Retail Study of Madison St. Corridor

The First Hill Improvement Association (FHIA) is joining Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) in the Retail and Ground Floor Revitalization Project - energizing nine Seattle neighborhoods and two downtown areas. The rise of e-commerce, hybrid work, and our changing and growing community needs calls for a fresh look at our spaces. 

The time is especially crucial for First Hill with the recent completion of the Rapid Ride project along Madison Street.  We want to re-imagine and revitalize our neighborhood's main street, and need your input.  As First Hill continues to evolve, it is essential that community members have a chance to influence the way our neighborhood will look in the future. 

The project kicked off in fall of 2024 and should be complete later this year. We asked those who live, work, and study on First Hill to complete a survey about Madison Street (that closed February 14th) to share thoughts and experiences.  The survey will inform strategies to support existing businesses and revitalize the Madison corridor based on the needs of residents, students, and employees. Thank you for your help to inform this important work!

Here’s What’s Happening with the retail studY:

• Reimagining Commercial Spaces:

  Shaping spaces to meet today’s community needs

• Exploring Fresh Ideas:

  Discovering new strategies for vibrant retail areas

• Filling Vacancies:

  Turning empty spaces into opportunities for growth

• Supporting Local Businesses:

  Enhancing programs to foster business success

• Building Welcoming Corridors:

  Creating lively, inviting areas for all