Pioneer Square

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    Seattle's original downtown, established in 1852, Pioneer Square is considered the birthplace of the city.  Because of the close location to the shipping docks and industry, Pioneer Square became a beacon for new businesses and commerce.  The prosperity of the region led to lots of new construction in a short period of time.  Soon, however, the Pioneer Square community suffered the economic downturn that had spread across the country.  Between the early years of WWI and the Great Depression the neighborhood was transformed from a place of great prosperity to 'skid row'.  Pioneer Square was never able to fully recover or attract new economic activity.  All new construction was later focused in the new downtown area, which preserved the historic architecture from being replaced by new development.  

    Despite the state of decay of Pioneer Square  in the mid 1900's, historians and preservationist argued to designate the area as a historic site because of the Victorian and Edwardian style architecture.  The style of architecture seen in Pioneer Square was unique within the city of Seattle.  In 1969, the 30-acre site was chosen for historic district protection.  

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    Since the decline of the neighborhood as an urban center, the population of Pioneer Square has become increasingly impermanent.  The area has become a center for night clubs and bars, which draw a predominantly younger demographic into the neighborhood.  Because of the close proximity to the entertainment venues and downtown businesses, the limited housing that does exist is fairly expensive.

    Pioneer Square as a neighborhood has developed a tarnished reputation because of the large homeless population and crime.  Occidental Park and Pioneer Park provide large open public spaces, which attract the homeless population.  Because of the number of soup kitchens, missions, shelters, and public space, Pioneer Square has become a haven for the transient population.

Benefits of Artist Housing in Pioneer Square:

200+ artists have been driven out by the market in the past 5 years

50 artists lost their space because of the 2001 Nisqually earthquake

31 art galleries in a 20-block site

Public art exhibitions 

i.e. First Thursday Art Walk

Eclectic neighborhood atmosphere and diverse demographics

Convenient access to downtown businesses and museums/galleries

Pedestrian friendly

attracts foot traffic/ window shopping

It has the potential to be a mutually beneficial arrangement

Availability of Public Space:

    Pioneer Square has more public space than most other neighborhoods in the city.  Public space provides a venue for the 'marketplace of information'.  In such neighborhoods as Pioneer Square, public space has become a common ground for marginalized groups, such as the homeless.  Given this, the public spaces have been defined as both places of refuge and contestation.

Occidental Park:

           

    Occidental Park covers .6 acres and is located at the intersection of Occidental and South Main Street.  The square is located next to businesses such as Elliot Bay Book Company, Bank of America, and the Brian Ohno Gallery.  The main public art events are held in the park, for example 'First Thursday Art Walk'.

Waterfall Garden Park:

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        Waterfall Garden Park is located at 219 2nd Avenue South.  The park was commissioned in 1977 by United Parcel Service millionaire James Casey.  Eight Japanese stone masons constructed the open air, urban haven.  The area is monitored by a security officer and locked at dusk to maintain the safety and beauty of the lush scenery.  The main centerpiece is a 22-foot waterfall that cascades into a shallow pond.

 

 

Home Page    Introduction    Artspace Projects    

Artist Housing Needs    First Thursday Artwalk    

Application Process    Pro Forma   Social Impacts    

Dissenting Opinion    Conclusion    

Additional Resources