FRIENDS OF THE MARKET

Pike Place Market: It’s one of the most visited places in Seattle. Locals and tourists alike come to shop for fresh produce and hand-crafted items, enjoy a meal with stunning views, or just wander, experiencing the vibrant and colorful setting.

Hard to imagine it might not be here at all if property developers and city officials were to have had their way. In the early 1960’s, the Market was the target of urban-renewal-by-demolition.

Friends of the Market was created in 1964 to protect and defend the Market from the “black wrecking ball”. Led by the inspirational architect Victor Steinbrueck, the Friends waged a hard fought, community-wide campaign to “Keep the Market”.

In 1971, after seven years of uncompromising political struggle, Seattle voters resoundingly passed the Market Initiative. This initiative, sponsored by the Friends, created the Market Historical District and placed its administration firmly under public control. It was a direct vote of the people that saved the Market!

Pike Place Market is now thriving – it hosts more than 10 million visitors a year, including locals and tourists.

The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) and it’s Council completed a Master Plan in 2024 to help guide strategies for continued successful operation of the Market and an outline for a possible levy to fund capital projects and maintenance. Under the new PDA Executive Director, Rachel Ligtenberg, implementation of the Master Plan begins in early 2025.

The renovation of Victor Steinbrueck Park is complete except for restoration and  reinstallation of the totem poles designed by Marvin Oliver. In the meantime, the new Overlook Walk provides views and pedestrian access from the Market to te Seattle waterfront.

Why does Friends of the Market need to continue its work? Policies and planning from outside interests continue to put pressure on preservation of Pike Place Market. Friends of the Market remains steadfast in its commitment to preserve what was famously described in 1964 as, “A real place in a phony time.” It is a membership organization that invites you to come join the effort to help preserve, maintain and extend the Market’s history.