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

Credit: Jo Cosme/ Friends of Waterfront Park

🚌🌊 The Waterfront Shuttle is back to connect you to top Downtown spots, just in time for the sunny weather and the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup match days. Catch the shuttle every 15 minutes, 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., starting this Thursday, May 21, until Labor Day. Service will be even more frequent on match days! The shuttle stops at key destinations like the Seattle Stadium, Waterfront Park, Seattle Center, Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and more: Waterfront Shuttle – King County Metro.

🏢📊 Seattle’s commercial real estate market is evolving. With an increased population, a strong tech sector, and a high demand for housing, developers are getting creative. They’re converting underused office space into new living spaces, innovation hubs, and community hotspots. This shift is not only meeting the city’s needs but also reshaping Downtown into a more dynamic and vibrant urban center: Downtown Seattle is facing a real estate reset – with new property types driving the recovery - PSBJ.

🎶☕ The KEXP Gathering Space at Seattle Center marked its 10th anniversary as a vibrant hub for music, coffee, and community, continuing its mission of bringing public radio into a welcoming public space. Over the past decade, it has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike as an accessible cultural hangout that reflects Seattle’s creative energy in everyday public life: Music Matters: The KEXP Gathering Space marks 10 years as Seattle’s living room – Seattle Refined.

Credit: SDOT

🧻🚽 Loo and behold! Seattle is expanding access to public restrooms in Pioneer Square by installing four new solar-powered facilities. As part of a one-year pilot program, the free restrooms include accessibility features, regular cleaning and maintenance, and mobile entry options designed to better support residents and visitors: Seattle Launches Public Restroom Pilot Ahead of World Cup – The Seattle Medium.

🎶🏗️ A 5,500-capacity indoor music venue is planned for the SODO neighborhood as part of The Boxyard expansion. Live Nation and First Avenue Entertainment are partnering on the project, which is set to open in 2029. The venue aims to host mid-sized touring acts and boost year-round entertainment, jobs, and visitor spending near the stadium district: Live Nation, First Avenue confirm plans for new 5,500-seat indoor venue in Seattle’s SODO – KOMO News.

♿🛣️ You can help make Downtown streets easier to navigate. The Seattle Department of Transportation is asking for feedback to update the Seattle’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan to help identify barriers in the public right-of-way. Community feedback on issues like curb ramps, sidewalk access, bus stop connections, and accessible parking will help guide future accessibility improvements across Seattle’s transportation network: Help make Seattle streets more accessible, take our ADA survey – SDOT Blog.

Looking ahead

Credit: Seattle Storm

🏀🧸 Join the Seattle Storm as they take on the Washington Mystics on Sunday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at Climate Pledge Arena. The game will feature a special toy drive benefiting the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fans can donate new, unwrapped toys to designated bins or contribute financially. The team’s goal is to surpass last year’s collection of over 1,000 toys and $11,000 raised for patients and families.

🤍🌹 You are invited to the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance on Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. This ceremony will honor the service members from our community who made the ultimate sacrifice.

🎶✨ Join Seattle Jazz Fellowship Jam Session on Monday, May 25, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. This free, all-ages night of live music starts with a house band, followed by an open jam session. Bring your instrument and sign up at the door or just come to listen.

Credit: Seattle Parks and Recreation

🌳🎀 Come celebrate the grand reopening of Westlake Park on Thursday, May 28, from 5 – 6:30 p.m.! After a major renovation, the park now features improved accessibility and a more welcoming layout. The celebration will include a community ribbon-cutting, live music, fun activities, and more.

🌊🚶 Experience the Waterfront with a new daily walking tour! Join the 10 a.m. stroll, running now through October, for a guided look at the city’s evolving shoreline. Explore stories of Indigenous heritage, urban transformation, and the revitalized Waterfront Park connecting Seattle back to the water.