Pioneer Square Area. What's Happening?

[CrazyDonkey]

Traditionally, Pioneer Square is where the "missions" have been - Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission, Bread of Life Mission, Compass Center, etc. The Goodwill, which provides work release, retraining, etc., isn't far. The Downtown Emergency Services Center (Morrison Hotel) and the City and County courthouses and jails are nearby. The Seattle Indian Center is just up Jackson. There were flophouse hotels on First and in Chinatown. The State once ran a "casual labor" hiring hall there. "Hooverville" was close by during the Depression. So, it has been an area where the "marginal" (including artists) have historically congregated.

Back when the Downtown Ride-Free Zone was still in operation, the various "denizens of iniquity" could more easily disperse to other areas of Downtown and Seattle. There is a free shuttle, but it isn't as convenient as just hopping on a bus. Plus the Jungle and other burgeoning homeless camps along I-5 and I-90 are within walking distance. As a result, many of the "rootless and toothless" tend to remain in the south end of Downtown.

Elliott Bay Bookstore moving to Capitol Hill was a hit...

[HotandHumid]

I want to thank everyone who replied with information about Pioneer Square. It seems the general gist of the replies is that the area is pretty safe for the most part during the day with of businesses, etc., moving in but it's still a place you want to be careful in during night hours.
I'll be sure to put it on my list of places to visit again in Seattle. I thought it was pretty cool that there was a waterfall park built in the area with tables and chairs provided for people to sit by the waterfall and eat lunch, read or relax.

[CityWok]

Nothing sums up Seattle's character than the Sinking Ship! If you're looking for that Pioneer Square experience, be sure to take advantage of their discount rates. Then stroll through Occidental Park, stop by the Viaduct, and check out the million dollar hole they dug up for Bertha.

Next head over to the ferry terminal to get some piping hot PNW coffee, and a soggy hash brown. All for just $15 (gotta cover that minimum wage somehow). Take in the gorgeous, cloudy views of Seattle's dreary waterfront.

Kidding aside. I recently lived in that area for a brief period (now back Eastside). Business has really improved things there, but the homeless situation has gotten way out of hand. It's unfortunate, since there is a lot of wasted potential there. I would be cautious, even during the day. Generally it's safe since most of the homeless are nice people actually, but there are a few psycho's that completely ruin it.

Quite a few companies moving in (Starbucks, EMC, RealNetworks, Getty Images, etc.) and the new living suites that were built over in CenturyLink Field's parking lot, all bringing hope to the area. Maybe one day.

[xboxmas]

One dead in overnight Pioneer Square Shooting | KIRO-TV

[bundleofpisces]

Originally Posted by HotandHumid

I want to thank everyone who replied with information about Pioneer Square. It seems the general gist of the replies is that the area is pretty safe for the most part during the day with of businesses, etc., moving in but it's still a place you want to be careful in during night hours.
I'll be sure to put it on my list of places to visit again in Seattle. I thought it was pretty cool that there was a waterfall park built in the area with tables and chairs provided for people to sit by the waterfall and eat lunch, read or relax.

Honestly you should be careful during the day, too.