Since the road is currently closed, we decided to throw a party! Come to a popsicle party on Pike between 11th and 12th this Thursday from 5-8pm. We’ll have free popsicles (hot cocoa if it’s cold), a band, a few tables, and discounts for takeout at local restaurants. Bring your blankets and enjoy some good vibes.
We’re Destination Pike, a community group pushing for the heart of the Pike/Pine corridor to be the most vibrant and walkable destination in Seattle. This means better sidewalks and public space improvements for Pike and the intersecting streets, along with fun activations that delight people of all ages. It’s obvious that we need more space for people along this stretch of Pike where the street was never built to match the neighborhood’s density.
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This year has been rough for the businesses at the heart of Pike/Pine with an endless array of closures and disruptions. Notably on top of national trends, the 6 week road closure caused by the sewer repair project around 12th and Pike as well as the multiple shootouts in the streets, and many other public safety issues. We’ve seen a wave of business closures, and many other businesses telling us they’re barely making it by.
With the hope of bringing temporary relief to some local businesses, we’ve decided not to bring in a street market with vendors and food trucks. Instead, we’ll create the centerpoint with two performers and a place to sit, and we’ll offer discounts and some freebies from the local businesses. We hope you’ll head into a shop, grab a bite, and then enjoy the music. Stop by our table for some information and discount details.
Making permanent improvements is possible. After speaking with business owners, managers, residents, and visitors about these streets, we’ve found common ground on wider sidewalks and more space for people. This would mean moving Lime bikes and trash off the sidewalks and widening the sidewalk so that lines for Neumos or Wild Rose don’t block the entire space. There also need to be more places to stop and sit (or stand) out of the way. With many driveways, parking lots, and loading zones in this area, we aren’t asking for a blanket restriction on vehicle entry. Let’s make sure the city builds something that supports the many needs of our community.
Other ideas for areas across the neighborhood have also come up. A few worth noting: pedestrianizing Barbara Bailey Way (the stretch of Denny already pedestrianized twice a week for the farmers market), slowing traffic on 11th and 12th with stop signs and improved crossings, and possibly a running track around Cal Anderson that brings activity onto Nagle Place. If any of these ideas resonate with you, please attend the open house this Sunday and tell SDOT how you feel. We’re sure you have more ideas, so don’t let us stop you from shaping their work to connect our neighborhood.
About us
Destination Pike is a community group spun off from Central Seattle Streets for All in partnership with Capitol Hill Community Council. We’ve been engaging with the many stakeholders of Pike/Pine including residents, businesses, property owners, and visitors to make sure that these streets can become the vibrant heart of our neighborhood.
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