On March 15, 2020, former governor Jay Inslee announced that bars and restaurants were closed. He signed the proclamation order the following day.
Seat-five years before the day before the former governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, announced that bars and restaurants are closed due to the spread of Covid-19, business owners at the Pioneer Square are more optimistic about the future of the quarter than ever.
The neighborhood was one of Seattle's toughest hits during pandemic, which was largely due to the loss of important sporting events and concerts.
While pedestrian traffic does not really rise before the pandemic, the number of visitors and new retail companies increase.
“Pioneer Square definitely has this failure.
Haghighi opened his Custom Rug shop in 2005.
“We saw how companies came and go, but we also saw some really cool companies that opened,” he said.
According to the Alliance for Pioneer Square, new retail companies were opened in 2024. So far, 12 companies with a further 16 have moved into work in 2025.
The same organization said that pedestrian traffic has also passed. In January 2025, the neighborhood recorded 18,371 daily visitors compared to only 8,780 in January 2021.
The neighborhood was a central piece of the city's revitalization efforts because it connects the city center and the promenade. In December, Mayor Bruce Harrell and other managers of the community celebrated the completion of a large construction project to create more walkability at the Pioneer Square and to create more pedestrian -friendly space for those who visit the coasts of Elliott Bay and the New Overlook Walk.
“The promenade is a great addition to our neighborhood. I am optimistic about what I saw there. It will bring more foot traffic to the Pioneer Square. It's great,” said Haghighi.
