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The Changing Face of First and Pike

Beautification effort aims to create a welcoming and safe environment

Rob Smith By Rob Smith April 11, 2025

In this lively street scene, The Changing Face of First and Pike unfolds. People mingle at the market, some perched on blue spinning chairs while others exchange pleasantries. Behind them, a building adorned with green umbrellas stands as a backdrop to the vibrant interactions.
Photo courtesy of DSA

Sure, it’s only a few pieces of furniture, some new lighting, a bunch of colorful planter boxes, and some twirly chairs. But the latest downtown makeover — this time on Pike Street between First and Second avenues, with the iconic Pike Place Market sign in the background — is an important milestone in contributing to a safer environment.

The new space is a joint effort between the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) and the city Department of Transportation. Metropolitan Improvement District “ambassadors” will also staff the block to assists tourists and locals alike. (The latter is part of DSA).

“As one of the most visited sections of downtown, First and Pike has become a crucial space for connection and community,” says DSA Vice President of Public Realm & Ambassador Operations Jennifer Casillas. “This revitalization, along with our exciting programming, brings new life to this historic intersection and provides an engaging public space.”

DSA also released a series of programs throughout the summer along the corridor:

● Tuesday: Treat Tuesday, 1 p.m.
● Wednesday: Live painting, 1 p.m.
● Thursday: Busker performance, 4-6 p.m.
● Friday: Busker performance, 4-6 p.m.
● Saturday: Games, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
● Sunday: Games, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The makeover is part of an ongoing effort by DSA to revitalize public spaces in the downtown area. Most recently, DSA led an effort to install festive lighting between Stewart and Pine streets on Third Avenue.

Scoff if you will, but the connection between safety and revitalization, while a passive strategy, has been practiced by cities large and small across the country for at least 50 years. The Death and Life of Great American Cities, published in the early 1960s, lays out a compelling case about why some city streets are safe while others are not.

As Anne Johnson, area manager of Seattle’s Columbia Hospitality and general manager of The State Hotel on Second Avenue, says, “This pedestrian-friendly space not only enhances the downtown experience but also brings attention to nearby businesses like ours, driving foot traffic and supporting the community.”

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