Pioneer Square Preservation District
Pioneer Square marks Seattle's original downtown, dating back to 1852. Rebuilt after the devastating "Great Fire" of 1889, the district is characterized by late nineteenth century brick and stone buildings and one of the nation's best surviving collections of Romanesque Revival style urban architecture. Established as both a National historic district and a local preservation district in 1970, Pioneer Square is protected by an ordinance and design guidelines focused on preserving its unique historic and architectural character, assuring the sensitive rehabilitation of buildings, promoting development of residential uses for all income levels, and enhancing the district's economic climate for residents, employers, workers, and visitors. This section reviews Pioneer Square's history; answers to frequently asked questions; Pioneer Square Preservation Board guidelines, printable PDF application form, schedule and agenda.
In 1852 the area that is known today as Pioneer Square was chosen by the first permanent white settlers as the location of their new city because it was the only flat area along the deep, protected harbor on Elliott Bay. The following year Henry Yesler began operating a steam sawmill near where Yesler Way and First Avenue South intersect today. Logs from the wooded hillsides were skidded down to Yesler's sawmill and wharf. Business activity grew up near the mill, primarily along Commercial Street (now First Avenue South).
On June 6, 1889, fire destroyed 25 blocks of mostly wood buildings in the City's central core. Fortunately, the great fire occurred at a time when the local economy was strong, therefore rebuilding began almost immediately. Determined not to be vulnerable to another blaze, the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance that required buildings to be constructed of fire-resistant brick and stone. Because much of the city had been built on boggy, marshy ground, the area was filled, street levels were raised, and the area now known as Seattle's underground was created.
The architectural styles for the rebuilt district were modeled after the then popular Richardsonian Romanesque buildings in Chicago and on the East Coast. Characteristics of this style include a heavy masonry base, use of the Roman arch, and varied architectural details on each floor. The brief reconstruction period (almost the entire are was rebuilt within two years), and the fact that only a handful of architects designed most of the buildings resulted in a remarkably harmonious architectural character.
Pioneer Square hit its heyday during the Alaska Gold Rush, which started in July, 1897. Unfortunately, this period of prosperity was short lived as the district began a rapid and steady decline soon after the turn of the century when the business district began to move northward along Second Avenue. Pioneer Square became a honky-tonk district of taverns, entertainment houses and bawdy hotels. This relatively seedy atmosphere characterized Pioneer Square up until the 1970s. Faced with virtually no pressure for redevelopment, the district's remarkable stand of turn-of-the-century buildings remained.
By the 1960s a City plan called for the construction of a ring road around the downtown that would have required razing many of the district's historic buildings. At about this time, visionary architect Ralph Anderson moved his office to Pioneer Square and began to restore buildings in the neighborhood. Esteemed architect and professor of architecture and historic preservation Victor Steinbrueck conducted an inventory of the area's buildings, which documented a collection of architecturally significant structures from the Richardsonian Romanesque period unparalleled across the nation. Due to this important work, citizens, preservationists, and City officials came to recognize the historic significance and commercial potential of the district.
In 1970, through the efforts of a solid grass-roots movement, Pioneer Square was designated a national historic district, and in May of that same year, established as Seattle's first preservation district. A special review board, the Pioneer Square Preservation Board, was created and guidelines were developed to preserve the area's architectural and historic character and to assure sensitive restoration of buildings for economically viable purposes.
In 1973, a larger area was set aside to protect Pioneer Square from traffic and development pressures associated with the Kingdome (now demolished and being replaced with a new football/soccer stadium). In 1987 the district boundaries were increased again, so that the district currently encompasses approximately 88 acres.
Public Comment
Submit Public Comment to the Pioneer Square Preservation Board
2022 Agendas and Minutes
January 5, 2022 Agenda | January 5, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 12, 2022 Architectural Review Committee Meeting Cancelled
January 19, 2022 Meeting CANCELLED
January 26, 2022 Work Session Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 2, 2022 Agenda | February 2, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 16, 2022 Meeting CANCELLED
February 23, 2022 Work Session Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 2, 2022 Agenda | March 2, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 9, 2022 Architectural Review Committee Meeting Cancelled
March 16, 2022 Agenda | March 16, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 30, 2022 Agenda | March 30, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 6, 2022 Agenda | April 6, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 20, 2022 Agenda | April 20, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 27, 2022 Agenda | In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 4, 2022 Agenda | May 4, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 11, 2022 ARC Cancelled.
May 18, 2022 Agenda | May 18, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 25, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
June 8, 2022 ARC Meeting Cancelled.
June 22, 2022 Work Session Agenda
June 29, 2022 ARC Meeting Cancelled.
July 13, 2022 ARC Meeting Cancelled
August 10, 2022 Work Session Agenda
September 14, 2022 ARC Meeting Cancelled
2021 Agendas and Minutes
January 6, 2021 Agenda | January 6, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 20, 2021 Meeting Cancelled.
February 3, 2021 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of February 3, 2021.
February 17, 2021 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of February 17, 2021.
March 3, 2021 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of March 3, 2021.
March 17, 2021 Agenda | March 17, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 7, 2021 In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 21, 2021 Agenda | April 21, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 5, 2021 MEETING CANCELLED
May 12, 2021 Agenda Rescheduled from May 5, 2021 | May 12, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 19, 2021 Agenda | May 19, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
June 2, 2021 Agenda | June 2, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
June 16, 2021 Agenda | June 16, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
July 7, 2021 Agenda | July 7, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
July 21, 2021 Agenda | July 21, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
July 28, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
August 4, 2021 Agenda | August 4, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
August 18, 2021 Agenda | August 18, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 1, 2021 Agenda September 1, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 8, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 15, 2021 Agenda | September 15, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 6, 2021 Agenda | October 6, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 20, 2021 Agenda October 20, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 3, 2021 Agenda |November 3, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 10, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 17, 2021 Meeting Cancelled
December 1, 2021 Agenda | December 1, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 15, 2021 Agenda | December 15, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 29, 2021 Work Session Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
2020 Agendas and Minutes
January 2, 2020 Agenda | January 2, 2020 Minutes
January 8, 2020 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
January 15, 2020 Agenda MEETING CANCELLED
January 22, 2020 Agenda (rescheduled from January 15, 2020) |January 22, 2020 Minutes
January 29, 2020 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
February 5, 2020 Agenda | February 5, 2020 Minutes
February 12, 2020 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
February 19, 2020 Agenda | February 19, 2020 Minutes
February 26, 2020 Work Session Agenda
March 4, 2020 Agenda | no quorum; see March 11, 2020
March 11, 2020 Agenda - Special Meeting and ARC |
March 18, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of March 18, 2020.
April 1, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of April 1, 2020.
April 15, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of April 15, 2020.
May 6, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of May 6, 2020.
May 20, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of May 20, 2020.
June 3, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of June 3, 2020.
June 17, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of June 17, 2020.
July 1, 2020 - CANCELLED: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting of July 1, 2020.
July 15, 2020 | July 15, 2020 Minutes
August 5, 2020 | August 5, 2020 Minutes
August 19, 2020 Agenda | August 19, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 2, 2020 Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 16, 2020 Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 30, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 7,2020 Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 21, 2020 Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 4, 2020 Meeting Cancelled.
November 18, 2020 Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 2, 2020 Meeting Canelled.
December 16, 2020: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
2019 Agendas and Minutes
January 2, 2019 Agenda | January 2, 2019 Minutes
January 9, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
January 16, 2019 Agenda | January 16, 2019 Minutes
February 6, 2019 Agenda | February 6, 2019 Minutes
February 13, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda MEETING CANCELLED
February 20, 2019 Agenda | February 20, 2019 Minutes
February 27, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
March 6, 2019 Agenda | March 6, 2019 Minutes
March 13, 2019 Agenda Special Meeting and Architectural Review | March 13, 2019 Minutes
March 20, 2019 Agenda | March 20, 2019 Minutes
March 27, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
April 3, 2019 Agenda | April 3, 2019 Minutes
April 10, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
April 17, 2019 Revised Agenda | April 17, 2019 Minutes
April 24, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
May 1, 2019 Agenda | May 1, 2019 Minutes
May 8, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
May 15, 2019 Agenda | May 15, 2019 Minutes
May 22, 2019 Agenda - Work Session
June 5, 2019 Agenda | June 5, 2019 Minutes
June 12, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
June 19, 2019 Agenda | June 19, 2019 Minutes
June 26, 2019 Agenda | June 26, 2019 Minutes
July 10, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
July 17, 2019 Agenda | July 17, 2019 Minutes
July 31, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
August 7, 2019 Agenda | August 7, 2019 Minutes
August 14, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
August 21, 2019 Agenda | August 21, 2019 Minutes
August 28, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
September 4, 2019 Agenda | September 4, 2019 Minutes
September 11, 2019 Special Meeting and Architectural Review Committee Agenda | September 11, 2019 Minutes
October 2, 2019 Agenda | October 2, 2019 Minutes
October 9, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
October 16, 2019 Agenda | October 16, 2019 Minutes
October 30, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
November 6, 2019 Agenda | November 6, 2019 Minutes
November 13, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
November 20, 2019 Agenda | November 20, 2019 Minutes
December 11, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
2018 Agendas and Minutes
January 3, 2018 Agenda | January 3, 2018 Minutes
January 10, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
January 17, 2018 Agenda | January 27, 2018 Minutes
January 31, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
February 7, 2018 Agenda | February 7, 2018 Minutes
February 14, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
February 21, 2018 Agenda | February 21, 2018 Minutes
February 28, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
March 7, 2018 Agenda | March 7, 2018 Minutes
March 14, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
March 21, 2018 Agenda | March 21, 2018 Minutes
March 28, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
April 4, 2018 Agenda | April 4, 2018 Minutes
April 11, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
April 18, 2018 Agenda | April 18, 2018 Minutes
May 2, 2018 Agenda | May 2, 2018 Minutes
May 16, 2018 Agenda | May 16, 2018 Minutes
May 23, 2018 Special Work Session Agenda
June 6, 2018 Agenda | June 6, 2018 Minutes
June 13, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
June 20, 2018 Agenda | June 20, 2018 Minutes
June 27, 2018 Agenda | June 27, 2018 Minutes
July 11, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
July 18, 2018 Agenda | July 18, 2018 Minutes
July 25, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
August 1, 2018 Agenda | August 1, 2018 Minutes
August 8, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
August 15, 2018 Agenda | August 15, 2018 Minutes
August 29, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
September 5, 2018 Agenda | September 5, 2018 Minutes
September 12, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
September 19, 2018 Agenda | September 19, 2018 Minutes
September 26, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
October 3, 2018 Agenda | October 3, 2018 Minutes
October 10, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
October 17, 2018 Agenda | October 17, 2018 Minutes
October 31, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
November 7, 2018 Agenda | November 7, 2018 Minutes
November 14, 2018 Agenda - Special Meeting |
December 5, 2018 Agenda | December 5, 2018 Minutes
December 12, 2018 Architectural Review Committee Agenda
December 19, 2018 Agenda | December 19, 2018 Minutes
2017 Agendas and Minutes
January 3, 2017 Agenda | January 3, 2017 Minutes
January 18, 2017 Agenda | January 18, 2017 Minutes
February 1, 2017 Agenda | February 1, 2017 Minutes
February 15, 2017 Agenda | February 15, 2017 Minutes
March 1, 2017 Agenda | March 1, 2017 Minutes
March 15, 2017 Agenda | March 15, 2017 Minutes
April 5, 2017 Agenda | April 5, 2017 Minutes
April 19, 2017 Agenda | April 19, 2017 Minutes
May 3, 2017 Agenda | May 3, 2017 Minutes
May 17, 2017 Agenda | Meeting postponed to May 24, 2017.
May 24, 2017 Agenda | May 24, 2017 Minutes
June 7, 2017 Agenda | June 7, 2017 Minutes
June 21, 2017 Agenda | June 21, 2017 Minutes
June 28, 2017 Agenda Special Meeting | June 28, 2017 Minutes
July 19, 2017 Agenda | July 19, 2017 Minutes
August 2, 2017 Agenda | August 2, 2017 Minutes
August 16, 2017 Agenda | August 16, 2017 Minutes
September 6, 2017 Agenda | September 6, 2017 Minutes
September 20, 2017 Agenda | September 20, 2017 Minutes
October 4, 2017 Agenda | October 4, 2017 Minutes
October 18, 2017 Agenda | October 18, 2017 Minutes
November 1, 2017 Agenda | November 1, 2017 Minutes
November 8, 2017 Architectural Review Committee
November 15, 2017 Agenda | November 15, 2017 Minutes
November 29, 2017 Architectural Review Committee
December 6, 2017 Agenda | December 6, 2017 Minutes
December 13, 2017 Architectural Review Committee
December 20, 2017 Agenda | December 22, 2017
2016 Agendas and Minutes
January 6, 2016 Agenda | January 6, 2016 Minutes
January 20, 2016 Agenda |January 20, 2016 Minutes
February 3, 2016 Agenda | February 3, 2016 Minutes
February 17, 2016 Agenda | February 17, 2016 Minutes
March 2, 2016 Agenda | March 2, 2016 Minutes
March 16, 2016 Agenda | March 16, 2016 Minutes
March 23, 2016 Agenda | March 23, 2016 Work Session
April 6, 2016 Agenda | April 6, 2016 Minutes
April 20, 2016 Agenda| April 20, 2016 Minutes
May 4, 2016 Agenda | May 4, 2016 Minutes
May 18, 2016 Agenda | May 18, 2016 Minutes
June 1, 2016 Agenda | June 1, 2016 Minutes
June 15, 2016 Agenda | June 15, 2016 Minutes
July 6, 2016 Agenda | July 6, 2016 Minutes
July 20, 2016 Agenda | July 20, 2016 Minutes
August 3, 2016 Agenda | August 3, 2016 Minutes
August 17, 2016 Agenda | August 17, 2016 Minutes
September 7, 2016 Agenda | September 7, 2016 Minutes
September 21, 2016 Agenda | September 21, 2016 Minutes
October 5, 2016 Agenda | October 5, 2016 Minutes
October 19, 2016 Agenda | October 19, 2016 Minutes
November 2, 2016 Agenda | November 2, 2016 Minutes
November 16, 2016 Agenda | November 16, 2016 Minutes
December 7, 2016 Agenda | December 7, 2016 Minutes
December 21, 2016 Cancelation Notice
2015 Agendas and Minutes
January 7, 2015 Agenda | January 7, 2015 Minutes
January 21, 2015 Agenda | January 21, 2015 Minutes
February 4, 2015 Agenda | February 4, 2015 Minutes
February 18, 2015 Agenda | February 18, 2015 Minutes
March 4, 2015 Agenda | March 4, 2015 Minutes
March 18, 2015 Agenda | March 18, 2015 Minutes
April 1, 2015 Agenda |April 1, 2015 Minutes
April 15, 2015 Agenda | April 15, 2015 Minutes
April 22, 2015 Agenda | April 22, 2015 Work Session
May 6, 2015Agenda | May 6, 2015 Minutes
May 13, 2015 ARC | May 13, 2015 Agenda
May 20, 2015 Agenda | May 20, 2015 Minutes
June 3, 2015 Agenda | June 3, 2015 Minutes
June 17, 2015 Agenda | June 17, 2015 Minutes
July 1, 2015 Agenda | July 1, 2015 Minutes
July 8, 2015 Rescheduled Meeting | ARC | July 8, 2015 Minutes
July 15, 2015 Agenda | July 15, 2015 Minutes
August 5, 2015 Agenda | August 5, 2015 Minutes
August 19, 2015 Agenda | August 19, 2015 Minutes
September 2, 2015 Agenda | September 2, 2015 Minutes
September 16, 2015 Agenda | September 16, 2015 Minutes
October 7, 2015 Agenda | October 7, 2015 Minutes
October 8, 2015 Agenda | October 8, 2015 Work Session
November 3, 2015 Agenda | November 3, 2015 Minutes
November 18, 2015 Agenda | November 18, 2015 Minutes
December 2, 2015 Agenda | December 2, 2015 Minutes
| December 16, 2015 Agenda | December 16, 2015 Minutes
» Pioneer Square Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes prior to 2015
A Certificate of Approval must be issued before changes can be made to individually designated City Landmarks or to properties within the City's eight historic districts.
Refer to the District Guidelines and other relevant resources for information regarding design standards and other considerations.
Please consult the Guide to Acing the Certificate of Approval Process before starting the online application process. For help with the online submittal, watch this How-To video.
The following changes require a Certificate of Approval to be issued by the Board and the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods before the City will issue any permits:
- Any change to the outside of any building or structure.
- Installation of any new sign or change to any existing sign.
- Installation of a new awning or canopy.
- Any change to an interior that affects the exterior.
- New addition, construction, and/or remodel.
- Proposed new principal use of any structure, or space and any change of use after initial approval.
- Any change in a public right-of-way or other public spaces, including parks and sidewalks.
- Demolition of any building or structure.
- Exterior painting
The Board must determine that the alterations are consistent with Seattle Municipal Code for Pioneer Square, District Rules and the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation in order to issue the Certificate of Approval.
1. What does being in the Pioneer Square Preservation District mean to business owners like me?
In contrast to the high-rise buildings and streets in other downtown districts, Pioneer Square is characterized by lower brick and stone buildings, tree-lined streets and avenues, cobblestone parks, and diverse street-level retail establishments and restaurants, all contributing to the neighborhood's warm and intimate feel. Pioneer Square exists as we find it today through the efforts of visionary architects, community leaders, and City officials who, in the late 1960s and 1970s fought to save the historic buildings from eminent demolition in the name of urban renewal. During that period, several beloved buildings were destroyed, prompting the grassroots movement that created Pioneer Square as Seattle's first preservation district. Today, property and business owners benefit from the tourists and shoppers attracted to Pioneer Square by the neighborhood's historic and architectural character. This unique character is protected through the Pioneer Square Preservation Board's implementation of use and design guidelines that were established to preserve the district's special appeal.
2. What kinds of changes require approval?
Any new business or service must be reviewed and approved by the Pioneer Square Preservation Board and Department of Neighborhoods Director before any other permits will be issued by the City. Any of the following changes in the appearance of a building also must be approved: any change to exterior of any structure, a new sign or a change to an existing sign, new construction, demolition of any structure, and any change in the public rights-of-way including public spaces such as parks and sidewalks. See the Rules for the Pioneer Square Preservation District for detailed design guidance.
3. I want to put up a new sign. What requirements must it meet?
The Pioneer Square Preservation Board has enacted guidelines to ensure that the architectural character of the district is not loss through undue proliferation of signs, that signs do not impede visibility into and out of street-level businesses, and that signs are installed in a manner that does not damage historic building fabric. The Rules for the Pioneer Square Preservation District outline requirements for all signage visible from building exteriors. If you plan to add or alter a sign in Pioneer Square, please contact the Department of Neighborhood's Historic Preservation Program as early as possible so we can explain the review and approval process and recommend next steps. You can reach us at (206) 684-0227.
4. How do I get approval to make a change in the appearance of the exterior of my building?
Before making make any change to the exterior of a structure in the district, the Department of Neighborhood's Historic Preservation Program as early as possible so we can explain the review and approval process and recommend next steps. To get your project reviewed and approved by the Pioneer Square Preservation Board, you need to submit an application for Certificate of Approval. (See Instructions for Applying for a Certificate of Approval in the Pioneer Square Preservation District.) If your proposal includes design changes, you will be asked to present your application to the Architectural Review Committee before presenting your plans to the full Pioneer Square Preservation Board. The Architectural Review Committee will help you sort out any unresolved issues regarding your proposal and will make a recommendation to the full Board. Environmental review is generally required for large projects and usually consists of review of an environmental checklist. Upon approval of your proposal, the Board recommends that a Certificate of Approval be authorized by the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods.
5. What is the Pioneer Square Preservation Board and how does it make decisions?
The Board reviews applications for Certificates of Approval for changes of use and exterior architectural alterations in the district and recommends approval, approval with conditions, or denial to the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods, who makes final decisions concerning applications. The Board may also make recommendations to the Mayor, the City Council, and any public or private agencies concerning land use and social issues in the District. The Board bases its decisions on the standards established in the District Ordinance (SMC 23.66), Rules for the Pioneer Square Preservation District and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Contact the Department of Neighborhood's Historic Preservation Program at (206) 684-0227 for a paper copy of these documents.
6. Who is on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board?
The Board consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Seattle City Council. Each member fills a specific position on the Board, representing property owners, retail business owners, human services providers, architects, historians, attorneys, and one at-large representative. At least one Board member must be a resident of Pioneer Square.
7. When is the next District Board meeting?
The Board meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month starting at 9:00 a.m.. Architectural Review Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis, usually one week prior to the full Board meeting, also starting at 9:00 a.m. Once an applicant has submitted a complete application, the Pioneer Square Preservation Board Coordinator schedules specific times for applicants to present their proposals to the full Board and Architectural Review Committee as necessary. All meetings are open to the public.