Downtown Seattle

Building housing in downtown Seattle just got easier

Soon, developers will have an easier time building apartments in downtown Seattle. That’s because the city council voted 8-1 to exempt residential projects there, along with hotels and research labs, from a time-consuming process called “design review."

Economy

Downtown Seattle may get a boost from coming interest rate cuts

As inflation worries ease and the Federal Reserve says it’s time to start lowering interest rates, Seattle leaders hope more investment will soon flow into downtown Seattle.

Government

Seattle ticks through to-do list to revive downtown

It's been one year since Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrel launched his "Downtown Activation Plan." He's racked up a growing list of accomplishments. But so far, economic recovery has proven fickle and elusive.

Business

Downtown Seattle office values are dropping like overripe plums. That's not all bad

In the Seattle metro area, the market price for a place to attempt to concentrate on your work while colleagues talk loudly near your desk is dropping significantly. Eastside, don't get cocky - it's happening there too.

Seattle's surprising place for housing bargains: Downtown

If you’re looking to buy a home in Seattle, there’s a surprising neighborhood where homes are $100,000 cheaper than the city average: downtown Seattle.

Economy

How downtown Seattle's forsaken real estate could bring good fortune

Some real estate experts say downtown Seattle has hit rock-bottom, or will soon. And there’s nowhere to go but up.

Crime

Seattle says 'Belltown Hellcat' driver ignored order to quiet ear-splitting car

Seattle is suing the so-called “Belltown Hellcat” driver for allegedly continuing to rev his souped-up racecar’s engine at high volume more than a month after the city ordered him to stop.

Business

Could a return of workers to downtown offices rescue Seattle’s ailing budget?

Suburban workers returning to Seattle offices would boost payroll, business & occupancy and sales tax revenues, analysts say – and help pay the city’s rising costs due primarily to inflation.

Business

Ghost Mall: Lululemon is latest store to abandon Seattle’s Pacific Place

On a sunny Wednesday morning in Downtown Seattle, you could count the number of shoppers at Pacific Place mall on two hands.