Connect the Corners Project Brings New Life to Third Avenue Intersections

As Kathleen Warren, the art director and cofounder of Overall Creative, put the finishing touches on a mural on the side of a vacant building at the southwest corner of Third Avenue and Pike Street, a passerby paused to take in the new colors.

“Is something going into this space?” he asked.

“No,” Warren replied. “But hopefully someone will when they see how pretty this is.”

The brief exchange captured the spirit behind the Downtown Seattle Association/Metropolitan Improvement District’s Connect the Corners project, a public realm initiative designed to reinvigorate two of downtown’s most prominent intersections, Third & Pine Street and Third & Pike, and create more vibrant gateways to the retail core, Pike Place Market and the waterfront.

Work on the corners began in late June by a few Overall Creative artists and it included colorful murals and sidewalk art. Catenary lighting, part of the ongoing Third Avenue lighting installation, is scheduled for completion in late July. This new lighting expands the Spark Block’s catenary lights, which were extended along Third Avenue between Stewart and Pine streets in March.

This beautification initiative aligns with DSA/MID’s Third Avenue Vision, the Urban Land Institute’s Third Avenue forum report and the city’s broader Downtown Activation Plan.

“I’ve been telling people it’s a summertime activation to brighten up two of the busiest corners downtown,” said Warren, whose local artist collective Overall Creative has led the design. “Third Avenue is where everything happens, so we’re just trying to bring some joy and color to the area.”

As part of the design, Third and Pine showcases a lush forest theme, while Third and Pike features water-inspired art that evokes downtown’s iconic waterfront. Kathleen and fellow Overall Creative cofounder Lina Cholewinski have spearheaded the project with DSA/MID.

DSA/MID is collaborating on Connect the Corners with the Seattle Department of Transportation, the Office of Economic Development, King County Metro, Miasto and Third Avenue property owners and residents.

“By transforming these key corners, we’re not just beautifying public spaces, we’re creating a more welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike,” said Seth Geiser, DSA manager of urban planning and design. “This project builds on ongoing efforts along Third Avenue and helps set the stage for all of the major events coming to the center city, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Warren said that while her team was painting the eight corners, they were approached by multiple employees who work nearby and asked if they could brighten up their buildings, too. She also said numerous unhoused people, including some former artists, asked her how they could get involved, so Warren was able to distribute her business card.

“This gives people hope that there’s effort being put forward, and it shows that there’s a respect for the area and not just blank walls,” Warren said. “Paint won’t change the world, and this art won’t change anyone’s life, but it will make people smile and it will bring more life to these important intersections.”