Revitalizing Seattle neighborhoods with creativity and commerce
Seattle Restored calls our local artists and entrepreneurs 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 and artists – 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, Director of Seattle Office of Economic Development
Helping artists and Small Businesses Thrive
Seattle Restored participants gain access to financial and technical support to help grow their businesses. Selected artists and 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 and artists 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 75 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 made possible by the Seattle Office of Economic Development, Seattle Good Business Network, Shunpike, corporate partners, and a network of community partnerships committed to transforming Seattle’s economic landscape.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Seattle Restored is dedicated to helping businesses and creative entrepreneurs 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.
The Downtown Activation Plan
The Downtown Activation Plan aims to draw people to the heart of Seattle while designing a downtown of the future that works for everyone, including workers, families, small business owners, neighbors, visitors, and tourists.
In June of 2023, the City announced a set of bold goals to make downtown neighborhoods safer, more welcoming, and active. As one of its first initiatives, the plan supported Seattle Restored in successfully activating 20 vacant storefronts in three months. The Seattle Restored program continues to support a unique downtown retail experience as part of the plan’s long-term strategy.
Visit downtownisyou.com to learn more.