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 us an email.

Weekly digest

One of Downtown’s most recognizable office towers has a new name. The Russel Investments headquarters is now the JPMorganChase Center. The change reflects the continued presence of major employers in the urban core and signals long-term confidence in Downtown: Russell's former Seattle tower changed to JPMorganChase Center – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Credit: Smith Tower

Smith Tower launched a lineup of elevated mocktails 🥂 this month that pair Downtown skyline views with creative winter programming. The new menu gives residents and visitors a fresh reason to spend time Downtown during Seattle’s cozy season, and shows how historic venues continue to adapt: Sober Sipping Atop Seattle’s Skyline – Axios.

Sound Transit announced a pilot overnight bus service connecting Downtown and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, providing 24-hour access to the region’s main airport. Starting in March, busses will run every 30 minutes between midnight and 4 a.m. The program aims to help late-night workers and travelers while preparing for an increase in visitors ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup this summer: Sound Transit to pilot overnight bus service between Downtown Seattle and SEA airport – King 5.

Downtown’s historic Maritime Building is welcoming new tenants. Software development company Docker is leasing nearly 34,000 square feet on the Waterfront after years without a Seattle presence: San Francisco tech company grabs space in Seattle's Maritime Building – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Credit: Cascade PBS

Marvin Oliver’s totem poles are returning to Steinbrueck Park in March, bringing Coast Salish–inspired public art back to the Waterfront. The installation will reconnect visitors with Indigenous culture and history in a highly visible public space.

Looking ahead

Enjoy the Seattle Aquarium with After Hours: Winter Warmth on Thursday, January 22 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. This 21-and-older evening event invites adults to explore the Ocean Pavilion’s tropical-inspired warm-water habitats after work, enjoy drinks and food available for purchase, chat with staff and volunteers, and be among the first to try the new One Ocean Tropical Pale Ale brewed in partnership with Old Stove Brewing Co. Tickets include access to the Pavilion and help support the Aquarium’s conservation work, but space is limited – grab yours soon!

Credit: Seattle Rep

Check out the Seattle Rep’s newest play, Here There Are Blueberries, which opens at the Bagley Wright Theater this week. The play centers around a mysterious photo album that arrives at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum with photographs that sent shockwaves through the museum and sparked a global debate. Based on true events, the play runs through February 15.

Credit: Truong Nguyen

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Wing Luke Museum’s Annual Lunar New Year Family Fair! The event on Saturday, January 31 starts at 10 a.m. with a Lion Dance Blessing that is open to the public. The rest of the day, the museum will host special events for museum-goers that include a Zodiac Animal scavenger hunt for kids, crafts, and more.