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

🏈🏪 The Seahawks’ postseason run is delivering an economic boost to local retailers and businesses as Downtown restaurants, bars, and hotels see a surge in both local customers and out-of-town visitors. This surge highlights how professional sports can energize a local economy and unite a community: Seahawks Super Bowl run boosts Seattle businesses – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Credit: Seattle Reign FC

Seattle is ranked among the top U.S. cities for women’s sports, thanks to teams like the Seattle Storm 🏀, Seattle Reign FC ⚽, and Seattle Torrent 🏒. The success of these teams is inspiring a new generation of fans and solidifying Seattle as a premier destination for women’s sports. Seattle Is One Of The Country's Top Cities For Women's Sports, Study Says – Secret Seattle.

🌳💚 The Pacific Science Center opened its iconic Yamasaki Courtyard connecting it directly to Seattle Center. This makes both locations more accessible to the public – no tickets, no gates, just a beautiful, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. This transformation turns Seattle Center into an even more vibrant hub for families, visitors, and community gatherings: Pacific Science Center removes entrance gates, allows public to access iconic courtyard – KOMO News.

The Seattle Chinatown-International District Preservation and Development Authority finalized the purchase of the historic Eclipse Hotel and plans to convert its vacant upper floors into affordable rental housing for seniors. A $2 million grant from Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund helped make the acquisition possible, allowing the organization to preserve a culturally significant building while keeping ground-floor commercial spaces active: Amazon cash, old hotel, new neighbors, Eclipse set to house Seattle seniors – Hoodline.

Credit: Toasted

🥯☕ Seattle coffee and bagel chain Toasted opened its fourth location in Pioneer Square, adding another popular breakfast spot to the heart of the city. The Mediterranean-inspired café serves freshly made bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and more, joining a growing roster of eateries drawing people into Seattle’s first neighborhood: Seattle’s Toasted expands with Pioneer Square spot – Axios Seattle.

Downtown Seattle’s office market is stabilizing, with vacancies expected to drop in 2026. Many landlords are offering flexible leases and perks to attract tenants. As more companies sign leases, analysts expect more people to return Downtown, bringing steady foot traffic and renewed energy to support restaurants, retailers, and services: Seattle-area office market sees early signs of stabilization – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Looking ahead

⛵🌊 The 2026 Seattle Boat Show runs until Saturday, February 7 at the Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina. It showcases hundreds of boats, marine gear, technology, seminars, and interactive exhibits for a fun outing with family and friends: Seattle Boat Show – Seattle Boat Show.

Credit: Seattle Office of Arts and Culture

🖼️🎨Join ARTS at King Street Station this Thursday, February 5 for Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk! Celebrate the opening of the Kolam exhibit with a live art installation, and take part in activities such as creating a traditional NW Coast Native Formline art piece.

🎭🎶 The Tony Award-winning musical THE WIZ is coming to the Paramount Theatre from February 10 – 15. Featuring dazzling costumes, dynamic choreography, and musical numbers, this production is set to be a highlight for Seattle’s 2026 performing arts season, giving locals and visitors an exciting reason to experience live theatre Downtown.

🎆🎉 Celebrate Tết, or Lunar New Year in Vietnamese culture, in Little Saigon this weekend, from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8. If you can't make it, the Seattle Center will also host a Tết in Seattle celebration on February 14 – 15. This event, part of the Seattle Center Festál series, will take place at the Armory Food and Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion.

Credit: Pike Place Market

💖💌 Celebrate love at Pike Place Market this Valentine’s Day with delicious treats, unique gifts, and romantic experiences around every corner. Stop by on Friday, February 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to pick up a vibrant bouquet, enjoy farm-fresh donuts, and grab a Valentine’s card designed by Market artists!