The Window Security Film Project is an effort from the CID Small Business Relief Team (SBRT) to address the security issues that small businesses in the Chinatown International District (CID) have been experiencing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. CID businesses have been impacted by increased break-ins, burglary, and vandalism, in addition to the economic struggles of operating a small business during a pandemic. The increase in property damage has led to many businesses putting plywood boards up to cover their windows as a preventive measure. As the pandemic continues, business owners are understandably concerned about the risks of taking down the plywood and the impact on security and safety. There needed to be a way to address these concerns with concrete actions that alleviate the concerns for our community members and reduce the vulnerability of our small businesses, which is where security film comes in.
While no film guarantees complete protection, thick film prevents glass from scratching and scattering, and keeps intruders and projectiles out. Throughout the pandemic, more business owners have sought façade protection measures, including film, gates, lighting, and cameras. Transparent film is the most economical and least invasive. If a majority of storefronts have it, the district could be more resilient to crime.
The overarching goals of the Window Security Film Project are:
1) Discourage storefront vandalism and break-ins throughout Chinatown ID; and,
2) Support small business owners in protecting their storefronts while removing plywood.
As of September 2022, the CID Small Business Relief Team (SBRT) has been able to replace broken glass for 15 businesses and install security film for 42 businesses. The second round of businesses to receive security film is currently underway. Thank you to Protection Seattle and A&C Glass for partnering with us to repair and reinforce windows and doors for CID small businesses.
For questions, please email cidbizrelief@scidpda.org.
Before & After Photos
After (right): All windows were reinforced with security film and plywood was taken down to reveal the unique octagonal windows.
After (right): Two broken windows were replaced and reinforced with security film and plywood was taken down to reveal the deli and let in natural light. The plywood art was donated to the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience.
Round 1 Security Film Recipients
Round 1 Security Film Installation took place between May 2022 and September 2022.
| Bich Kieu Jewelry Chu Minh Tofu and Vegan Deli Fresh fruit juice and bubble tea HKG Products Loving Hut Seattle Vegan Cuisine Mi La Cay Restaurant Nguyễn Vũ Jewelry Ocean Pacific Travel Phnom Penh Noodle house Seattle Nail Supply Song Phang Kong Ten Sushi Thành phát tài LLC UNIVERSAL TOURS INC. Viet Wah Supermarket Wong Tung Seafood American Hotel Hostel Cake House City Produce company Crawfish King Ho Ho seafood restaurant Hood Famous Cafe + Bar | Jardin Tea King Noodle Oasis Tea Zone Pho Hoa & Jazen Tea Shanghai Garden Restaurant Tabletop Village LLC Tai Tung Inc Asia Bar-b-que Fast Foods Baegopa Cindy’s Beauty Salon Harmony Palace Hair to you Kau Kau BBQ Market & Restaurant KOBO at Higo Mike’s Noodle House Pacific Range Hoods & Modern Trading Co. Sizzling pot king Szechuan Noodle Bowl Trichome Washington State Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Center |
This project is funded by the Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund and a combination of other public funds and foundations.
