sMALL Box making spaces for PJs Classic Creamery, The ShoreHouse, and more amid changes at 23rd and Cherry

The Acer House affordable housing project, currently under construction at 23rd and Cherry, represents a significant development in Seattle's Central District. In conjunction, the $8. 4 million Garfield Super Block project plans to renovate public spaces around the Garfield Community Center and High School. Ron Rubin is transforming garages into sMALL Box, a micro-business incubator intended to boost local commerce and serve neighborhood youth. With the opening of PJ’s Classic Creamery and The ShoreHouse, early signs of success are evident.

Rubin's concept emerged from his observations of pedestrian-friendly cities and aims to foster a vibrant community space. He noted the lack of nearby options for local students, highlighting a gap in services. By promoting small retail spaces, Rubin hopes to increase foot traffic and safety in the area. The Central District is witnessing a resurgence in mixed-use developments, emphasizing the importance of community-oriented spaces.