Hi all,

Welcome to this week’s dose of good news from Downtown Seattle, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

I am still reeling from that tough Mariners playoff loss – truly the most Mariners way to end a season. What a journey it was and showed how sports can energize our city and revitalize Downtown. But there are plenty of other reasons to come Downtown this fall and winter to gather with your friends, enjoy a show or a concert, and support your local businesses.

Downtown Seattle is buzzing again – and not just because of baseball. From new restaurants like Seattle legend Tom Douglas’ new location Mr. Fish, art walks, or holiday markets, there’s a renewed energy that’s hard to miss. One of my favorite recent reads was this piece in The Seattle Times about how Pioneer Square is bringing people back – thanks in part to social media and a new wave of creative entrepreneurs.

This is the kind of momentum we love to see – and it’s happening all across Downtown. Whether you’re catching a Kraken game or the world-class orchestra at Benaroya Hall, exploring the Waterfront, or just grabbing a coffee and strolling through Pike Place, you’re part of the story. Every visit, every purchase, every shared moment helps fuel the continued comeback of our city’s core.

So come on down. Bring your family and friends. Try that new spot you saw on TikTok. Take the light rail in and make a night of it. Downtown is open, it’s vibrant, and it’s waiting for you.

As always, if you have Good News Downtown that you would like to share, please send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

– Markham

Weekly digest

“We’re not just preserving a landmark. We’re reimagining a space where Seattle’s entrepreneurial spirit was born.” Pioneer Square’s Grand Central block has new ownership – Urban Visions. The company’s CEO shared his vision for the historic building, noting a goal to bring the building’s energy back: Urban Visions buys Pioneer Square's Grand Central Block at steep discount – PSBJ.

Credit: Seattle Times

The Seattle Fat Mall continues to build community while creating an inclusive space for fashion that celebrates all body types.👗👠 The Seattle Restored pop-up is using vacant office space to create a space that redefines beauty standards and offer stylish options for their customers: Seattle Fat Mall brings fashion and community for all bodies – Seattle Times.

Credit: Garret Weintrob

🌊⛲Waterfront Park is proving it has more than just award-winning view. 🏅 The park received the 2025 Outstanding New Park Project Award from World Urban Parks, recognizing it as one of the world’s most innovative and community-driven public spaces. Stretching from Pioneer Square to Pier 62, the park features gardens, public art, community play areas, and sustainable shoreline design, executing the City’s vision of reconnecting Downtown to Elliott Bay. The award highlights Seattle’s commitment to creating welcoming, accessible, and inspiring spaces that bring people together year-round.

James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson is opening three new restaurants in Pioneer Square this December, titled Lowlander Brewing, Un Po Tipsy, and My Oh My. Part of the RailSpur redevelopment, the trio will offer everything from brewery fare 🍻 and New York–style pizza 🍕 to a European-inspired dining experience 🍽️ The openings mark a major culinary addition to Pioneer Square, blending Seattle’s food creativity with the neighborhood’s art, sports, and cultural spirit: James Beard winner prepares to debut 3 concepts in former F.X. McRory's space – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Credit: Seattle Times

🌇 The Seattle Times recently highlighted the Seattle Architecture Foundation’s Skyline Walking Tour, spotlighting an engaging way to rediscover Downtown’s beauty and history. Led by passionate volunteer guides, the two-hour stroll unveils the stories behind 15 iconic Downtown buildings, from historic gems like the Rainier Club to modern marvels like the F5 Tower. The tour offers a fresh perspective on Seattle’s architecture, creativity, and charm, celebrating Seattle’s evolving skyline and inviting participants to see the city’s architecture and community with fresh eyes.

Looking ahead

Credit: Seattle Center

Join a celebration of culture and community at the 🎆 Seattle Hmong New Year 🎆 festival on Saturday, November 8 as part of the Seattle Center Festál. Presented with the Hmong Association of Washington, the festival marks the end of the harvest season and welcoming a new year filled with gratitude and joy with traditional clothing, dance, music, and food.

🖼️🎨🚶🏼‍♀️‍➡️Don’t miss your chance to explore some of the best of Seattle’s creative community at November’s edition of the First Thursday Art Walk on November 6 in Pioneer Square. As the nation’s longest-running art walk, this monthly event showcases the city’s diverse collection of galleries, studios, and exhibitions, all within a walkable square mile, Free parking is available for visitors to enjoy an evening of art, culture, and connection.

Experience a broad array of sounds and styles as Rainbow City Performing Arts presents Worlds We Create on Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Benaroya Hall. 🎶 Featuring nearly 200 local musicians from the concert band and orchestra, along with performances by the Flûtrange flute choir and Seattle String Chorus, the event celebrates the beauty of collaboration and the diversity of Seattle’s performing arts scene.