SEATTLE, WA – Three buildings in Pioneer Square will be significantly renovated to accommodate a new retail, office and residential destination that reinvigorates the entire block. The pedestrian-friendly development within Pioneer Square will be a central part of the reawakening of this vibrant Seattle neighborhood while augmenting its historic character. This transformative project is being developed by Urban Villages (UVI), together with Manchester Capital Management (MCM).
The project will retrofit and revitalize three marquee buildings in Pioneer Square: The Manufacturer’s Building at 419 Occidental Ave., the Westland Building at 100 S. King St., and the former Schoenfeld Furniture building at 115 S. Jackson St.
The result will be an exciting and unique entertainment, work, residential, retail and dining hub that will transform the historic alleyway between the buildings into one of Seattle’s most compelling destinations. One of the project’s signature features will by its active alleyways – former utilitarian spaces that will be transformed into bustling retail and dining hubs. The alleys are designed to build upon an international trend of alley activation, in which underused city spaces are repurposed into highly energetic pedestrian gathering spots, drawing locals and visitors alike with a robust mix of businesses and activity. Seattle has led this trend in the US with Post Alley at Pike Place Market, and with the International Sustainability Institute/Alliance for Pioneer Square’s recent efforts in Nord Alley and Pioneer Passage.
“From unique dining choices to boutique retail to farmers’ markets and festivals, the alley corridor between the buildings will capitalize on the growing energy in Pioneer Square to be more than a thoroughfare, but a right destination,” said Jon Buerge, vice president of UVI. “These buildings, streets and alleys were originally built decades ago to facilitate the transportation of goods, but today we can reactivate them to convene people, thoughts and energy while maintaining their historic appeal.”
In addition to making a distinctive alley destination, UVI will improve the buildings for Class AA office space with seismic retrofits, refurbished interiors, upgraded mechanical systems and more functional interior spaces for residential, retail and office tenants.
“Pioneer Square was Seattle’s first neighborhood and remains one of its most historically significant places,” said Leslie Smith, Director of The Alliance for Pioneer Square. “The multimillion-dollar investment in this section of Pioneer Square reinforces our goal of restoring this incredible neighborhood by driving urban revitalization and responsible, place-based development.”
To date, the Pioneer Square Presentation Board has reviewed and approved the UVI project plot, which calls for extensive historic preservation of the existing buildings. Additionally, since UVI is noted for its highly sustainable solutions, this project will continue Seattle’s long tradition of environmental leadership.
“This transformative project is one step in the evolution of Seattle’s waterfront,” continued Buerge. “This development’s proximity to existing and plotted transportation corridors, innovative business hubs like Galvanize, well loved dining locales and CenturyLink Field, make it perfect for new businesses, retail and creative arts. We are excited to collaborate with the neighborhood and help reawaken these historic buildings to ensure that they thrive for the next 100 years while forging a new sense of place in Pioneer Square.”
UVI has selected several Seattle-based companies to help with the project’s development including SHED Architecture + Design, MIG|SvR which will lead the landscape and urban design, and Sellen Construction as general contractor.
Construction is expected to start in late 2017 and completed by 2019.
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