Pioneer Square's takeoff: Be there or be left out
Call it the Tom Douglas Effect: Moves by smart investors are leading to more businesses jumping in.
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Dillon is soon to open Bar Sajor, a full service restaurant on the opposite corner. Every day, eager locals can be seen trying to peek into the restaurant's windows, which are now papered over for their full height. All three food- and drink-serving places will have outside seating. Along with the authentically Italian Caffè Umbria coffee bar, Occidental will soon be lined with outside cafes. Despite the weather, we in Seattle love our cafes. But then we are not that dissimilar in climate to Amsterdam, which is chockablock with them.
Another shop soon to open on another stretch of Occidental is Rain Shadow Meats. Run by Russ Flint who has a shop in the Melrose Market near Anderson and Dillon, promises something that Pioneer Square has likely not seen in many decades -- a real butcher shop. Observes Flint, ”I’ve always loved Pioneer Square. In many ways, my business fits perfectly with the traditional businesses that were around when the city began.” In addition to offering select choice cuts of meat, his new shop will include a lunch counter. He sees being open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Already some businesses are beginning to extend their hours due to the new and anticipated population.
And others have been jumping on board as well. Il Corvo formerly in the Pike Hill Climb is opening a café on James Street at the north edge of the district and will be serving fresh, hand-made pasta dishes. Gaba, a sushi place, is opening in a renovated storefront near First and Main Street. The three young owners Mary Chiu, Phil Sinz and Billy Beach have sunk a ton of sweat equity into outfitting the interior. Finally, the Cherry Street Coffee House, which has for many years anchored the north end of the district, will bracket the south end with a new shop on First Avenue South, south of King Street.
All of these entrepreneurs are both very smart and willing to take risks. When people of this caliber begin to invest their own money in what have been considered unusual if not edgy locations, others take notice. It's the Tom Douglas Effect. When that enterprising chef opens a new place, other people say, “Hmm. It's time to think about doing something there.”
Now, we need to see what the new owners of the Smith Tower will be doing with that quirky Seattle landmark. I fondly recall seeing live productions of the original ER in the theatre space at the street level. And, of course, the lot next to Occidental Square is just waiting for a creative infill development by Greg Smith and company.
Unfortunately, for some people, Pioneer Square will always been viewed as a place to avoid. Nothing will likely change those ingrained notions. Nonetheless, Pioneer Square is changing and changing dramatically. Those of us who appreciate the place will simply have it to ourselves.
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Comments:
Posted Mon, Dec 17, 10:18 a.m. Inappropriate
So, Mr Hinshaw, how much did the developer(s) pay you to write this?
Posted Mon, Dec 17, 12:35 p.m. Inappropriate
Regardless of how much the developers paid you, good article Mr. Hinshaw. Thank you for bringing attention back to the square. I agree with Ms. Anderson, Occidental Ave. is one of the more beautiful streets in the city and we should be ashamed of ourselves for ignoring it's potential.
Orino, doesn't it sound more like small business is paying Mr. Hinshaw? Sure there is the bit about north lot development, but the rest is free and good press about several small business ventures. This is not the typical south Lake Union piece that has been dominating architectural and/or urban reports as of late. IMO, these are the types of businesses that deserve this attention.
Now, if only we could get that trolley running again. Sure it's touristy but what a great ride it made from the ID to the waterfront.
Posted Mon, Dec 17, 12:57 p.m. Inappropriate
Pioneer Square has received some good press of late, but rarely do reporters get beyond the big names and bright lights. Thank you, Mr. Hinshaw for this rare depth of coverage. Another element to the story is the role that activist residents play in restoring civility to our cherished neighborhood.
Posted Mon, Dec 17, 4:04 p.m. Inappropriate
I also agree with Katherine Anderson (and uncletim) that "Occidental Avenue is the most beautiful street in the city". The Avenue and the Park are incredible places during the summer. Seattle has so much potential - I am excited to read about these positive changes. Thanks for the article.
Posted Tue, Dec 18, 1:44 a.m. Inappropriate
Oh God, do I detect yet another plot by some toadying architect to hit Seattle with yet one more world-class yuppie post-modern ugly stick? I swear it, these people won't be satisfied until they ruin every square foot of the city! Can't you people leave anything alone?
Posted Tue, Dec 18, 10:08 a.m. Inappropriate
One key will be making Occidental work for retail for more than one block. The block facing Occidental Park badly needs a building to the east side of the park, and I gather that is just one strong commercial tenant away from happening.
While Pioneer Square today is full of for rent signs at the street level, that is actually a kind of good news. Retailers that no longer serve the daytime, tech-oriented workforce in the Square are leaving, creating opportunities for the new kinds of hang-out retailing that are moving in. Another factor: the high prices in South Lake Union are deterring startups and support retail, and these folks are discovering the Square.
Posted Tue, Dec 18, 9:26 p.m. Inappropriate
Enough financial advice from architects! Let's get some architectural opinions from financial planners.
Posted Fri, Dec 21, 5:15 a.m. Inappropriate
For the newcomers, it's time for a short course in how Pioneer Square got to where it is? What's the history of Occidental Mall, Globe lighting, Street Tree planting, designs of Occidental Park and Pioneer square Park, Median Strips down First Avenue, Washington Street Boat landing, National Register of Historic Places listing,Designation by the City of Seattle, KingDome effects on the District, etc.
There was and can still be the same level of activism that needs to be in place and powerful to go into the successful future.
How about it?
Arthur M. Skolnik FAIA
Pioneer Square Historic District Manager (1971-75)
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