Nordstrom News: We reported back in March that the department store had partnered with Seattle-based global architecture firm Callison to remodel its downtown flagship. What was in the works for the renovation included “incorporating beaucoup natural light into the shopping experience” and “expanding its sales floor to the perimeter windows and open up visibility to the street on the first floor as well as remove the canopy around the building’s exterior and replace it with a glass version to help increase daylight and connectivity to the outside.” The retailer announced that phase one of the renovation, which includes a refresh of floors three and four plus the remodeled Nordstrom Cafe and new ultra-cool Habitant Lounge, is completed.

Jamie Nordstrom, president of stores, said during a media tour last Friday, “We have an opportunity to be much more relevant and a destination to people from all over the world. This store is number one. This is where we should be giving it our all.” Look for phase two–floors one and two and exterior alterations–to be finished in spring 2016.

There’s a new bike path for cyclists on Mercer Street, reports King 5 News. The two dedicated bike lanes opened between Fifth Avenue and Dexter. Read more about and how to use the new lanes here.

According to MyNorthwest.com, protesters with sHellNO.org are planning protests in kayaks on May 16 in an effort to take action against Shell oil rigs that are slated to park in the Port of Seattle. And Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien is one of the protestors. An article in our May 2015 issue addresses the issue on whether the port is ducking its responsibility for protecting the Sound. What do you think? UPDATE: The Puget Sound Business Journal reports that Mayor Ed Murray announced that The Port of Seattle will have to apply for new permits in order for Shell Oil to use Terminal 5 to stage oil rigs. Read more here.