In an effort to revitalize downtown Seattle, artist Kathleen Warren has transformed a boarded-up storefront at the bustling intersection of 3rd Avenue and Pike Street with vibrant murals depicting sea creatures, forest flowers, and bright colors.
Warren rolled bright green paint onto a piece of black plywood, drawing the attention of passersby like Bill Richardson, who expressed his appreciation.
“Thanks for making it pretty,” he said while heading to a bus stop.
Grateful for the compliment, Warren responded, “Thank you for saying thank you,” highlighting the positive responses she has received during her work.
Richardson reminisced about the mural’s predecessor, noting, “Boy, it’s been black for so long.”
As Warren and her team at Overall Creative continued their mural project, they noted a wave of gratitude from downtown residents who are eager to see renewed investment in their area, especially after a challenging period following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic caused numerous businesses to close, leading to vacant storefronts that became prone to graffiti and local drug use.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the murals represent a collective effort to entice more foot traffic back to the area, especially with major events such as the FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Last year, the city took further steps to improve the streetscape by stringing lights over 3rd Avenue between Stewart and Pine streets.
The Downtown Seattle Association has partnered with the city and various stakeholders, including King County Metro and local business owners, to bring this project to life.
Jennifer Casillas, the vice president of public realm and ambassador operations at the Downtown Seattle Association, explained that the murals aim to shift how people perceive the downtown area.
She said, “These types of actions that we do demonstrate that people care about these spaces,” emphasizing the importance of ongoing improvements.
Casillas emphasized that creating a sense of character and positivity in the area benefits everyone—tourists, locals, and workers alike.
The vibrant murals not only provide visual interest but also help deter vandalism, creating a sense of joy and surprise for those walking by.
The Downtown Seattle Association reported that foot traffic in the area has begun to rebound, with recent statistics indicating that March numbers reached approximately 92% of pre-pandemic levels.
In March, over 2.5 million visitors flocked to downtown Seattle, signaling a growing interest in the area.
Tanay Warren, a Seattleite who frequently visits downtown, shared her positive outlook on the impact of the murals.
She remarked, “So, just seeing art and stuff, it heightens the spirits.
You know, just like something simple like that can go a long way with what people want to do.
When you feel good, you do good things.”
City officials remain hopeful that the colorful murals will inspire others to embrace the same uplifting sentiments as Warren, fostering a renewed sense of vibrancy in Seattle’s downtown.
image source from：knkx
