Grand Central Block, Pioneer Square’s 'old soul,' makes a comeback after years in the dark

SEATTLE — After sitting empty for more than six years, one of Seattle’s oldest and largest properties is getting a new chapter.

KING 5 got an exclusive look inside the Grand Central Block in Pioneer Square — a trio of brick buildings spanning more than 140,000 square feet at the corner of First Avenue and Main Street.

Greg Smith, CEO of Seattle-based Urban Visions , calls the property “the heart and the soul of Pioneer Square.” His company bought the century-old buildings last month for just over $5 million after a previous redevelopment plan fell apart during the pandemic.

Built between 1889 and 1909, the Grand Central Block had fallen into disrepair.

“It was totally uncared for by the prior ownership,” Smith said. “It became an eyesore. So we’re replacing broken windows and getting