID-19 Information and Updates Webinar |
|
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is hosting a series of virtual information sessions to present the most up-to-date information on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Pioneer Square, relief and resources available from the City, State, and Federal government to all those impacted by the crisis, and the Alliance’s response to support our neighborhood.
Visit our website to sign-up for the next Pioneer Square COVID-19 Information and Updates session on Friday, August 21st from 1:30-2:30p and to access recordings and presentation slides from previous webinars.
|
|
Grow with Google Workshop Series |
|
|
|
The Alliance for Pioneer Square invites businesses to a three-part webinar series with Google. Learn how to reach customers online with Google, use data to drive growth, and how to make your website work for you.
These sessions will be led by Grow with Google international speaker and trainer, Corissa Saint Laurent. She is a speaker and trainer who has spent 15 years helping businesses grow through experiential, engagement, and digital marketing. Learn more about Corissa here.
|
|
Neighborhood Construction Updates |
|
Pioneer Square
Areaways Program
SDOT recently implemented a strict vehicle weight limitation, increased commercial vehicle enforcement, and modified commercial vehicle load zone locations beyond the 1st Ave corridor.
Curb lane restrictions on S Jackson St are currently in place that effectively close the street to heavy vehicles between 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave S. South Main St is open to local access for deliveries (unless otherwise restricted by posted signs) following the removal of the decommissioned trolley platform near Occidental Square.
|
|
Port of Seattle Cruise Terminal Update
In April 2020, the Port of Seattle suspended its planning for a new cruise terminal to serve the Alaska market, citing a need to better understand the short and long-term cruise industry market impacts from COVID-19 before continuing its project investment in additional cruise facilities. As a result of this current analysis, the Port will cancel its request for industry proposals for a joint i nvestment to build and operate a proposed new cruise terminal at the preferred location of Terminal 46.
The Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance will continue with prior projects to make Terminal 46 more sustainable and durable for long-term general maritime use, including installing stormwater treatment infrastructure and rehabilitating the dock. Vessel berthing and maritime support will continue on the terminal. The Port will prepare a recommendation for the Cruise Terminal Project when there is greater certainty about demand for Port of Seattle cruise services.
For questions, contact Peter McGraw, Maritime Media Officer by email or call (206) 787-3446.
|
|
 |
Waterfront Seattle Construction Ongoing on New Alaskan Way
Waterfront Seattle has begun building a new Alaskan Way. Waterfront Seattle's initial work zones will span from S King to Marion streets. Activities include establishing work zones, mobilizing equipment, potholing work, breaking pavement and excavation for utility installation. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM with occasional overnight and weekend work.
Here's how you can stay up to date on Waterfront Seattle construction: Head to Waterfront Seattle's website for more information and to sign up for email updates. Text "WFSCN" to 474747 to receive text updates. You may also contact Waterfront Seattle via email or by phone at (206) 499-8040.
|
|
|
|
Construction Roundup
(Note: Most construction has resumed after being paused due to COVID-19.)
Best Western Annex
|
|
|
|
Compass Housing Alliance
Shelter Moves and Construction Upgrades
|
|
The Compass Housing Alliance has been serving people in need in the Pioneer Square neighborhood since its very beginning 100 years ago.
Compass is embarking on a remodel of its Compass Center building to more safely and effectively serve shelter guests throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future.
Read more about this project here.
Compass Housing Alliance is excited about this opportunity to grow in this community and look forward to communicating on a personal and regular basis with the neighborhood through our budding relationship with the Pioneer Square Alliance.
|
|
Highlights:
(Seattle Refined- featuring 57 Biscayne Artist Studio's Cristina Martinez)
Restaurant & Retail News:
(Seattle Times)
Arts & Culture News:
(Seattle Times)
(KUOW-featuring Jane Richlovsky from the Good Arts Building)
|
|
|
Find us on Facebook
Are you a resident or business owner in the neighborhood? The Alliance for Pioneer Square recently created a Facebook page. This page will communicate resident and business owner specific news/information that to compliment our more general Pioneer Square Facebook page.
|
|
|
|
Alliance For Pioneer Square | 206.667.0687
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
