SEATTLE — A small stretch of Pike Street in downtown Seattle is now closed to vehicles.
The idea to close Pike Street between First and Second avenues will "create more space for people to connect between major downtown destinations like Pike Place Market and Westlake," according to a statement from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
The half-block closure was implemented last week as construction work was completed. The city is now working with the Downtown Seattle Association, Pike Place Market and businesses on the block to build out the space. That may include pop-up food vendors, buskers and market extensions.
The idea to close the section of Pike Street was first discussed during the development of the Downtown Activation Plan.
Mayor Bruce Harrell's Downtown Activation Plan outlines goals and initiatives to revitalize downtown Seattle. Its purpose is to "stabilize and transform downtown into a place where residents, workers and visitors want to spend time."
Among the initiatives of the Activation Plan was the reopening of City Hall Park, which closed for almost two years. Other initiatives include expanding the Metropolitan Improvement District boundaries to increase cleaning and improve safety, and the expansion of Seattle Restored, which focuses on filling vacant storefronts.
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