Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 12/15/2021 01:51 PM PST
A vintage photo of Seattle's Pioneer Square with logo that says "Seattle Histories"

Seattle Histories: A Brief History of Block 17 in Pioneer Square

From the longhouses of the Duwamish, Suquamish, and Muckleshoot to the vendors of Market Square and modern-day artist lofts, writer and game developer Beverly Aarons gives a look back at the history of Block 17 in Pioneer Square from 1785 to present day. This submission is part of the Seattle Histories storytelling project highlighting the places, people, and events that have shaped the history of Seattle’s communities. These stories, told by community members, emphasize experiences and narratives that may have been overlooked or misrepresented in our city.

Read more on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

The Redistricting Process in Seattle and the Importance of an Equitable Approach: The dramatic growth in Seattle over the past decade requires the redrawing of political lines to maintain a balance in district populations. Learn more about the process and how the community can get involved. (more)

City of Seattle Extends ORCA Recovery Card Program: The program, which provides free transit cards to essential workers, is being extended through the end of 2022. (more)

Philanthropic Gift to Help Complete 20-Acre Waterfront Park: Friends of Waterfront Seattle announced a $5 million gift from Amazon to support 20 acres of improved parks and public spaces along Seattle’s central waterfront. (more)

Environmentally Friendly Transportation Options in Seattle aim to Address the Climate Crisis: Seattle Department of Transportation is working to reduce carbon emissions from transportation systems by incorporating green infrastructure, electrifying transit vehicles, and building more protected bike lanes. (more)

Composting Opportunities for Holiday Greens Available through January: Seattle Public Utilities customers can place up to two trees or bundled greens next to your food and yard waste cart on each regular collection day. (more)

Interested in a Career at the Library? Multiple Positions Currently Open at the Seattle Public Library: Learn more about current job openings and discover the benefits of working at a community focused institution that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. (more)

In The Community

A collage of a set of stairs and other interior shots from the Panama Hotel in Seattle

Panama Hotel-Testimony to a Forgotten World

Built in 1910, the Panama Hotel was a community hub for the many Japanese immigrants in Seattle. Over the past century, the importance of the hotel to the Japanese American community has primarily been defined by oppressive and unjust laws that made it a place of refuge. When people of Japanese ancestry were forced into incarceration in 1942, the building became a repository for items left behind by roughly 120,000 people. More than 8,500 of those items were never reclaimed. Today, nominated for Landmark status and slated to become a Japanese American museum, the Panama Hotel looks to preserve a moment lost in time and continue its role as a cultural hub for the Japanese community.

Read the full story in Northwest Asian Weekly

Share Your Feedback

Help Shape the Future of Alki Point by Participating in the Keep Moving Street Survey: Seattle Department of Transportation seeks information about what is and isn’t working and how the community would like to see the area used in the future. Survey closes December 21. (more)

Community Input Needed for Carkeek Park Play Area Renovation: Seattle Parks and Recreation is beginning the process of renovating the existing play area to improve equipment and increase accessibility. (more)