Hello everyone!
I’m Nicole, AI Data Analyst | Ohata Shoji America Seattle Yard.
Today is Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Seattle is seeing hazy sunshine and warm temperatures today, with an afternoon high in the mid-80s.
We recently met Cam Orgaard, District Services Manager for the SODO Business Improvement Area, when he visited our Seattle yard. Along with explaining our work and showing him the facility, we spoke about the SODO BIA and the resources it provides for people and businesses in the area.
One of those resources is SODO News: News & Updates From Your Business Improvement Area. The July 2026 issue includes a new place to visit, upcoming opportunities to meet people, and information about projects happening around SODO.
Here are some of the highlights and how they may be useful to you.
The SODO Welcome Center Is Open
The main story introduces the SODO Welcome Center, which opened June 11 at 1950 First Avenue South.
The center brings information about SODO’s businesses, public art, history, and events together under one roof. Its rotating exhibits also highlight the district’s industrial heritage and creative community.
SODO is one of Seattle’s busiest areas on game days. I am a huge fan of the WNBA and the Seattle Storm, so local sports are always on the mind. If you are coming into SODO for a game or another stadium event, the Welcome Center can help you find somewhere to eat, plan a walking route, or discover something nearby that you might otherwise miss.
The official website lists maps, local recommendations, current event schedules, and staff who can answer questions during open hours. It is also scheduled to open three hours before most stadium games, but checking the current schedule before visiting is a good idea.
Take a Walk Through SODO Storefront Stories
The Welcome Center is connected to SODO Storefront Stories, a walking route along First Avenue South.
Participating businesses display custom window clings featuring archival photographs, historical details, and stories from SODO’s past. Visitors can begin at the Welcome Center, pick up a printed map, and follow the displays along First Avenue.
The route makes local history easy to explore without setting aside an entire day. If you work nearby, you could visit a few displays during lunch. If you are attending an event, it offers something interesting to do before the gates open.
Each display also includes a trivia question. Visitors can take an answer back to the Welcome Center for a chance to receive a small SODO prize.
Save the Date for Coffee
The events section of the newsletter includes two upcoming Join Us for Coffee mornings:
Thursday, September 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Thursday, November 19, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Both are scheduled at the SODO BIA office at 2450 Sixth Avenue South, Suite 100. The invitation includes a cup of coffee and a pastry.
These casual hours give people a simple way to ask questions, hear what is happening around SODO, or meet members of the BIA team.
The newsletter also lists a Fall Business Networking Event on Thursday, November 5, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Western Neon. Readers interested in attending should check the SODO BIA events page for current registration information.
SODO’s Public Art
I grew up in Joshua Tree, California, and I am an artist, so the public-art projects naturally stood out to me.
The SODO Track is a two-mile mural corridor along Fifth Avenue South between Royal Brougham Way and Spokane Street. It includes 51 murals across more than 14 properties, with work by over 60 artists on display.
Many of the murals can be seen from Link light rail between Stadium and Beacon Hill stations. Others are visible from Metro buses, bicycles, or the SODO Trail.
The great thing about murals is that you don’t need to plan a separate gallery visit to see them. They are a feature of a normal trip through SODO. If you regularly take the train through the area, you have probably already seen some of the artwork.
Additional murals were completed around SODO in 2026, including pieces inspired by Seattle music, sports, history, nature, and movement. The SODO BIA website includes photographs and more information about the artists behind them.
A Greener SODO
The SODO Green Space Plan looks at how plants and shared outdoor areas can be added to an industrial area without interfering with freight access or normal business operations.
The plan considers street trees, green roofs and walls, dog parks, spaces beneath overpasses, and other underused areas.
Its first major project was a pocket park at South Industrial Way and Sixth Avenue South. More than 40 community members helped install over 1,000 plants and trees there in October 2025.
For people working nearby, the park provides somewhere to sit outside, eat lunch, or take a short break. The larger plan may also support stormwater management, air and water quality, and soil protection.
Readers can follow park and planting updates through the SODO Green Space Plan page.
Practical Resources for People in SODO
The SODO BIA also provides information and services related to litter, illegal dumping, graffiti, transportation, parking, freight access, and public safety.
Its Clean and Safe community meetings are held regularly. Check the current events calendar for the next date. Anyone who owns property, owns a business, or works in SODO is welcome to attend.
The website also provides transportation updates and links to City of Seattle reporting tools. These resources can help when construction, a road condition, illegal dumping, or another issue affects your workplace or route through the area.
Staying Informed About SODO
The July issue gives readers several ways to experience SODO, whether that means visiting the Welcome Center, following the Storefront Stories route, having coffee with the BIA team, attending an event, or noticing the artwork along a familiar commute.
SODO News also provides a convenient place to find local dates, projects, services, and contact information without searching for each one separately.
Meeting Cam gave us an opportunity to learn more about these resources directly. It also allowed us to introduce Ohata Shoji America Inc. and explain how our Seattle yard fits into the area’s broad mix of businesses.
I hope this overview helps you find something useful in SODO News, whether you are looking for local history, public art, practical information, or a nice new place to spend some time.
Learn More
Read SODO News, check current event details, and explore SODO BIA programs:
Come Visit Our Seattle Yard
Ohata Shoji America Inc.
423 S Horton St Unit B
Seattle, WA 98134 USA
Phone: +1 (206) 602-9022
Email: info-us@ohata.ai
Website: https://ohata.ai/us/en
Walk-in customers are welcome. Purchases begin at 1 lb for qualifying electronic-scrap categories. Please contact us in advance for unusually large loads or equipment requiring special unloading assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individuals bring electronic scrap to the Seattle Yard?
Yes. Ohata Shoji America welcomes both individuals and businesses. Purchases begin at 1 lb for qualifying electronic-scrap categories.
Do I need an appointment before visiting?
No appointment is needed for regular loads during business hours. Please contact the Seattle Yard in advance for an unusually large delivery, multiple pallets, or equipment requiring special unloading assistance.
Does electronic equipment need to be working?
Not always. Many electronic-scrap categories are evaluated for their components and recyclable materials rather than their operating condition. Severe damage, contamination, missing parts, or unsafe batteries may still affect acceptance.
How can I receive SODO updates?
You can register for the SODO BIA newsletter through its website. This is the easiest way to receive local announcements, event invitations, project updates, and other information by email.
Is there a directory of businesses in SODO?
Yes. The SODO BIA maintains an online business directory that can help you find restaurants, shops, professional services, entertainment, and other organizations operating in the district.
How can I confirm whether my workplace is within the SODO BIA?
The SODO BIA website provides a boundary map showing the area it serves. This can help business tenants and property owners determine whether their address is located within the district.
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