October News + Updates
Business News and Updates
A warm welcome to our newest businesses and attractions in the neighborhood!

  • J. Rinehart Gallery: 319 3rd Ave S.– founded on the principle that bringing art into your home enhances your quality of living, connects you to your community, and fosters a greater understanding of humanity, this gallery deals in the art of falling in love with art.

We bid farewell to these neighbors this month!

  • Delicatus: 103 1st Ave S.- known for its extensive menu of soups, salads, and upscale sandwich offerings, this well-regarded deli is folding up shop on October 18 after nine years of business.
Support Seattle's Original Neighborhood
The Alliance for Pioneer Square works to preserve what makes Pioneer Square the most authentic, engaging, and dynamic neighborhood in Seattle. 

We serve as a full-time advocate, partner and resource for the whole neighborhood. The Alliance has been on the forefront of public safety conversations and instrumental in the creation of the Prolific Offenders Report . We work alongside six neighborhood business districts to urge the city for support and action around public safety.
 
We work to create a thriving economic environment in this challenging time. Under our business development program we connect, support, and recruit a healthy mix of people for our neighborhood. We also provide technical assistance and support to existing businesses.
 
As Seattle grows, we ensure Pioneer Square grows too – strategically and authentically. We are engaged in conversations early on around projects that could affect Pioneer Square early, like the proposed new cruise terminal at Pier 46 or Sound Transit 3. Through relationship building and advocacy, we make sure the Port of Seattle and Sound Transit hears your concerns and questions.
 
We enhance the neighborhood's built environment. We advocate for the design improvement, maintenance, and activation of Pioneer Square's public spaces. We work to ensure Pioneer Square has a full system of parks and public spaces that are inspiring, active, and inclusive for all. To do so, we created a Parks and Gateways comprehensive study and action plan for Pioneer Square's Parks and primary neighborhood entrances, including Jackson Hub and Fortson Square .
 
We promote Pioneer Square. This year we launched our Pioneer Square Made visual storytelling campaign, highlighting our unique businesses. We implemented new neighborhood and organizational branding, along with revitalized Pioneer Square and Alliance for Pioneer Square websites. Our updated Neighborhood Map & Guide is displayed in more businesses than ever before.
 
Please consider a gift to the Alliance for Pioneer Square and help us to continue making Pioneer Square a strong, vibrant neighborhood. We cannot do it without you.
Pioneer Square, In Lists!
Top Spots for Tunes: PSQ is Alive With the Sound of Music

We make life easier by compiling easily digestible lists which highlight neighborhood essentials. This month, we run down the top spots for tunes in Pioneer Square. Last month, we are featuring grab and go lunches + dinners near Occidental Square - for when your next meal needs to be quick. We also have you covered for your hair care in the Square needs and local lunches for the office.

Find all the spots in our 2019 Neighborhood Map and Guide .
Looking For Something to Do in Pioneer Square?

Fall has finally arrived and there is plenty of entertainment in the neighborhood- like fun performances, concerts, art exhibits, sporting events, and more! Whether you are looking for must-see art galleries, reading and talks, or the next Seahawks game, there is plenty to see and do in Pioneer Square all month long. Browse our calendar of October events in the neighborhood to plan your next adventure in the heart of Seattle.
Mark Your Calendars: First Thursday Art Walk
October 3, 5-10 PM

Every First Thursday of the month, Pioneer Square welcomes you to join us in the venerated tradition of Art Walk with exceptional artists, innovative works, and creative kinship.

During Art Walk, parking is FREE from 5-10 PM! Make sure to grab your voucher from a participating gallery or studio to park for free at one of three neighborhood garages.

NOTE: there will only be free parking during the October First Thursday Art Walk at the Butler Garage due to a home Seahawks game. Free parking for Art Walk patrons will begin starting at 6pm until the garage is full. Check out our Getting Here p age for alternative modes of transportation to Pioneer Square.

( Jennifer Zwick, Speaking Loudly With Gentle Materials (Yes Full Bloom), 2019, Archival Pigment Print, 36 x 48 inches .; J. Rinehart Gallery)
January 2020 First Thursday Art Walk Date

The January 2020 First Thursday Art Walk will be held on Thursday, January 9th from 5-10P instead of on January 2nd.
Artist Feature: Paul Kuniholm
Paul Kuniholm , who recently completed the newest addition to Pioneer Square's collection of murals, creates art in three dimensions using formal training in steel sculpture, and two-dimensional art utilizing formal training in textile arts. Time-based genres are employed to create narrative archives of two- and three-dimensional objective artworks. The culmination of these interstitial milieu have been commissioned by governments and cultural institutions world-wide, and often accessioned to private collections. Paul's Pioneer Square mural, “Myrkott På Reutersvärd ,” was commissioned by the Low Income Housing Institute. You can find “Myrkott På Reutersvärd” in the alley between Yesler Way and S Washington Street, west of 3rd Ave S.
Heads Up: Transportation Changes
Temporary Link Light Rail Closures This Month

During three weekends this fall, Link light rail will not run between SoDo and Capitol Hill while construction crews build a temporary center platform at Pioneer Square Station as Sound Transit prepares to expand light rail service to the Eastside.  The construction will affect service on the weekends of Oct. 12-13, Oct. 26-27, and Nov. 9-10. During those weekends, trains will run between Angle Lake and SoDo and between Capitol Hill and University of Washington, with shuttle buses bridging the gap between Capitol Hill and SoDo. Learn more about the Link light rail closures.
SR 99 Tolling Starts November

Drivers using the State Route 99 tunnel will begin paying tolls on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. State law requires that toll revenues from the SR 99 tunnel be used to pay back construction bonds as well as pay to operate and maintain the nation’s largest double-decked road tunnel. The two-mile-long SR 99 tunnel runs underneath downtown Seattle and opened in February 2019. Learn more about the time-of-day toll rates and how to get a free Good to Go! sticker pass .
From the Public Realm
Cardboard Dumpster Pilot

Starting this month, you may see a small dumpster in your alley for cardboard only. These dumpsters are being piloted by Waste Management and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to help with alley cleanliness and to keep cardboard dry. If there is a pilot dumpster in your alley please use them for flattened cardboard only . Cardboard dumpsters will be emptied by Waste Management two times per day, seven days per week. If the dumpster is full, please flatten cardboard and set next to dumpster; it will still get collected and recycled! If you have any questions or feedback please contact Waste Management at 1-855-894-9447.
Re-imagine Fortson Square Open House Survey

Chief Seattle Club is embarking on a project to redevelop the site at 108 2nd Ave Ext S. This project will create affordable housing and a ground floor health clinic and native arts café/gallery to support the physical, spiritual and cultural needs of the native community. As the front door to this project, Fortson Square will also be recreated as a welcoming place for everyone. Learn more about the project.

Thank you to all of those who attended the Re-Imagine Fortson Square Open House last month! And thank you to our project partners at Chief Seattle Club, Jones and Jones, SDOT, and Off the Rez for creating a great event. 

If you missed the open house and would like to provide feedback during the Fortson Square design phase, please complete our brief online survey below by Tuesday, October 8th.
Occidental Square Park Projects Update

Two projects are underway or planned for Occidental Square Park- a play area and a pavilion, respectively. The play area project construction began in early September and will conclude at the end of October. The northern end of the park is currently fenced off during construction. The pavilion project will take place during the upcoming fall and winter months, when park use is lowest, and is expected to take about four months. Park programming and operations will continue during construction, with temporary fencing around the site to keep it secure and keep visitors safe. Learn more about the projects.
South End Connection Mobility Improvements

This fall, SDOT is building projects that will make critical connections for people biking to and through Pioneer Square. Construction for this project will began on September 28 and will continue through October 13.

SDOT will install new 2-way protected bike lanes on 2nd Ave Ext S, S Main St, and 5th Ave S between the existing 2nd Ave protected bike lanes and the S King St Neighborhood Greenway. The project includes general travel lanes on a mix of 1-way and 2-way streets, paint-and-post bike lanes, and minor parking changes.Learn more about the project.

Community outreach work on this project is ongoing. If you want to get in touch with SDOT, please call 206-684-8105 or email.
Neighborhood Construction Updates
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

WSDOT has removed the majority of the Alaskan Way Viaduct from Seattle's waterfront to make way for the City of Seattle's   Waterfront Seattle Program .

The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition is in full swing on the edge of Pioneer Square. Demolition has been completed and site restorations are in progress.

WSDOT recently created a video which captures the meticulous work of demolishing an urban highway and transforming an iconic waterfront.

Click here  to see real time demolition progress and  join the email list to receive weekly updates.

Questions? Visit the website, email to viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov, or call 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5463).
Traffic streams along the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 1959.
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.

Throughout 2019-2020, SDOT will install a monitoring system and conduct a complete assessment of the areaways to determine a long-term plan of action to repair necessary areas. In the meantime, our goal is to provide adjacent businesses and residents with accurate and timely information as we move forward to improve safety.

Visit the project page for more information.
Columbia Street Corridor

With the viaduct ramp now gone, Waterfront Seattle construction began on Columbia Street in early August. Columbia Street will be transformed into a two-way corridor with transit lanes and improved sidewalks. Other activities include installation of new underground utilities. Don’t miss out on watching the future waterfront take shape, head to waterfrontseattle.org to sign up for email updates!  
Seattle City Council Elections Approaching
The city of Seattle, Washington, is holding elections for seven City Council Districts on November 5, 2019. Pioneer Square falls within both Council District 2 and 7. If you are unsure which district you are in, you can find it by entering your address into this search tool.

T he City of Seattle's Ethics and Elections has produced a Seattle Voters' Guide to the upcoming election for votes, which contain background information on the elections and statements from the candidates and ballot issue campaigns.

Various Seattle media outlets and civic organizations have covered the Council Council elections and candidates, including the Seattle Channel and the Seattle CityClub.
Press Highlights
What Are We Up To?
Each month, we highlight members of the our staff and what that staff member is focusing on.
  • Read about Liz's work with Chief Seattle Club and the redevelopment of Fortson Square.
  • Read about Lisa's vision for informing the community regarding neighborhood changes.
  • Read about Jennie's excitement about our newest sports team- the XFL Seattle Dragons.
Monthly Resources
The Seattle Metro Chamber is pleased to offer a new business intelligence tool, SizeUp , free of charge. This service gives you online access to industry-specific, hyperlocal information to help grow your business and make smarter decisions. The research is individually customized for each company. The service is provided through REACH King County (Retention, Expansion, and Collaboration Hub), a new Chamber program which provides various assistance to King County businesses and the cities and communities in which they reside.
Stay Engaged!
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