Here are a few things FHIA does to make First Hill a great place for everyone.

madison Retail study

In partnership with the City, FHIA is engaging in a study of the Madison retail corridor. We want to get our neighborhood’s main street activated.

Park to park: Walking Loop

This project builds on the Public Realm Action Plan of 2015, and connects Freeway Park to Yesler Terrace with concept improvements to public space to benefit all.

first hill park advocacy

This park was remodeled in 2021, and is a treasured green space. We advocated for $20K of maintenance funds in the 2025 to City budget to rejuvenate it.

little free libraries

FHIA acquired and installed the libraries in 2017 - the first in our zip codes - providing enrichment, building community, and supporting literacy.

Signal Box Art

FHIA partnered with Seattle’s Department of Transportation to wrap signal boxes with art designed by Nathan Watkins.

Past Projects

interstate 5 columns mural

The First Hill Improvement Association received a grant in 2017 to beautify the 72 columns under Interstate 5 between James Street and Cherry Street. This area is a prominent vehicular and pedestrian gateway to First Hill, but suffered from a drab concrete grayscape.

FHIA undertook a public art selection process to hire a designer, and received over 3,000 votes from around the city, ultimately selecting local artist Nathan Watkins and his design, Sunlight Over First Hill. We partnered with local art non-profit Urban Artworks to manage installation, which took over 100 volunteers, 68 colors of paint, and more than 1,000 hours of volunteer work!

We are grateful to the Only In Seattle program for the funding to make this project possible - and for their ongoing support to help ensure the mural continues to look touched up and vibrant. The murals create an entrance to First Hill that is as welcoming as the people who live here. 

In 2025, FHIA partnered with the City of Seattle to have them take over this project.