The Registry: Barnes & Noble Returns to Downtown Seattle with 17,500 SQFT Lease at Tishman Speyer’s 520 Pike

This story was originally published by The Registry on Dec. 1, 2025.

Tishman Speyer Secures Downtown’s Largest Lease in Five Years, As Leading Bookseller Reestablishes Downtown Flagship

Seattle, December 1, 2025 – Tishman Speyer today announced Barnes & Noble will create a new flagship location at 520 Pike Street, Tishman Speyer’s fully modernized 29-story tower in the heart of Seattle’s downtown business district.  The 10-year agreement represents the largest retail lease in downtown Seattle since 2020.

The new Barnes & Noble will encompass 17,538 square feet on the prominent corner of Pike Street and 6th Avenue.  The store, which is slated to open in the first quarter of 2026, will offer an array of books, toys, games, magazines, gift items and more.

The largest retail bookseller in the United States, Barnes & Noble is in a period of significant growth with announced plans to open over 60 new bookstores in 2025 alone.  The 520 Pike location reestablishes Barnes & Noble’s presence in downtown Seattle for the first time since January 2020.

“Barnes & Noble’s return serves as a major vote of confidence and a huge momentum booster for downtown Seattle,” said Tishman Speyer Senior Managing Director Ryan Botjer.  “Their decision also underscores 520 Pike’s position as a center of connection and community.”

Downtown Seattle Association President & CEO Jon Scholes added, “Barnes & Noble’s return to downtown Seattle is enormous.  When a national retailer returns to downtown it’s an indicator of confidence in our center city and the strength of our retail trade area.  And that thought is bolstered by other recent openings or expansions of strong brands like SuitSupply, Portland Leather Goods, Arc’teryx, Uniqlo and the soon-to-be open Carmine’s, among others.  There is energy in downtown with a record residential population, visitor numbers that are the strongest we’ve seen in six years and more public space amenities coming online that increase our vibrancy.  It’s a great time to open shop in downtown Seattle.”

Built in 1983 and renovated in 2018, 520 Pike spans 396,600 square feet and features efficient floor plates with a continuous glass façade, as well as breathtaking panoramic views.  The Class A office tower is home to a diverse set of companies in the tech, insurance, law, and finance industries.  Corporate customers have access to an array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a conference center, bike storage, and above ground parking garage with EV charging.  With a central downtown location, 520 Pike offers convenient transit options and is surrounded by major hotels, shopping and entertainment.

Tishman Speyer was represented by West Coast Commercial Realty’s Tiffini Connell, Avery Connell and Madeline Stutz.  Barnes & Noble was represented by Seattle Pacific Realty’s Lee Guillory.