SEATTLE - June 25 - An agreement on the transfer of property from King County to the Washington State Public Stadium Authority was unveiled today with the ratification of a five party agreement on the future of the Kingdome's North Lot by the PSA's Board.
Representatives of the City of Seattle, King County, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the PSA and First & Goal Inc. announced a comprehensive plan that moves the Stadium and Exhibition Center project forward and provides the opportunity for mixed use development, including housing, on part of the Kingdome North Lot.
The proposed agreement, as negotiated by representatives of the PSA, King County, the City of Seattle, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the stadium's private partner, First & Goal Inc., calls for the County to retain ownership of the north portion of the Kingdome's North Parking Lot and for the PSA to receive the south portion. South Weller Street (extended) is the dividing line. The PSA also will receive the site of the Kingdome and its South Lot from King County.
The northeast corner of the North Lot also is the location of the Washington State Department of Transportation's planned intermodal transportation center that will serve intercity and commuter rail, local and intercity buses, taxis and passenger parking at the King Street Station.
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In exchange for property and public right-of-way necessary for that facility on the North Lot, the Washington State Department of Transportation intends to lease parcels of nearby land for additional Stadium and Exhibition Center event staging.
The agreement must now be presented to the Metropolitan King County Council which must approve the transfer of the Kingdome property to the PSA.
"This is an exciting day for all of us," said PSA Board Chair Lorraine Hine. "It balances the needs of the Stadium and Exhibition Center and the desire of the Pioneer Square community, King County and the City of Seattle for certainty that eventual mixed use development, including housing, could occur on the North Lot."
Throughout the construction phase of the Stadium and Exhibition Center project, expected to begin in September, 1998 and conclude in the summer of 2002, the entire North Lot, including the portion retained by King County, would be used for event parking and construction staging.
"The Pioneer Square community has long asked for housing in this North Lot. We have seized an opportunity at a time of change to ensure that housing is built here after the football stadium and exhibition center are completed.," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We're looking at more than four city blocks, two of which will eventually have housing."
When the Stadium and Exhibition Center is complete, the project's private partner, First & Goal Inc., will have the option to develop housing on the County-owned portion of the North Lot. Additionally, First & Goal Inc. eventually would have the option to similarly develop a portion of the PSA-owned part of the North Lot if a plan to meet project needs off-site is approved by the PSA.
"I'm thrilled that a long-term dream for the Pioneer Square community and for the city is going to be realized. Housing and mixed use development on the North Lot will create a thriving and vital neighborhood. This is a win for everybody," said Seattle Mayor Paul Schell.
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"On behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation, we look forward to working with our local partners to pursue these intentions," commented Transportation Secretary Sid Morrison. .
In addition to the action by the PSA's Board, a letter of intent to implement the agreement was signed today by the PSA, King County Executive Sims, Mayor Schell, WSDOT, and First & Goal Inc.
"Today's agreement is a great example of the tremendous benefit that can be achieved when parties work together for a common goal," said Larry Martin of First & Goal Inc. " First & Goal is pleased to be part of this important solution."
For more information, news media only:
Public Stadium Authority: Barbara Stenson (206) 205-8606
King County Executive: Frank Abe (206) 296-4040
WSDOT: Kris Hill (206) 706-1580
City of Seattle: Vivian Phillips, (206) 684-4000
First & Goal Inc. Susan Pierson (425) 990-7000
