Zynga's new home at the Washington Shoe Building (Keith Tyler photo)

Pioneer Square is undergoing a major transformation as high-tech companies such as Isilon, Zynga and Blue Nile set up shop in the historic Seattle district. KING 5 takes a deeper look at what’s going on, noting that despite cruddy Internet service and a “lingering reputation as a haven for drug dealers” the neighborhood continues to attract high-tech tenants.

In fact, KING 5 notes that more than a third of the office space in the neighborhood is now occupied by tech companies.

Here’s a look at the KING 5 report:


Heck, Pioneer Square is now even home to a venture capital firm. Maveron, founded by Dan Levitan and Starbucks Chairman Howard Schutlz, occupies space at 411 First Avenue South.

Known for its funky brick buildings, Pioneer Square has long attracted tech startups. Companies such as Gist, Evri, Yapta, Payscale and others have called the neighborhood home for years. (In fact, GeekWire’s Web developer, Foundry Interactive, is located in the neighborhood, and we can attest to the spotty Internet service).

But some bigger companies are moving in too, including Zynga which just opened doors on a new engineering office with room for as many as 35 workers. Isilon is planning to set up shop just north of the historic Triangle Pub later this year, occupying a massive 140,000 square foot facility at 505 First Avenue South.

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