Pike Place Market announces MarketFront Grand Opening

Pike Place Market is an international attraction. Tourists swarm through it. Locals sustain it. Whether you see it as a source of souvenirs or fresh groceries, it is a major attractor. And, it is time for a change.

Its nostalgic looks are key to its character, but those looks are the result of previous renovations. With the city growing, the Viaduct falling, and the perpetual need to maintain and upgrade any building, the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority saw an opportunity to refresh the place.

The Miller Hull Partnership is responsible for the design of the $74 million project.

Work is expected to be completed in March, but the official Grand Opening won’t happen until June 29.

This is much more than patches and paint. Here’s the Pike Place Market PDA’s list:

30,000 square feet of open public space encompassing a public plaza and viewing deck

47 new rooftop day stalls for farmers and artists; all weather canopy provides year-round use

12,000 square feet of commercial and retail space for artisan purveyors

40 new units of low-income, senior housing including seven live/work units

A Neighborhood Center with expanded social services

300 covered parking spaces; 33 bicycle spaces

Multiple public art installations

The market has been around since 1907, and probably wasn’t much of a tourist attraction and was much more of a necessity within the city. Winning the designation of “historic” in 1971 helped revive and preserve it. Flying fish and playing the backdrop to several movies helped its broader appeal.

As homeowners know, the work is never done; which is why there’s yet another donation campaign underway.

Last Chance to donate to have Charm or Hoofprint on the MarketFront Plaza is March 1, 2017. Learn more: www.PikeUp.org

• Pike Place MarketFront: A 40-Year Vision to Complete the Market Historic District [PDA]
• Miller Hull Partnership [MH]