Revitalizing Seattle neighborhoods with creativity and commerce
Seattle Restored calls our local small business owners to reinvigorate our city by activating empty storefronts. These projects benefit Seattle neighborhoods by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes, while encouraging the public to support local businesses – particularly historically underrepresented groups.
“There’s a need for a placemaking investment to make sure people feel like there’s life and activity Downtown. But it’s also an opportunity for new entrepreneurs to get access to the Downtown market”
Markham McIntyre, Former Director of Seattle Office of Economic Development
Helping Small Businesses Thrive
Seattle Restored participants gain access to financial and technical support to help grow their businesses. Selected small business owners are awarded free, short-term placements or subsidized long-term lease funding, along with technical assistance in commercial space development, marketing, business planning, and lease negotiation. Participants also benefit from professional photography and are featured in a citywide multimedia campaign.
Revitalizing Empty Storefronts
Through the program, small businesses collaborate with property owners to bring life to commercial spaces in Downtown Seattle and surrounding neighborhoods. By offering these spaces, participating property owners enhance the diversity and vibrancy of their communities and support the local economy.
Our Impact
Since launching in 2021, Seattle Restored has transformed over 100 vacant storefronts into vibrant pop-up shops, window art installations, and artist residencies. By activating these spaces, the program has boosted local business sales, increased foot traffic, and contributed to beautification and safety in these areas. For participating artists and small businesses, Seattle Restored offers a vital platform to grow their customer base and expand their inventory and teams. This support has enabled many to thrive, turning short-term opportunities into lasting success and fostering a more diverse and dynamic local economy.
Our Partners
Seattle Restored is a program of the Seattle Office of Economic Development managed in partnership with the Good Business Network of Washington and supported through a network of community partners committed to transforming Seattle’s economic landscape.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Seattle Restored is dedicated to helping small business owners access affordable and relevant sustainability resources to start or accelerate their journey to reducing their environmental footprint. Participants can access the free resources and services through the EnviroStars program.