Belltown is launching its new mobile app, Bell’s Town Tour! Jim Miller, the President of the Belltown Business Association (BBA), will announce the launch of the mobile app that takes users on a self-guided tour of the historical architecture of Belltown. His announcement will take place at Tilikum Place Park, at the intersection of Fifth, Cedar, and Denny, which is also the juncture of the original land claims of city founders Denny, Boren, and Bell.

The app was made possible by a grant given by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. “The Chief of the Suguamish statue at the park was unveiled a hundred years ago on Founders Day by the great-great granddaughter of Chief Seattle. At the time, the city wanted to commemorate the original settlers of the area and acknowledge that Seattle was named after an important leader of those native residents. We continue that tradition. We also timed the launch to coincide with the Seattle Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration as well as the newly revamped Second Friday Belltown Artwalk and the 2012 Seattle Founders Day Festival that starts Saturday.” Jane Savard, the BBA board member who wrote the grant was quoted on the several reasons as to why Tilikum Place Park was chosen.

According to Miller, the Bell’s Town Tour app is a “cutting edge cultural tool that preserves the rich history of Belltown. The BBA is committed to preserving and promoting that history. We’re focused on elevating the reasons people come to Belltown and creating more events that showcase the hidden gems we have down here.”

You can download version 1.0 of the app at www.belltownba.org/tour and begin scanning any of the QR codes that are in display in the windows of 50 locations. Once a QR code is scanned, you will be able see a historical description of the site along with historic and contemporary photos.

Founder’s Day:
When: Saturday August 11, 2012 and Sunday August 12, 2012 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 2nd Ave between Blanchard and Battery

Launch Party:
When: Friday August 10, 2012 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Tilikum Place Park