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SEATTLE, WA – Seattle Center will enter negotiations with Space Needle LLC as its potential partner for the public-private redevelopment of the campus’ vital Thomas Street corridor following a recent request for proposals (RFP) process.
The RFP for private investment was intended to complement planned public investment to improve the streetscape lighting, paving, and landscaping, strengthen the connection to surrounding neighborhoods; and create a welcoming experience – with an upgraded “Thomas Street Market” mix of retail and attractions – for Seattle Center’s busiest point of arrival which welcomes thousands of visitors each week.
Proposers were invited to reimagine and redevelop the Thomas Street gateway site, the City-owned public space located near the intersection of Thomas St., 5th Ave., and Broad St., just steps from the Space Needle, MOPOP, Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Seattle Center Monorail station.
Three proposals were received and evaluated by a panel consisting of Seattle Center staff (representing finance, planning, operations, and executive leadership) and community members including representatives from the Seattle Center advisory commission, construction partner Sellen, and Friends of Waterfront Seattle. Following review for responsiveness and minimum qualifications, one proposal – submitted by Space Needle LLC – met the RFP requirements and advanced for full evaluation.
The panel based its selection on the proposers’ relevant expertise and demonstrated ability to execute their vision; the proposed financial return to Seattle Center; the quality of the redevelopment proposal; and compatibility with Seattle Center’s purpose and contribution to the mix of attractions at Seattle Center as part of its 10-year strategic vision for Seattle Center’s future.
Key Objectives of the RFP
• Enhancing Thomas Street – The project seeks to unify and improve Thomas Street, creating an engaging public space which complements Seattle Center’s mix of programs, attractions, and open spaces. New retail and other attractions should add energy and interest to the area while welcoming a diverse range of visitors.
• Long-Term Partnership & Revenue – The City of Seattle is looking for an experienced partner to design, build, operate, and maintain a new Thomas Street retail amenity and/or related attractions that will be financially sustainable and return annual revenue to Seattle Center.
“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen Thomas Street as a vital gateway to Seattle Center,” said Diamatris Winston, Seattle Center interim director. “We are looking for partners who share our vision for a dynamic, welcoming space – one which connects to the surrounding neighborhoods, enhances the visitor experience, and reflects the public character of Seattle Center.”
Seattle Center anticipates beginning next steps and negotiations by mid-year. Entering negotiations does not guarantee a final agreement; must meet Seattle Center’s financial, operational, and public benefit objectives; and will be subject to required City approvals.
About Seattle Center — The Cultural Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of Seattle and home to more than 30 partner organizations, including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others. Anchored by world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events centered around the iconic International Fountain, Seattle Center serves residents and visitors of all ages year-round.
As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts and Cultural District, Seattle Center is an inclusive destination where community comes together through arts, culture, and public life, serving residents from across Seattle and the Puget Sound region alongside visitors from around the world. In partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle, Seattle Center also manages the City’s new Waterfront Park, providing cultural programming, operations, and civic care along Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
Over the past three years, Seattle Center has welcomed 11 to 12 million visits annually, with the majority of visits coming from the Seattle and Puget Sound region, and is projected to reach 12.5 to 13.5 million visits in 2026. This activity generates more than $1 billion in visitor spending, contributes more than $2 billion in regional economic impact, and supports more than 18,600 jobs. With the support of our Official Partners — Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi, Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank — Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact
Randy Hurlow | randy@whyforgood.com 206-778-5523
