GNDT Feb. 5 – 11

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 02/11/2025 02:30 PM PST

Hi all,

Sending another Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

If you have news or events to share or if you want to talk about the work being done to revitalize Downtown, send me an email.

Credit: Seattle Times

Downtown is revving, according to a recent Seattle Times column by Jon Talton, where he highlights increased foot traffic and business revenue, new residential and commercial developments, and more: Downtown Seattle is on the mend, with much more work to be done – Seattle Times.

We appreciate the recognition of our team and their work from WeRise Wines owner Jamila Conley:

“The Office of Economic Development have done a phenomenal job in helping small businesses navigate what is difficult with all these archaic processes. … They have a consulting program where I could work with a consultant for 10 hours and it was a lifesaver.”

Learn more about how we help: Consulting Services - Economic Development | seattle.gov.

Weekly digest

Mayor Harrell attending the Soul of Seattle event

Support Downtown’s Black-owned businesses this Black History Month, and year-round, using the Intentionalist’s map, featuring more than 130 Greater Seattle black-owned businesses.

The fourth annual Soul of Seattle event at Block 41 in Belltown “was a V.I.B.E!” celebrating Black excellence in Seattle’s food and beverage community.

Celebrate Black History Month by cheering on Seattle Black-owned businesses, taking in events and exhibitions that document and celebrate the Black experience, or strolling through one of Seattle’s heritage sites like The Gwendolyn Knight and Jacob Lawrence Gallery, or the Following Space: Thaddeus Mosley and Alexander Calder exhibit at Seattle Art Museum: Celebrate Black History Month in Seattle with New Restaurants, Tasting Rooms, and Exhibit Openings - Visit Seattle.

💝 Need a last-minute Valentine’s Day plan? 💝 Conspagna just opened in the Chinatown-International District, serving up authentic Ethiopian dishes “crafted with love and tradition.” Conspagna also offers a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience: 13 Seattle Restaurants and Bars That Opened in December and January - Eater Seattle.

🚴 Bell Street pedestrian and bicycle improvements are rolling ahead 🚴 as construction began on the project last week. Key upgrades include: protected bike lanes, improved crosswalks, upgraded lighting, and green infrastructure: Construction begins on Bell Street pedestrian and bicycle improvements - SDOT Blog.

OpenTable recognized The Pink Door as one of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the country. Known for its enchanting live performances and delectable Italian American cuisine, you and your amore will have time to fall head-over-heals in love in anticipation of your reservation date: Romantic restaurant search – Axios Seattle.

Scores of lunch spots Downtown for every day of the week were included in Seattle Met’s rundown of Seattle’s best: Seattle’s Best Lunch Spots | Seattle Met.

Saturday now calls for a Cuban sandwich and Piña Colada, with Lenox in Belltown officially launching their weekend lunch at the Afro Latin Soul Food spot.

🍕 Get it while it’s hot 🍕 Michelin-starred chef Brian O’Connor is launching a pizza pop-up in Downtown Seattle. This exciting new venture only runs from February 17 – 21, but the chef promises a brick-and-mortar space to follow. Former Michelin-star GM to open pizza pop-up at Seattle hotel - Puget Sound Business Journal.

This week, three women-owned small businesses in Pioneer Square teamed up for the Feast & Drink on 1^st Ave. This sold-out event featured a progressive dinner at OHSUN, Luigi’s Italian Eatery, and Underbelly.

Looking ahead

Three Harlem girls vie for the crown in a high-stakes competition in Seattle Children’s Theatre adaptation of the hit novel, Hula Hoopin’ Queen, which runs February 12 – March 23. Want a preview of the play’s content? Follow the story along with Oprah Winfrey.

This Saturday, February 15, Seattle will celebrate what would have been Wing Luke’s 100^th birthday (February 18, 2025) with exhibits on his life and legacy at the museum named after the Seattle civil rights champion. The celebration includes free admission for attendees 17 years of age and under. How Wing Luke’s legacy continues to shape Seattle | The Seattle Times.

📖 Bestselling author Ta-Nehisi Coates 📖 will be at Benaroya Hall on Tuesday, February 18 to discuss his new collection of essays in The Message. Seattle Arts & Lectures \ A Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates.

The Seattle Jazz Fellowship is bringing 13 bands to 13 venues in Pioneer Square for 🎷 Jazz Night in Pioneer Square 🎷 all night long on Tuesday, February 18. The event features some of Seattle’s best-loved local jazz talent and is completely free of charge.

🌳 Community input needed for Pioneer Square Park!🌳 Join Seattle Parks and Recreation for an Open House on February 20 from 3 – 5 p.m. This community event is an opportunity to learn about future renovations to the park, share feedback, and help shape a vision that reflects the culture and history of Pioneer Square.

The annual 🌺🌷🪻Northwest Flower and Garden Festival 🪻🌷🌺 will bloom from February 19 – 23 at the Seattle Convention Center with something for seasoned gardeners and those just starting to dig in the dirt.

The Masters Academy of Art is located in the heart of the city's historic Pioneer Square, providing artists with unparalleled access to museums, galleries, and public art. Talented, ambitious representational artists with a passion for the classical tradition are invited to apply for the Masters Academy of Art 2025-2026 Seattle Prize, a paid fellowship program to help artists develop their skills and create era-defining masterpieces.