GNDT May 6 – 13

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 05/13/2025 01:00 PM PDT
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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.
Mayor Harrell signs suite of DAP legislation

New legislation set to spur business growth and housing development in Downtown

Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Mark Solomon joined forces to pass two key pieces of legislation in support of the Downtown Activation Plan. 📝

The first bill makes it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in Downtown. The measure will help fill vacant storefronts in Downtown neighborhoods by expanding street-level uses for commercial spaces. The second bill extends permits for buildings stuck in delays. This will help keep long planned and desperately needed new housing units in Seattle’s housing pipeline. Many of these overdue housing units will be located Downtown and will offer affordable rates.

Mayor Harrell Signs Suite of Downtown Activation Plan Legislation to Fill Vacant Storefronts, Extend Housing Permits – Office of the Mayor

Weekly digest

The “Underwater Mural” painted by Seattle artist Will Schlough

The “Underwater Mural” painted by Seattle artist Will Schlough. Credit: Nick Wagner / The Seattle Times

📖 The Seattle Central Library stands as a cultural and architectural beacon in Downtown. A recent feature highlights how the library offers thousands of books, documentaries, computers, events, activities, and more for all to enjoy: Seattle’s Central Library is a showcase of art, architecture and community – Seattle Times.

A Downtown icon reopens for lunch: The Metropolitan Grill is bringing back lunch service next month. 🥩🔥 Owner Jim Rowe hopes it “sends a message that, hey, Downtown is getting to a better place:” Metropolitan Grill to resume lunch service after 5-year pause – Puget Sound Business Journal. 

🏢 One of the largest foundations is making a big office move. Casey Family Programs, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the child welfare system, signed the biggest lease to date in Downtown this year and will move into 800 Fifth Ave in the fall of 2026: Casey Family Programs signs downtown Seattle’s largest new office lease of 2025 – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Eater Seattle rolled out its “Seattle’s Best New Bars, Spring 2025” 🍸 list, including some notable Downtown spots:

  • The Dandy of King Street Crossing: This Pioneer Square bar comes from the team behind The Coupe and Flute. Featuring a blend of Victorian and art deco design, it offers a curated wine list, craft cocktails, and small plates in a relaxed setting.
  • Parlour: A coffee shop by day, a wine bar by night. Also new to the Pioneer Square neighborhood, pop into this shop for natural wines, craft beers, and local pastries.
  • Tom’s Watch Bar: Conveniently placed near the Space Needle and Climate Pledge, this new sports bar offers wall-to-wall TV coverage of sporting events with bar food and affordable drinks.
Pioneer Square Pergola in Downtown Seattle

Credit: @gregobagel

The pergola in Pioneer Square is more than just a landmark. One neighborhood resident shared her love story for the century-old structure. Now you can share your love of local landmarks that may go unnoticed 💖: Seattle Celebrates Pioneer Square's Pergola as Citizens Share Personal Connections to City Landmarks – Hoodline.

Looking ahead

The Museum of Pop Culture is unveiling its new exhibition, “Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music” this weekend 🎵. The celebration kicks off Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m.

The Seattle Aquarium is hosting an all-day celebration of the Asian American Pacific Islander Community. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, there will be games, insightful talks, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the aquarium’s diverse marine life. 🦦🐠

After Life opera scene

Credit: Music of Remembrance

Benaroya Hall’s Music of Remembrance series presents "After Life", a Tom Cipullo award-winning opera 🎙️. The performance starts Sunday, May 18 at 4 p.m.