The proposed Urban Renewal and redevelopment project for the Pike Place Market during the late 1960s and early 1970s led to a massive citizen movement to save and preserve the Market. The DCD director's records document the redevelopment, rehabilitation, and preservation of the Market following the citizen initiative that saved it from redevelopment.

These records illustrate the wide range of activities involving the City in the Market's preservation. This includes sale and purchase of parcels within the Market neighborhood, rehabilitation and renovation of specific buildings, relocation of tenants during the renewal process, and the improvement of streets, sidewalks, lighting, and stairways in the public right-of-way.

Also of interest are records related to social services sited in the Market district, housing issues, funding for the renewal project, creation of parks in and around the district, and discussions of operating the Market on Sundays.