The writing was literally on the wall. But city officials and potential developers put together packages of public and private investment for the redevelopment of those two critical blocks. In the Nineties, that has turned around. Today downtowns are hot again, Joncas said, and not just Seattle's. Finally, the secret is out.
Downtown is clean, safe, fun.
Seattle shoppers never really left downtown, nor did the residents of close-in neighborhoods. And keep them walking. Another important challenge is keeping them downtown after hours. It is clearly starting to emerge. The other part that will develop is downtown living.