NEWS
Big Things Going on in Little Saigon
May 5, 2013SCIDpda is pleased to expand its capacity building work in Little Saigon thanks to support from Enterprise Community Partners and Growing Transit Communities. An award of $23,000 from Enterprise Community Partners will allow SCIDpda to complete a housing needs assessment for the Little Saigon area, while a $5,000 award from Growing Transit Communities will invest in leadership and organizational development for the Friends of Little Saigon (a grass-roots organization committed to the stabilization and development of Little Saigon).
Share on FacebookOnly In Seattle Comes Through Again!
May 5, 2013For a third year in a row, the Office of Economic Development has awarded the Chinatown International District an Only in Seattle grant to support neighborhood revitalization efforts. SCIDpda's IDEA Space program will once again serve as the project lead for this multi-pronged effort focused on marketing and promotions, business development, pedestrian environment enhancements, neighborhood safety and organizational development.
A total of $342,200 will be invested into the neighborhood through three different allocations - $165,000 for commercial district revitalization; $57,200 for facade improvement through the Seattle Investment Fund; and $120,000 for improvements to Canton Alley and the King Street colonnade via Seattle Department of Transportation.
IDEA Space "Incubates" New Businesses
May 5, 2013SCIDpda recently received a $10,000 grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) to support the establishment of Design INC, a small business incubator, coworking space, and business counseling center in the ID. Design INC will support emerging entrepreneurs in the creative/design industries, provide a professional workspace for established small businesses in all fields, and provide technical assistance to 400+ small businesses already in the neighborhood. WSMA award is intended to build the capacity of SCIDpda's current business technical assistance services, as offered through its IDEA Space program.
To learn more about this program contact Quang Nguyen, Sr. Economic Development Specialist at IDEA Space, quangn@scidpda.org.
Owners of Le Hama Jewelry to Retire
May 5, 2013Best wishes to Sirdana and Francis Ma as they close their doors to Le Hama Jewelry for the final time on April 20. Retirement awaits them after operating the most well-known jewelry store in Chinatown International District. They are the longest operating small business owner in SCIDpda's history. Sirdana and Francis first opened in an interior space in the Bush Hotel Building in 1979. In 1983, they moved to their current location on the corner of Jackson and Maynard.
On Saturday, April 20, beginning at 4:00 PM, Sirdana and Francis will have a reception in the Legacy Community Hall (Bush Hotel plaza level) for family, friends and customers. Please stop by on or before April 20 to wish them well.
We want to express our gratitude for Sirdana and Frances for being part of the SCIDpda family for 34 years. You will be missed.
MetLife Foundation to Present SCIDpda With National Award
November 11, 2012SCIDpda and the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will receive a MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Award during a 12:00pm ceremony at International Children's Park this Friday, Sept 21. Mayor Mike McGinn, Chief John Diaz, and Tim Kao, Interim MetLife Managing Director will present the prestigious award during an outdoor celebration running from 11:30am-1pm. Community members are encouraged to join in the celebration!
SCIDpda and the Seattle Police were selected from more than 560 applicants for one of 10 MetLife Foundation honors. SCIDpda will receive $20,000 to advance this safety partnership from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), which has administered the MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards program for 11 years.
"Collaboration between community-based groups and police departments can reduce crime, stimulate housing and business activity, and improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods," said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "This Seattle partnership is an exemplary model for groups nationwide facing similar challenges and opportunities."
Bank of America Awards Chinatown ID $20,000
November 11, 2012SCIDpda would like to thank Bank of America for their generous $20,000 grant in support of our design and resource center, IDEA Space. The grant is part of a $22 million investment by Bank of America to build and rehab affordable housing, offer foreclosure prevention services and homeowner counseling, and provide other services intended to invigorate and rejuvenate neighborhoods. IDEA Space will use the funds to further SCIDpda's commercial district revitalization program. Specifically, the funds will help implement urban design and real estate activities, such as facade improvements and concept studies, that assist immigrant and refugee business and property owners of Seattle's Chinatown International District.
"In response to the many challenges facing our communities, we are focusing our philanthropic support on areas vital to advancing local economies," said Bob Peters, Washington State President of Bank of America "The bank's $20,000 investment in the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority will help individuals and families regain financial stability through housing and other community development initiatives is one way we're working to stabilize and advance the Puget Sound area."
Solar Power Heats Up at the DVA
November 11, 2012The SCIDpda's Domingo Viernes Apartments (DVA) have gotten a little greener! Thanks to the City of Seattle's Homewise program, which recently received a $2.2 million grant to test new energy efficiencies, residents of the DVA are now enjoying the benefits of solar water heating. That means lower heating bills and a lower environmental impact! Click here to view a City Stream video about the project.
