Seattle, WA – The Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) is thrilled to officially kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations! Under the theme Beyond 50 Years: A CID for All Generations, this milestone year is dedicated to honoring SCIDpda’s history, community impact, and continued commitment to preserving, promoting, and developing the Chinatown International District (CID) as a vibrant and thriving neighborhood.
Kicking off the anniversary, Mayor Bruce Harrell officially proclaims February 15th, 2025 as SCIDpda’s 50th anniversary day. “SCIDpda’s 50th anniversary theme, Beyond 50 Years: a CID for all generations, reflects both its rich history and its commitment to the future, emphasizing that this milestone is not just about looking back, but ensuring that CID remains vibrant, inclusive, and a liveable community for all generations to come.”
Steward of the CID, SCIDpda was founded in 1975 by the community to revitalize and preserve the neighborhood. They provide much needed social services as well as affordable housing and community support. Additionally, SCIDpda manages many spaces in the CID and are tireless advocates and builders of multi-generational housing to prevent displacement of families and seniors. With their 50th anniversary, SCIDpda strives to celebrate not only the past 50 years, but generations past and future.
Today’s Chinatown International District stands as a resilient community shaped by history, having withstood redlining, Japanese incarceration, and transformative infrastructure projects like I-5 and the Kingdome. Through it all, the neighborhood has remained a cultural and economic hub, preserving its rich heritage while evolving for the future.
This anniversary, SCIDpda hopes to continue to share the positive stories, history, resilience, and beauty of the families and businesses that call the CID home.
Join SCIDpda in this commemorative year through the following community events & opportunities:
Community Tours: In addition to the 50th Anniversary Kickoff Event, SCIDpda is hosting guided walking tours throughout the CID, offering community members an inside look at key historic sites, SCIDpda-led developments, and spaces that have played a critical role in shaping the neighborhood. Explore the history, architecture, & art of the CID plus learn about upcoming SCIDpda projects that continue to serve the CID’s diverse community. Free to the public, the tours will explore three key eras: the early days of the CID’s formation, the waves of displacement and advocacy that shaped its evolution, and the community-driven development projects that ensure its future. There will be tours on March 29, July 10, and September 18.
SCIDpda Commemorative Installation: One of the many ways SCIDpda is commemorating this landmark year is through SCIDpda’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Installation. This initiative invites community members to leave a lasting mark on the neighborhood by sponsoring a commemorative tile to be installed on Maynard Avenue near the historical Bush Hotel. These tiles will be installed as a tribute to those who have contributed to the vibrancy and resilience of the CID, ensuring their legacy remains visible for generations to come.
SCIDpda 50th Anniversary Gala: Mark your calendars! SCIDpda’s 50th Anniversary Gala will take place on November 8, 2025 at Victory Hall, bringing together community members, supporters, and partners for an evening of celebration and reflection. This gala will serve as a key fundraising event, supporting SCIDpda’s ongoing work in the CID. Stay tuned for more details on ticket sales and table captain opportunities.
Sponsorship opportunities for the full calendar of 50th anniversary events, including the gala, are available at https://scidpda.org/beyond50/
SCIDpda invites everyone to join in celebrating this historic milestone. Whether by participating in the tours, contributing to the SCIDpda Bash Tiles, or attending the gala, there are many ways to support and engage with the organization’s mission.
For press inquiries & more information on the 50th Anniversary celebrations, please visit https://scidpda.org/beyond50/ or contact Desi Caswell at desi@madronabureau.com.
