2015-2016 Annual Report

2015-2016
ANNUAL REPORT
Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority
Document Contributors
Ben Franz-Knight, Tamra Nisly, Justin Huguet,
Sabina Proto, John Turnbull, Emily Crawford,
Lillian Sherman, Erica Bates, Steve Nelson,
Bob Beckstrom, Zack Cook, David Dickinson,
Elsie Janson, Jeff Jarvis, Art Kuniyuki, Jennifer
Maietta, Sue Gilbert Mooers, Brady Morrison,
Jay Schalow, Randy Stegmeier, Joseph Strong,
Andre Zita and all the PDA staff who, through
their continued efforts, made these results
possible.
Table of Contents
2016 STRATEGIC ISSUES
Strategic Issues.....................................................Pg 5
MarketFront
MarketFront...........................................................Pg 7
Asset management
Commercial.........................................................Pg 9
Residential...........................................................Pg 10
Event Rooms & Atrium Kitchen............................Pg 11
Executive
Management & Human Resources....................Pg 13
Leadership...........................................................Pg 13
Finance
Accounting..........................................................Pg 15
IT............................................................................Pg 15
Programs & Marketing
Daystall................................................................Pg 17
Farm.....................................................................Pg 18
Marketing & Communications..........................Pg 20
Operations
Capital Projects..................................................Pg 23
Parking.................................................................Pg 23
Facilities...............................................................Pg 24
Maintenance......................................................Pg 25
Security................................................................Pg 25
Market FoundATion
Market Foundation.............................................Pg 27
2016
STRATEGIC
ISSUES
2015 was a year of significant milestones and record breaking achievements. The following annual report
highlights key accomplishments from each of the PDA’s departments and major projects. In a year that included
breaking ground on the MarketFront project, to reaching every corner of the globe with a story about cleaning
gum, we also took advantage of historically low interest rates; refunding existing debt and issuing PDA guaranteed
bonds for the very first time. Our Farm Program engaged in pro-active support for farmers in need who faced
flooding and draughts in the same calendar year, and on the Residential front we maintained one of the lowest
vacancy rates on record. The overall commercial performance of the Market exceeded projections in all sectors.
Seeing the highest visitor traffic ever in 2015, our Maintenance, Facilities, and Security departments met the
increased demands, ensuring a safe, clean, and well maintained historic district.
In addition to the many great accomplishments in 2015, this report also shares goals and key areas of focus
for 2016, making certain we continue to serve the needs of the Pike Place Market community while preparing for
opening the MarketFront in 2017.
- Ben Franz-Knight, Executive Director
4
STRATEGIC ISSUES
Strategic Issues
Neighborhood Center
• Partnership with Chief Seattle
• Victor Steinbrueck Park Coordination Efforts
“ONE” Market Integration
• MarketFront Plaza Programming
Western Ave/Hillclimb Connection
• Interim Condition/Contingency Planning
MarketFront Budget Planning for 2017
•
•
•
•
Staffing Needs
Operational Considerations
“Greening” Opportunities
Financial Planning
In October, PDA Executive Director Ben
Franz-Knight, Communications and Marketing
Director Emily Crawford, and Market
Foundation Executive Director Lillian Sherman
represented the Market at the National
Museum of American History's Food History
Weekend in Washington DC. Ben and
Emily met with museum curators about future
exhibit and continuing partnerships and the
team had meetings with WA State senators,
representatives and USDA officials.
Evening Neighborhood Market Concept
Exploring the Role of the Market
• Statewide
• Nationally
• Internationally
5
Marketfront
After 40 years of planning, dozens of concepts, and hundreds of public meetings we finally broke ground
on the MarketFront project on June 24th, 2015. Construction has progressed steadily, maintaining a disciplined
schedule to reach substantial completion by the end of 2016. Major milestones included the erection of the tower
crane in September, completion of drilled pier work in December, and completion of shoring in early January. At
the end of 2015 excavation was nearly finished and site preparations for the first slab on grade were underway. The MarketFront project represents the fulfillment of the vision established for the Market by the 1973
Urban Renewal Plan and will serve as the literal bridge between Seattle’s vibrant downtown, the future Aquarium
expansion, and the central Waterfront.
6
MARKETFRONT
MarketFront
Accomplishments in 2015
• The current process of design, development, and financing for the PC1N project commenced in 2011 and has followed a process committed to public engagement which included the following meetings:
43 + 101 + 8 + 24 + 6 + 2
PDA
Council
Meetings
PDA
Constituency
Meetings
PDA
Council
Committee
Meetings
Briefings
of the
Market
Historic
Commission
Briefings
of the
Seattle
Council
Waterfront
Committee
Presentations
to the
Full City
Council
+ 15 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 1
Open
House
&
Community
Meetings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Town
Hall
Meeting
Briefings
of the
Seattle
Design
Commission
Briefings
of the
Central
Waterfront
& Oversight
Committee
Total number
of meetings,
all of which were
open to the public
Successful Town Hall meeting in February attended by 50 members of the public
Approval of Development Agreement with City of Seattle
Major news of Development Agreement vote results in stories by all major local outlets in March
Execution of 2nd Amendment with WSDOT securing the balance of $6M in parking mitigation funds
Secured A- Rating from S&P along with the successful issuance of $26M in PDA Bonds on May 14, 2015
Groundbreaking June 24, 2015
Pike Up! pledges reach $4M in December 2015
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
•
Briefing
of the
Washington
State LowIncome
Housing
Finance
Committee
= 208
Initial slabs for the parking garage will be poured and vertical structure will start to rise up to meet the Desimone Bridge early in the year
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Financing and New Market Tax Credit Financing transactions will both close — these represent the last major funding components for the MarketFront Project
By fall there is hope that some portion of the new garage could be operational and that substantial completion will be reached by the end of the year
7
ASSET
MANAGEMENT
8
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Commercial
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
Ended year with 100% occupancy
Commercial retail sales exceeded prior year sales by 8%, comprised of 6% increase in Food Sales; 2% increase in Merchant Sales; 13% Increase in Restaurant Sales
Coordinated conservation efforts with the Seattle 2030 Program to gain energy rebates for commercial tenants with new lighting
Coordinated restaurant improvements/upgrades at the Athenian, Maximilien, Place Pigalle,
Le Pichet, and planning for The Pink Door
Signed leases for vacant tenant spaces currently under construction
◦◦ Old Stove Brewery
◦◦ Shug’s Ice Cream Parlor
◦◦ Choukette Bakery
• Established comprehensive hood/vent maintenance cleaning program and tracking system
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
•
•
Complete the leasing for the Marketfront including seeking approval from the PDA Council and MHC, as well as overseeing construction coordination — this will be a major undertaking using a considerable amount of commercial staff resources
Open new businesses that are currently under construction
Establish first annual high cleaning in January
Upgrade and replace tenant directory signage focusing on consistency
New restaurants of 2015
unt
Co
Pi ke’
ry Dough
sP
it B
B
Q
Ho
ne
st Bi
Jarrbar
scuits
9
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Residential
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improved turnover times for vacancies — last quarter’s occupancy rate was 98%
Discontinued paper billing in April 2015
Adopted new house rules to improve cleanliness and safety for residents
Made upgrades to residential common areas
Improved pre-REAC inspection protocols and sent staff to REAC inspection training
Improved communication and coordination with PDA Maintenance Department leading to HUD Inspection scores of 93b in Stewart House and 99c at Market House
Continued excellent record on performance and accounting audits
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
•
•
•
Prepare for MarketFront lease-up
Continue to find creative ways of providing supportive assistance to our tenants
Improve compliance system to better adapt to changes to City, State, and HUD regulations
Develop better plans for unit upgrades on regular maintenance cycles, especially for long term tenants
Continue to seek better internet options for residential service
Meet Kelly Trupp,
NeighborCare RN/Outreach Nurse
at Pike Place Market.
A new service in 2015, Kelly provides
on-site and in-home nursing care to Market
residents in the Stewart House, an elderly
property of 100% HUD subsidized units.
The range of free health services range from
routine blood pressure and glucose checks
to health education and community resource
information and referrals.
10
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Event Rooms &
Pike Place Market Atrium Kitchen
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
•
Continued to successfully program Economy Building spaces for multi-functional use
1,500 room reservations in first 10 months of 2015, approximately 500 of which were revenue producing events, with the balance used for PDA, Market Foundation, and Community meetings/events
Estimate to exceed 2015 budget projections by 37%
Established a strong core of repeat users, including local businesses, chefs, culinary instructors, and PDA Daystall Kitchen rentals for value-added products
Created a robust program of culinary events in the Atrium space including cooking classes/
demonstrations, food/wine tasting events, team building activities, and pop-up dining experiences
Improved visibility of public Kitchen events with new monthly events calendar, e-newsletter, and Facebook page
What’s to come in 2016
ra
t in
nt
gi
he A
trium Kitchen
ar
riv
Daffod
e
p
Pre
ping
for family coo
kie
de
co
• Maintain a strong roster of revenue-producing events
• Continue to build a strong core of repeat users
• Outreach to local downtown community for evening rental of upstairs spaces
il D
ay
2
01
Set and ready for we
5
11
ng
ddi
gu
ts
es
to
EXECUTIVE
12
EXECUTIVE
Human Resources &
Office Administration
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recruited staff positions for various departments
Conducted annual performance reviews
Organized multiple staff trainings for staff members
Hosted annual flu shot clinic
Maintained high level retention rate
Negotiated cost effective benefits plan
Maintained positive union relationships
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
•
•
•
Continue to comply with Seattle $15 wage requirement
Explore health and wellness staff promotions
Implement new performance management system
Begin Union negotiations
Oversee and schedule annual staff training programs
Leadership
Accomplishments in 2015
• Oversaw daily operations of the Pike Place Market
• Ensured inter-departmental coordination related to key operational issues and projects
• Conducted analysis and review of Strategic Issues to support PDA Council deliberations and decision making
• Engaged in review, planning, and budgeting for 2016 and began preparations for organizational growth to open the new MarketFront in 2017
• Ensured clear communication through all levels of PDA management and operations
• Managed and coordinated major events and activities including visits from the President of Ireland, the RAW Power Concert, major capital projects, and large tenant improvements
• Led delegations to Olympia and Washington DC to secure support and funding for Pike Place Market projects and programs
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
PDA Leadership team will focus on maintaining a high level of performance for existing programs, ensuring successful execution of new initiatives like the Night Market and prepare budgets, operation plans, and staffing for opening the new MarketFront in 2017
Continue to track and engage in all key issues related to the Market and that have potential to impact Market operations including downtown safety, Waterfront planning, Center City Streetcar, and adjacent neighborhood development
13
FINANCE
14
Accounting
FINANCE
Accomplishments in 2015
t
Ob
• Continue with all the work above
• Create 2017 budget for MarketFront
A-
P
What’s to come in 2016
S&
• Secured Key Components of MarketFront Financing:
◦◦ Seattle City Council unanimously approved, and Mayor Murray signed, the Development Agreement with the City of Seattle which provides $34M of funding for the MarketFront Construction
◦◦ Secured $6M grant from WASDT which is designated to be used for MarketFront Construction
◦◦ Awarded $1.3M in State grants
◦◦ Obtained A- grading from S&P and issued Series A and Series B PDA Guaranteed bonds totaling $24M which provided remaining funding to commence MarketFront construction and refunded existing date at historically low interest rates
◦◦ Selected US Bank as Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Investor for the Housing Component; due diligence from the investor is in process
◦◦ Awarded $1.45M in funding for development of the Housing portion of MarketFront from City of Seattle Office of Housing and King County Housing
◦◦ Secured the NMTC financing with an allocation of $10M in New Markets Tax Credits from Morgan Stanley (investor) and LISC (CDE) — another NMTC financing is - grading
possible with US Bank for the next year
fro
d A
e
m
n
◦◦ Market Foundation secured pledges of $4.1M from the ai
Pike Up! capital campaign as of December 31, 2015
IT
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
Access Control Systems (FOBs) upgraded to current software and firmware versions to allow continued expansion for MarketFront project
Developed and implemented software program to email statements to Commercial tenants, Daystall/
Craft/Farm vendors, and PDA garage monthly parkers
PDA server capacity and software version upgrades to meet current and future demands
Expansion of Security control room to provide live monitoring of the 60 current security cameras in addition to future cameras for MarketFront project
Developed and implemented software program to manage membership, deliveries, purchases, and payments related to the CSA Farm Program
What’s to come in 2016
• Upgrade the PDA long distance network links from the current 100Mb fiber cables to multiple 1Gb fiber cables
• Create intranet web programs to replace current internal PDA paper forms to facilitate more efficient workflows, auditing, and accuracy
15
Programs &
Marketing
16
iatio
n Breakfas
t
PROGRAMS &
MARKETING
2015 D
ays
ta
ll
p
Ap
re c
Daystall
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
19 new permit holders screened in with active participation of screening committee
Held six educational events reaching 68 permit holders
Extensive community outreach to minimize disruption related to MarketFront construction
Explored concept of artisan demonstration studio & related grant possibilities
60,000 “Pike Place Market Handmade Locally” stickers produced
Overhead temporary signage messaging developed in collaboration with tenants
Developed standard display grids for Outside Slabs increasing safety & ease of set-up
Provided support for Craft Community grassroots event “Behind the Table”
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
•
•
•
•
Planning for Arts & Craft Programming in Plaza Canopy
Commence dialog regarding PDA-City of Seattle Daystall (Hildt-Licata) Agreement renewal in 2017 and how to incorporate new selling spaces on MarketFront with other expected uses
Continuing support for the Behind the Table event
Focus recruitment on bring the region’s best and brightest arts and craft producers to Pike Place in anticipation of added MarketFront capacity
Establish monthly “Advancing Craft Forum” exploring ways to elevate awareness, stature, and viability of artists and craftspeople in the Market
Continue efforts to provide increase use of daystalls by craft vendors while balancing demand to provide reliable access to space for new vendors
pr
Ap
17
eciat
ion Breakfast
Sel
fie
s
unded Fa
rm
Tr u
PROGRAMS &
MARKETING
Br a
n
rant-f
ck
d
n
g
ew
Farm
Accomplishments in 2015
Farmers Markets
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
20% increase in sales at Pike Place Street Market (Fri/Sat/Sun) and 5 Pike Place Express Markets with revenue peaking over a million dollars for the first time ever for a total of $1,141,449
Acquired new Farm Program support vehicle with USDA grant funds (used to support Express Markets and deliver CSA shares)
Added five additional dry storage spaces
Added five new farmers
Went on 31 farm visits
Helped five farmers apply for Natural Resource Conservation Service High Tunnel Grant Program
Held three in-house marketing workshops in partnership with Seattle Tilth
Established Young Farmer Brain Trust
Established partnership with King County Recycled Waste Water Program to provide emergency irrigation
options to farmers during times of drought
Farm to Go
• Partnered with King County Healthy Incentives pilot program distributing 149 CSA shares throughout Seattle, 50 of which went to low income families, resulting in $15,728 in additional sales to Market farmers
• First Fall Harvest Box distributed to 50 Seattle residents resulting in $1,734 in additional sales to Market farmers
• A total of 2,236 Farm to Go Bags were distributed in Seattle
• The Farm-to-Go CSA program resulted in $33,854 additional sales to PPM farmers
87 bags per week average
149 bags per week average
Farm to Go CSA Shares
2014
2015
18
PROGRAMS &
MARKETING
Food Access
•
•
•
•
•
Started monthly summer Family Fun days to increase participation in low income coupon program and WIC check program successfully
Received the “Resource Impact Award” from Sustainable Seattle for the low income CSA bag
Distributed $8,212 in Fresh Bucks (SNAP matching) dollars
Hosted 45 cooking classes and 12 market meals
14,117 lbs. of food donated to Downtown Foodbank from PPM farmers and CSA overflow
What’s to come in 2016
• Establish weekday evening farmers market on Pike Place to increase downtown residents’ access to healthy produce, as well as increase farmer sales of fresh and raw foods
• Continue to develop and expand weekly express market program focusing on an earlier start of the season
• Increase diversity of products, attendance by farmers, and average revenue per express market
• Leverage King County Healthy Incentives program to expand Farm to Go to 250 bags per week (40% increase over 2015)
• Apply for Farm Service Agency grant with Seattle Tilth in order to provide record keeping and financial literacy workshops for up to 15 Pike Place farmers
Ex
pr
e
a
ss M
rkets
19
PROGRAMS &
MARKETING
Marketing & Communications
Accomplishments in 2015
Community Relations
•
•
On-going communication with Market tenants, including production and distribution of tenant newsletters, Market Insider, and Residential Insider
Assisted Residential Team in producing a tri-fold brochure highlighting current and future residential properties for prospective tenants
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hosted more than 100 classes for the first time, serving approximately 2,300 students
Reached 46% of all Seattle Public Schools’ elementary or K-8 schools
Summer programming included “Let’s Get Cookin’” partnership with the City of Seattle, School’s Out Washington, and Seattle Tilth
Partnered with the Pike Market Food Bank to encourage teachers to have classes donate food, almost 4,700 lbs. of food went to the Food Bank’s clients
Partnered with Beecher’s Pure Food Kids Foundation and the Seattle Times Newspapers in Education program with an article appearing in the latter’s agriculture edition in April
Sixteen volunteers donated 620 hours of their time for the Education Program
Education & Outreach
Public Relations
• Worked closely with Bon Appétit on a feature of Market and specific businesses
• PR efforts mitigated potential negative news coverage around parking and traffic on Pike Place
Marketing
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Over 35 commercial film productions were coordinated in the Market by communications staff and dozens of productions were coordinated by staff for local broadcast stations and producers working directly with tenants
Assisted Atrium Kitchen in creating logo and branding materials
Worked with graphic designers to create wrap for the new Farm Truck and design for tote bags
Continued annual “Adventures in Local” Campaign with successful radio, digital, and billboard ads throughout Seattle
Showcased crafts market and four crafters in KOMO4’s magazine style show, Seattle Refined
Created 30-second “Market Explorer” promo video which ran in November and December
Created “Sasquatch Saturdays” in December to provide additional activities and entertainment in the Economy Building Atrium
Continued protection of the Market’s trademarks, including licensing uses and responding to unauthorized uses
One settlement resulted in a television advertising campaign for the Market valued at $12,800 that was produced by and shown on KIRO-TV on the Market’s behalf
Migrated pikeplacemarket.org to new open-source server
Created new monthly event calendar and easier submit-your-event form for Market tenants
Grew Instagram followers from zero to more than 10,000 individuals and Facebook to 250,000 followers
20
Ma
rke
tF
ro
nt
Gr
oun
dbrea
king Cerem
on
Daf
y in
y
il D
Ma
fod
ay
Po
we
r
fto
roo
e Lights
p con
cert in Aug
ust
Ce
nte
r
Ra
w
Arcad
at
t
le
ra i
ses
fund
s for KEXP’s
om
new h
ei
e
nS
M
S
tud
e
nt e
nsembles fill the
Atr
ium
w
ith
fe s
tive
music
21
ag
n th
ic i
e Market bigger t
ha
ne
ve
r!
Operations
22
OPERATIONS
Capital Projects
Accomplishments in 2015
• Performed over 25 Projects valued at $1.5M
• Completed Highlights:
◦◦ Western Ave. Window Project completed
◦◦ Complete restoration of LaSalle west windows and façade
◦◦ Fairley Elevator modernization
◦◦ Replacement of roofs over Lowell’s, Pike Place Fish & Fairley Elevator Penthouse
◦◦ Restoration of Skybridge metal stair’s
◦◦ Installation of additional craft storage lockers in Soames/Dunn basement
◦◦ Restoration of Economy storefronts & windows
◦◦ Refinished all floors in Lower Levels, upper Economy, and Soames/Dunn
◦◦ Extended exhaust system to roof for the Leland trash room & trash chute
◦◦ PC1-S Garage entrance reconfiguration
◦◦ Repainted Heritage House exterior
What’s to come in 2016
• Engage SDOT to assist with bolstering Post Alley
• Removal of Skybridge
• Preparations for onboarding the MarketFront Building
Parking
Accomplishments in 2015
• Managed much higher car volume than has ever been documented entering the garage during all months of 2015
• Restriped the parking spaces for PC1-S upper level to accomodate parking for larger trucks and vans
What’s to come in 2016
• Planning and preparation for bringing the new MarketFront garage online at start of 2017
23
OPERATIONS
Facilities
Accomplishments in 2015
• Finished the conversion of all common area lighting on the west side of the Market from CFL to LED lighting
• Recycled:
◦◦ 224 tons of cardboard
◦◦ 5000 cubic yards of mixed recycling
◦◦ 3000 cubic yards of compostables
◦◦ 305 tons of fish ice diverted from the garbage to the fish ice melting tank
• Disposed of:
◦◦ 2,400 tons of non-recyclable garbage
• Maintained previous record of 10,000 gallons of cooking oil recycled, reducing greenhouse emissions by 145,000 lbs.
What’s to come in 2016
• Planning and preparations for the opening of the new MarketFront building in early 2017
• LED Lighting conversion project for the east side of the Market has been started and will be completed in 2016
2,810 miles
of
to
ile t
paper us
e
d
in
2 0 1 5. En
oug
ht
os
t r e t ch from
S
t
ea
tle
t o Ga
stoni
a
,N
or
th
24
C a ro
l i n a!
OPERATIONS
Maintenance
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Completed Lockout/Tagout training class
Repaired shared side sewer on Pine Street by lining pipe
Contracted with engineers to add additional ClimaCool Heat Pumps in Fairley building
Purchased line painting machine and restriped parking stall lines
Replaced Stewart House freight elevator hydraulic valve
Coordinated engineering and construction of roof stage for Raw Power concert
Upgraded exhaust system for the trash chute and loading dock
Repaired and refinished trash chute and recycle area on the 6th floor of the Fairley building
Achieved 0% Vacancy with the Residential Department bringing all vacant residential units online
What’s to come in 2016
• Install additional ClimaCool Heat Pumps in Fairley builidng
• Complete Backflow certification training
• Complete Lockout/Tagout procedure manual including the labeling of all major machinery and equipment
Security
Accomplishments in 2015
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Presented 90-minute training course in “Techniques of Verbal De-escalation” to all Security personnel, as well as Food Bank staff members
All Security personnel received Defensive Tactics training/certification from SPD trainers
Participated in tabletop exercise with the King County Emergency Planning Institute
Conducted tour of the Market for the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management staff
Provided security details for the President of Ireland, Senator Patty Murray, Ken Griffey Jr., the Wheel of Fortune cast, and other numerous dignitaries and celebrities
Provided security planning for major Market events including Arcade Lights, Sunset Supper, Pike Up! Grounbreaking Parade and Ceremony, and the open-air Raw Power concert
Hosted:
◦◦ Quarterly meetings of the Public Safety Coalition for Downtown Seattle
◦◦ Market community meeting with members of the SPD’s West Precinct Crime Prevention Team
◦◦ City of Seattle retreat with SPD for their command staff and the heads of other City Departments
What’s to come in 2016
•
•
•
•
Continue to participate in the Public Safety Coalition for Downtown Seattle
Work with the Commercial Department to provide anti-theft info and training to commercial tenants
Continue to enhance active security monitoring of the Market
Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles for the new MarketFront
25
MArket
Foundation
26
MARKET FOUNDATION
The Market Foundation’s vision
is to connect the diverse
community of people who care
for and rely upon the Market.
They strive to build a vital and
thriving neighborhood within
and around this city’s treasure.
They continue to grow our
community’s future through
the $9m Pike Up! campaign
to build the new MarketFront
with a goal to complete the
campaign by the end of 2016.
The MarketFront will include
a new Neighborhood Center
that will help grow our ability
to provide expanded social
services to our community. In
2016, development of both the
facility and the programming
that will occur in the center will
take place.
Through their annual grantmaking program they provide
a support lifeline to Market
community members and
aspire to raise and distribute
$1M in funds over the next
year.
27
2015 GUM WALL MANIA!
In November, the Gum Wall received a complete scrub
down for the first time in 20 years. The PDA’s decision
to clean Post Alley came after a busy summer and an
over-abundance of gum that had spread well beyond
the Gum Wall’s original location. Simply put, it was time
for a cleaning!
gum up to 7
i nc
he
st
h
TOTAL POUNDS OF
GUM CLEANED OFF
POST ALLEY
130
HOURS OF
STEAM-WASHING,
SCRAPING &
CLEANING
94
5-GALLON
BUCKETS FILLED
WITH GUM
Prior
to cleaning
,P
DA
!
ick
st
fm
af
ed
sur
ea
2,350
PRESS COVERAGE
RESULTED IN
10.8
billion
MEDIA IMPRESSIONS
5.4
billion
GLOBAL CIRCULATION
INCLUDING
NEW YORK TIMES,
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME, LA TIMES,
SEATTLE TIMES
& CNN ONLINE
The Gum Wall Snap! Contest
resulted in 2,325 photo
entries, gained 3,413 new
Facebook fans, and more
than 260,000 views of the
contest page.
Right: Contest winner
Rayana White