It’s Good to be the Good News: Inside the revival of a Pioneer Square Seattle Landmark

I hope this isn’t the only good news of the day for you, but with the state of the world it’s very possible. Yet here I am, writing you this little update, a reminder that there are good things coming. (Including, in the next few days, our first public call for artists!)

Even six months ago I asked myself if the work we were doing, laying the foundation for a refreshing, forward thinking, wildly creative new arts facility in Seattle, was what people needed in this challenging time.

Then we found the Buttnick, a years-empty building sitting like an anvil in a beloved neighborhood that can’t seem to catch a break. The vision was so clear, we felt if nothing else, we could make a difference to Pioneer Square.

And then so many of you gave us the feedback that hearing about Nebula coming to Seattle was a balm for the soul. Something to look forward to. Indeed, some good news.We really took that to heart, so thank you so much to all of you who gave us something to believe in. And thank you for all your contributions in our End of Year campaign! You closed 2025 with a loud “huzzah”!

And now, moving into 2026, let’s celebrate some Spring time milestones! So far…

• We have raised $2M to date through individual donations in support of this artistic endeavor!

• Preliminary building designs have been completed and building plans are submitted to the city!

• Work by our landlord and partner Urban Visions has begun, the ancient ruins of Swannie’s and The Comedy Underground are being carted away to prepare for construction breaking ground this May.

• Our team of writers is working to weave a story throughout the space. They have begun research on the history of the building and Pioneer Square looking for stories. World are being imagined.

• Models are being built. Vision boards created. Prototypes in progress.

• The first dozen artists have received their Concept Design contracts turning ideas into real proposals.

We’re building a place of connection and imagination. It starts here, now. As you’re reading this, we are sharing a moment of hope. Looking forward to a place of beauty and mystery that will do good things for our city.

Be on the lookout for our call for artists. We’re particularly looking for digital and installation artists in this first round. Is that you or anyone you know? Be sure to forward along the next email you receive from us to anyone you think wants to dream big with us.

Until next we…

Erin