GNDT March 12 – 18

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/18/2025 01:30 PM PDT

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: Anthony Bolante / PSBJ

From “doom loop” to “bloom loop!”

“In 2024, 88 new street-level businesses opened, a record 108,000 people called downtown home, 3,000 new residential units were delivered and grand-opening ribbons were cut on major new attractions, including the Aquarium Ocean Pavilion and the Overlook Walk, connecting Pike Place Market to the central waterfront,” wrote Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO Jon Scholes in a recent piece published in the Puget Sound Business Journal.

You can read it yourself here: How city and county leaders are authoring Seattle's comeback – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Weekly digest

"We thought that if we don't do it, who else would? We need to be a part of the revival of downtown. That's what attracted us to it, to see how we could inspire others to do the same,” said Maria Beck, owner of Freya Bakery & Café, which is set to fill a 7,000 square foot lease in Downtown: Local bakery and cafe leases former Specialty's space in downtown Seattle – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Credit: Wing Luke Museum

🎨 "Ten Thousand Things" opened at the Wing Luke Museum, showcasing art, artifacts, and everyday objects that highlight how belongings shape culture, history, and personal identity. “Ten Thousand Things” exhibit unites memory, utility, and family – Northwest Asian Weekly.

🏢 A new hotel opened in Downtown Seattle. The AC Hotel features 200 rooms, free Wi-fi, and workspaces that cater to business travelers: 200-room AC Hotel Seattle Downtown opens for guests – Seattle Urbanize.

A recent report from the Downtown Seattle Association reveals that the number of workers commuting to Downtown is nearing pre-pandemic 2019 levels: Number of Downtown Seattle daily workers approaching pre-pandemic levels – Fox13.

🍗 Okinawa Teriyaki was recently featured in Eater Seattle’s list of best teriyaki spots in Seattle. "Hidden downtown, Okinawa Teriyaki isn’t shy about its mammoth portions. The thick slabs of juicy grilled chicken are phenomenal, but Okinawa also serves a steaming, flavorful bowl of spicy chicken ramen if you’re feeling teriyakied out”: The Best Teriyaki in Seattle – Eater Seattle.

Looking ahead

Homeschool days return to MoPOP on March 20 with both morning and afternoon sessions. Kids will learn how to make their own cosplay costumes out of cardboard.

Street filled with daffodils at Pike Place Market

Credit: Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is celebrating 🌻Daffodil Day on March 20. Pick up beautiful daffodils and enjoy the Market’s unique shops.

Seattle Center is celebrating the arrival of spring during the Seattle Color Festival on March 22 at 11 a.m. Last year, over 10,000 people joined in, and this year will be just as exciting with bright colors and lots of energy.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb is taking place this Sunday, March 23 at the Columbia Center.

Don’t miss your chance to experience “Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy” at MoPop. This exhibit celebrates the iconic artist’s life, work, and activism through 270+ artworks and objects. It's here for just six more days, until March 23.