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Showing posts with the label seattledowntown

The History of Pike Place Market in Seattle: Where It All Began

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Few places embody the heart and soul of Seattle like Pike Place Market . Set above the Elliott Bay Waterfront , this always-bustling public market has been a cornerstone of the city’s culture, economy, and identity since 1907. Whether you’re visiting the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market to watch the fishmongers toss salmon or meandering through the artisan stalls at North Arcade , Pike Place Market is both a living destination and a thriving community hub. The Early Days: 1907 and the Birth of the Market The origins of Pike Place Market go all the way back to August 17, 1907, when it officially opened as a way for farmers to sell directly to consumers, cutting out the middleman since they were being squeezed by higher food costs. On its first day, eight farmers arrived with wagons of produce to meet hundreds of eager customers. Located along First Avenue between Pike and Pine Streets, the PPM quickly became a vital link between Seattle’s growing population and local agriculture....

What's Happening Along the Seattle Waterfront

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  For several years, Seattle’s waterfront has been more than a work in progress. The Alaskan Way Viaduct ran right along the edge, making the area noisy and chaotic with cars and trucks racing past. When the viaduct finally came down, it was replaced by the mess of demolition work, which brought even more disruption to the area. But now, after a lot of construction and patience, Seattle’s waterfront is getting a serious upgrade. On October 4th, 2024, the city opened the Overlook Walk, a cool new pedestrian path that connects Pike Place Market to the waterfront. This is just one piece of the bigger plan for the 20-acre Waterfront Park, which is set to be fully completed by next year. The whole project is costing the city about $806 million, and it’s a big part of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s push to revitalize downtown Seattle, which is desperately needed for both business and visitors alike.  The new waterfront looks great and is drawing attention, but there’s a bit of a catch—lots...