Coliseum / KeyArena Proposals Submitted
As anticipated, two groups submitted proposals for the redevelopment of the Coliseum / KeyArena in response to the Seattle Office of Economic Development’s (OED) Request for Proposals (RFP). Historic Seattle and other local preservation organizations have been following this process with great interest because of the significance of the building and concerns about RFP language allowing for a tear-down option in addition to a renovation proposal.
Historic Seattle recently met with OED and Seattle Center staff to discuss the landmark nomination and the City’s goals for the property. The nomination will be reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Board in late Spring / early Summer.
Proposals to OED were due today, April 12. We are in receipt of the executive summaries for proposals from AEG with Hudson Pacific Properties and from the Oak View Group.
Download PDFs the executives summaries:
AEG and Hudson Pacific Properties Executive Summary
AEG rendering of the new Seattle Coliseum / image credit: AEG Executive Summary
Oak View Group Executive Summary
Oak View Group’s rendering of the new arena at Seattle Center / image credit: Oak View Group Executive Summary
Historic Seattle hopes to be able to review the full proposals in the near future. We are interested in how each proposal treats the historic character of the 1962, Paul Thiry-designed Coliseum (originally built as the Washington State Pavilion for the World’s Fair). The Oak View Group notes that it plans to seek National Register listing. There are renderings that show how each group imagines the final project. Ultimately, we would like to see a viable project to benefit the community and city; one that honors the history and design of the original structure and allows for improvements to make the structure a great destination for sports and entertainment. We hope to see one of these proposals succeed. The outcome we don’t want to see is for both of these proposals to be rejected, leaving the future of the building in question.
Photo credit: sidebar image – Washington State Pavilion rendering, Century 21 promotional booklet, 1959