Vacant Firestone Tire on NW Market St will soon be adorned by public art

This month, the empty Firestone building is being reimagined through a large-scale, community-driven art installation.

The Firestone: An Artist Takeover invites residents and visitors to experience how creativity can transform urban spaces with a full day of public art-making, music, and community activities scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Organized by artists Aaron Asis and Brady Black, in partnership with the City of Seattle and the One Seattle Graffiti Team, the Firestone art project aims to showcase the power of public art to activate underutilized spaces. More than 20 local artists have been commissioned to participate, creating new murals, installations, and experiences both inside and outside the former Firestone at 1145 NW Market Street.

On the building’s exterior, 11 new murals will be painted, providing an opportunity for emerging muralists to gain experience with large-scale outdoor work. Inside, a diverse group of artists will present site-specific installations designed to engage visitors and encourage reflection on the role of art in public life. Together, the two activations will offer a layered, interactive exploration of how art can breathe energy into transitional spaces.

“The Firestone is an invitation for the public to contemplate buildings, public spaces, and the impact of art in our city,” said Asis. “This exhibition brings together community, art, and government to show the unique ability of the creative community to transform underutilized urban conditions into profound and memorable public experiences.”

In addition to viewing the murals and installations, attendees can participate in a free community paint jam throughout the day on May 17. Materials will be provided, and the event will feature live music to create a festival-like atmosphere open to all ages.

Beyond the May 17 launch, the Firestone project will continue to host periodic reactivations and events through the summer. The goal is not only to enliven the space temporarily, but also to spark broader conversations about the future of public spaces in rapidly changing neighborhoods like Ballard.

The Firestone building, constructed in 1973, has been a fixture along NW Market Street for decades. However, it is slated for demolition as part of a broader wave of development. Plans call for a 7-story, 122-unit apartment building with ground-floor retail and parking for 73 vehicles.