The Seattle Pike Place Market, which attracts about 10 million visitors each year from all over the world, just celebrated it's 100th year anniversary. According to our Mayor Greg Nickels, “This is the market's year“. After a century service, (it's about time), the Mayor has announced a $75 million levy to renovate Pike Place Market.
The last time the Market had any kind of structural or maintenance work done on it was in the 70's, so the City has enlisted A Capital Redevelopment Committee comprised of PDA Council members and people involved in the work done in the 70's to come up with ideas on how to improve the market. They've come up with 5 goals:
- Repair the buildings and the infrastructure as needed
- Improve accessibility
- Improve public safety
- Add more public space where??possible
- Incorporate new retail opportunities
About 80% of the proposed work is mechanical, seismic upgrading, and electrical, so the physical appearance of the Market will stay the same. Since being “green” is huge, a new central plant where upgraded and enhanced mechanical systems will be built to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
This is our Market, it's our most treasured public asset and we want tourists to have unforgettable memories of Seattle after visiting the Market. So Seattleites, let your voice be heard about this renovation, and If you have any questions, or ideas plan to attend one of the following public meetings scheduled for July or send an e-mail to renovationplanning@pikeplacemarket.org.
Pike Place Market Community Meetings
at the Pike Market Senior Center starting at 5:30 p.m.
July 16, 2008
Seattle-Wide Community Meetings
starting at 6:00p.m.
July 17, 2008 @ Capitol Hill branch of Seattle Public Library (425 Harvard Ave. )