Get a Sneak Peek at the New and Improved Pike Place Market
The grand opening of the new 30,000 square foot addition to the Market takes place Thursday, June 29th.
By Gwendolyn Elliott June 28, 2017
As much as we Seattleites love to grumble about the city—the traffic! the newbies! all those condos!—our beloved Pike Place Market is a good reminder that even in the midst of change, some things remain that we can all agree are great for everyone.
The Market’s latest development project, the new Pike Place MarketFront, is the final installment of a long-held plan by Market partners (entities like the Market’s Preservation and Development Authority—the PDA—the City of Seattle and people like you) to realize the potential of this cherished public space. The $74 million dollar project, helmed by the PDA and funded by a consortium of resources from city and state funding to bonds and philanthropic giving, offically opens tomorrow. At a press preview yesterday, Seattle magazine stopped by for a tour of the new 30,000 square foot addition that includes an expansive public plaza with sweeping views of the Sound, 40 low-income senior housing units, 12,000 feet of new commercial space (soon to permanently house restaurants like Honest Biscuits and breweries like Old Stove Brewing Co.) and lots more (aka, more market for one and all).
Take a look at our highlights below. The Grand Opening celebration of the new MarketFront takes place tomorrow, Thursday, June 29th, from 2-7 p.m. Click here for more details.
Billie the Pig (cousin to the more visible Rachel, in front of Pike Place Fish Market) has been relocated from Western Ave. to a place of prominence under the new all-weather canopy that will eventually accomodate 47 new table spaces for market vendors.
One of the market’s many charms: through the years, it remains full of colorful characters like this pair.
The unobstructed view from the wide walkway in between the Producer’s Hall and artist live/work units and SR 99.
A partial view of one of three public art installations; this is “Northwest Microcosm,” an underwater mosaic mural by longtime Market artist Clare Dohna.
A rendering from the original 1974 Market renewal plan.
The low income artist live/work residences not only have the best views in the city, they also have a built-in artist marketplace right in front.
For a detailed list of all the new MarketFront’s ammenities, visit pikeplacemarket.org/marketfront.
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