First & Pike Public Space Activation: A New Chapter for Downtown

A new partnership between the Downtown Seattle Association/Metropolitan Improvement District and Seattle’s Department of Transportation is bringing a fresh wave of energy to one of Seattle’s most iconic intersections. The revitalized First & Pike public space, a pedestrian-only plaza, was unveiled at a media event on April 10.

Nestled on Pike Street between First and Second avenues, with the picturesque Pike Place Market sign serving as a backdrop, First & Pike now features new furniture and lighting, vibrant planters and daily programming. Last year, about 3.3 million people passed through the First & Pike area, one of the busiest downtown corridors, making this an integral public space for tourists and residents alike.

The refreshed space is funded by the DSA/MID and SDOT, and it will be staffed by DSA/MID ambassadors.

Key stakeholders attended the opening event, sharing  their enthusiasm for this newly activated space in downtown Seattle. Among the speakers were Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell; DSA Vice President of Public Realm & Ambassador Operations Jennifer Casillas; Clise Properties Senior Director of Property Management & Government Affairs Sabrina Villanueva, also the MID Ratepayer Advisory Board chair; SDOT Director Adiam Emery; and Anne Johnson, area manager of Columbia Hospitality and general manager of The State Hotel.

“As one of the most visited sections of downtown, First & Pike has become a crucial space for connection and community,” Casillas said. “This revitalization, along with the exciting programming we are bringing to the space, brings new life to this historic intersection and provides an area where people can gather, relax and experience the vibrancy of downtown Seattle.”

To further activate the plaza, DSA has developed a schedule of daily events and programming every Tuesday through Sunday into the summer months. Here’s the schedule:

• Tuesday: Treat Tuesday, 1 p.m.
• Wednesday: Live painting, 1 p.m.
• Thursday: Busker performance, 4-6 p.m.
• Friday: Busker performance, 4-6 p.m.
• Saturday: Games, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Sunday: Games, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

“Two of the greatest assets any city has is their people and their public spaces,” Harrell said. “Core to our downtown activation plan is working with strong partners to best optimize our public spaces to be open, safe and welcoming for the people who come here — residents, families, workers and visitors alike. This reimagined space at First & Pike is a great example of what is possible when public and private sectors work together toward a shared vision. I want to thank DSA for their ongoing partnership in revitalizing our downtown core and fostering clean, open and activated spaces for all of us to enjoy.”

The First & Pike makeover is part of an ongoing effort by DSA to revitalize public spaces in the downtown area, following successful collaborations with the city of Seattle in transforming and managing spaces such as Westlake Park, Bell Street Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Park and McGraw Square.

Last week’s press event garnered stories from KOMO 4, KING 5 and Seattle Business Magazine.