GNDT Feb. 12 – 19

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 02/19/2025 02:00 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: Garret Weintrob

Good News Downtown turns two! 🥳

Good News Downtown recently celebrated its second birthday! Here are some of our favorite moments that showcase the thriving spirit of Downtown:

🌊 Downtown got livelier as we celebrated the grand opening of the Overlook Walk, connecting Pike Place Market to the Waterfront.
🛍️ Eight talented local artists joined the Promenade Pop-Ups program, showing off and selling their creations for a fun and unique retail experience.
🏙 With over 29.5 million visits in 2024, Downtown Seattle continued to be a top destination for locals and travelers alike, buzzing with energy year-round.

Check out more of the highlights on our blog: Two years of Good News Downtown – Bottom Line.

Weekly digest

Seattle leaders sat down with reporters recently to discuss Downtown and the actions the City is taking to help ensure Seattle is buzzing with activity. Highlights include the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, AI House, and the M5 Creative building: ‘Downtown runs on people’: Seattle officials bullish on impact of Amazon’s return to office – GeekWire.

“Everything that we’re doing is really trying to make sure that Downtown is buzzing Sunday to Sunday,” said Markham McIntyre, director of the Office of Economic Development.

“We want Downtown Seattle to not only be a great place to work and run a business, but also a place for families and residents of all kinds to live and thrive,” said Mayor Harrell. New legislation approved by the Seattle City Council creates a tax exemption for the conversion of underutilized commercial property into residential housing. The bill authorizes deferral of the 10.3% sales and use tax on the construction costs of converting commercial space to housing: Seattle City Council Approves Tax Incentives to Convert Office Spaces.

🚶🏾‍➡️🚶🏽‍➡️🚶🏿‍➡️Nearly two million unique visitors came Downtown in January, 14% higher than last January, based on Downtown Seattle Association’s Revitalization Dashboard. Several coming attractions promise to boost Downtown numbers even more. According to Visit Seattle, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show happening Downtown this week is estimated to bring 60,000 people and a $14 million boost to the economy: Downtown Seattle Foot Traffic is Up, Thanks to Amazon – Seattle magazine.

Seattle Refined recently took a staycation, showcasing several Downtown favorites: the new Ocean Pavilion, Overlook Walk, and a host of local restaurants. Brighten up your winter with a scintillating Seattle staycation – Seattle Refined.

Downtown gathering spots are embracing the sober-curious trend with creative mocktails and non-alcoholic options. Places like Aerlume and El Gaucho Seattle are leading the way: Seattle's mocktail scene keeps growing – Seattle Axios.

Landmark Event Co. is turning the old KeyBank branch on Second Avenue into a new event space dubbed ‘Centennial’ in tribute to the 100-year-old property: Historic former Seattle bank building to find new life as event space, owner confirms – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Gallery Northwest in Pioneer Square is officially open! The new space, open Tuesdays through Saturdays, showcases contemporary “New West” and Pacific Northwest art, honoring the history and heritage of the Coast Salish Peoples.

Looking ahead

Don’t miss the final Sound Off! showcase of the year, happening Saturday, February 22 at 7 p.m. In its 25th year, the Museum of Pop Culture event provides musicians under the age of 21 the chance to perform in front of a live crowd and network with like-minded peers.

Credit: Friend Museum

Up and coming photographers, get tips and tricks on shooting the Seattle skyline from a professional. The Friend Museum is hosting a free art walk through Pioneer Square on Saturday, February 22 at 3 p.m. Photographers will get pointers while walking through and enjoying the historic Downtown neighborhood.

The Oni Arts Collective is performing a free rendition of their show 33^rd Avenue on Saturday, February 22, at 5 p.m. This production weaves together diverse artistic styles to tell the story of Creative Director Nailah Bulley’s grandmother and her experiences growing up in the Central District.

⚽🧣 Scarves up! 🧣⚽ Seattle Sounder’s first home game is on Saturday, February 22, and tickets are still available.

The 5^th Annual Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Rally and March will bring the community together for two hours of remembrance, reflection, and resolve to honor the resilience and achievements of Seattle’s Chinese American community. The rally kick-off at Hing Hay Park in the Chinatown-International District, marching toward the Waterfront on Sunday, February 23.