05 Apr Pioneer Square in the News

NEWS

Historic Pioneer Square proves a tough place to run a store; better for restaurants (Seattle Times)
Elliott Bay leaves, Retailers don’t do as well as Restaurants, and an overview of exciting changes in the neighborhood.

D.I.Y. downtown: A self-guided tour through Seattle history (Seattle Times)
“As I stood under Pioneer Square’s pergola, my notes had taken me more than 100 years back in time, so I was startled when a man sitting on a nearby bench called out, ‘Are you on a scavenger hunt? You seem to be looking for something.’ He’d nailed it. Much like those Klondike gold seekers who helped put Seattle on the map, I was on a hunt for history, thanks to modern-day technology.”

Video from grand opening of Caffe Vita and Pizzeria Napoletana in Pioneer Square (Seattle Times)

Cherry Street Coffee House displays comic of coffee-addled sandwich board in Pioneer Square (Seattle Times)

Seattle Police Start Downtown Foot Patrol Pilot Program (KIRO)
Seattle police started foot patrols in some downtown Seattle neighborhoods Thursday as part of a new pilot program, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.Officers will patrol the Belltown, International District and Pioneer Square neighborhoods.

The Satori Group Tackles Saunder’s Winky (Seattlest)
You can still catch their last performance tonight! Click here for more details.

Proposed First Hill streetcar is Broadway bound (Seattle Times)
“In addition, a short loop in the route reaches the Pioneer Square historic district.” (woo hoo!)

Future Of Pioneer Square (KUOW)
“After the departure of the Elliott Bay Book Company from Pioneer Square this week, what does the future hold for Seattle’s historic neighborhood? Do you live or work in the area? What should Pioneer Square become? What would it take to make that happen?”

Loss of Iconic Bookstore Galvanizes Pioneer Square (KPLU/NPR)
“What happens to a neighborhood when its anchor tenant leaves? The departure has many merchants in the heart of historic Seattle worried. But the future of Pioneer Square hangs on much more than the move of one big retailer.”

“Bikini Bookseller” to Move Into Old Elliott Bay Book Company Digs (Seattle Weekly)
“Seattle Weekly has learned that two local entrepreneurs have a deal in place to open what they’re calling a “bikini bookseller” in the space, which will be licensed like a strip club and feature an all-female staff prepared to engage in “sexy librarian role playing” amidst the stacks in order to entice customers into purchasing the works of Tolstoy and Steinbeck.”

Elliott Bay Book Company Says Goodbye to Pioneer Square (Seattlest)
“Change is hard; and though we will miss the Shakespearian Globe-esque feel of the space, the smell of cedar and the wall-to-wall books, the creaking floor boards, and not to mention some of our most favorite Seattle literary moments, we’re supportive and optimistic for Elliott Bay’s future on the hill.”

Customers close book at Pioneer Square bookstore (Seattle Times)

BLOGS

Closing time for Elliott Bay Book Co. in Pioneer Square (BIG Blog)

Activating Vacant Space, Pioneer Square Edition (People’s Parking Lot)

polished – john – pioneer square (Needle + Threat)
Style Watch –  a great look on the streets of Pioneer Square

Stabbing In Pioneer Square (Seattle Crime)

Location, location, location: three alternative sites for a Chihuly Museum (Horse’s Ass)
Seattle Center, across the street from Seattle Center, or Pioneer Square. (p.s. what about Tacoma?!)

Marriott To Open Courtyard Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square In Adaptive Reuse Of 1904 Alaska Building (PR Web)
Courtyard by Marriott is bringing a new hotel to life in an historic building in the heart of Pioneer Square.

EVENTS

Thursday: Great City Brownbag: Revitalizing Pioneer Square
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm @ GGLO
Pioneer Square is home to the Seattle’s largest concentration of preserved historic structures; not to mention a growing office and residential community. With the economy in a holding pattern for the foreseeable future, neighborhood stakeholders are looking for ways to use temporary activities or other means to revitalize the area. Although there are
many great programs happening in the neighborhood already, including ArtSPARKS (temporary art installations in Occidental Park), First Thursday, a grassroots Saturday Market, and Alley Art initiatives, we hope to further discuss ideas that contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood.

Thursday – Saturday: Trinity Nightclub’s 5 Year Anniversary
Featuring: DJ Dan, Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship + BLACK EYED PEAS!

Click here to see other upcoming events in the neighborhood.